COVID-19 Physioworks
The word du Jour is COVID-19. We had an general election on Feb 8th, but it seems like a lifetime ago. So COVID-19 is the new reality!
At Physioworks I am working to keep a breast of the latest government, HSC and WHO advice. Through March I have introduced strict hygiene protocols, extended spacing between patients and moved as much patient interaction to the online space as possible. We are developing “Physioworks Digital Practice”, see my next news post for more info.
On Friday 27th it seemed that we needed to close the clinic. However, on Monday 30th I received clarification that we, Chartered Physiotherapists, were deemed as essential workers and required, if we felt safe to do so, to provide a physio service in safe manner. It is believed that it is important to keep the pressure off our frontline medical colleagues by treating people that would otherwise present at their GP Surgery or A&E. In order to do my bit I have created a COVID 19 protocol, incorporating HSE and WHO Guidelines.
A number of other factors were weighted in my decision stay open for emergencies and to give front line support.
My treatment rooms are just that, separate rooms, not partitioned cubicles eliminating the chance of cross infection between treatment areas.
I am the sole practitioner, so I have total control of the clinic.
My reception staff (husband) works remotely (from home office) so there are no staff issues.
I worked and trained in London during the early years of the AIDS epidemic and consequently learned correct infection control protocols.
I have increased the separation time between appointment slots thus eliminating patient to patient contact.
We are moving to decrease or eliminate unnecessary face to face contact by conducting information exchange via phone or video conferencing. Thus the patient is only in the clinic for actual physical hands on treatment.
We are eliminating cheque and cash payments and issuing Paypal invoices prior to the appointment, there is also the options of tapping with Apple and Google Pay. If all else fails there is the old credit card machine that gets thoroughly sterilised after each use.
Due to the evolving nature of the situation our situation at the clinic will also change to adapt. So watch this space.
Working together we can get through this.
Thank you and stay safe