Covid 19 Clinic Guidelines & Protocols For Your Next Treatment.
By Kari Pettersen
What a whirlwind of a couple months this has been! I hope everyone is healthy and staying safe. I have to admit I went through periods of depression during this time. With all the unknown it was hard to keep positive. First we thought we were included in first stage of re-opening then quickly found out we were not. Then we were included in the second stage with an unknown date to re-open. We were given a draft of PPE and protocols that were not gov’t approved yet, then we were allowed to start work early and then we were given our final PPE and protocols draft 2 days before second stage was allowed to open up! Given all the uncertainty and unknown around protocols etc… I am taking extra time to get everything properly into place so that I can provide the safest environment possible for my patients. I’m so excited to announce that my opening day will be July 6th.
That being said, I am so excited to finally have a plan and to be able to get back to work. Covid -19 is still with us and as lots of patients are immunocompromised, living with someone immunocompromised or in the high risk category so I take safety very seriously. These are the protocols and guidelines that I will be following as outlined by my association (CAAA) and Alberta Health Services.
Just a warning that with the ever changing climate of Covid- 19 these guidelines and protocols are subject to change at any time.
Education
Everyone coming to the clinic needs to be aware of the risk of Covid- 19. To stay up to date with Covid-19 in Alberta including risks, assessment of symptoms and current Covid- 19 data visit the Alberta Covid- 19 website.
Risks
COVID-19 can cause serious respiratory illness. Because it is a new virus with no treatment or immunity in people, it is critical for people with any symptoms to stay home and self-isolate to keep it from spreading.
Most people – about 80% – recover without needing special treatment. However, it can cause serious illness in some, and there is a risk of death in severe cases.
While we are still learning about COVID-19, serious illness appears to develop more often in people who are older or have pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can be mild and are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Common symptoms: cough, fever (over 38°C), shortness of breath, runny nose or sore throat.
Other symptoms can include: stuffy nose, painful swallowing, headache, chills, muscle or joint aches, feeling unwell in general, new fatigue or severe exhaustion, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite), loss of sense of smell or taste, conjunctivitis (pink eye).
Symptom of serious illness: difficulty breathing or pneumonia.
Scheduling and Canceling
Clients must complete 2 required Pre-screen Self-assessment Surveys and will not be permitted to attend their appointment without completion of these 2 pre-screen surveys:
48-hour Pre-screen Survey
All clients must complete a pre-screening survey that is emailed to them 48 hours prior to their scheduled appointment.
In-person Pre-screen Survey
Upon arrival, clients are required to complete a second pre-screen survey.
If a patient answers yes to any of the screening questions treatment will be discontinued and re-scheduled. Patient must self- isolate and call Health Link 811.
If you have to cancel please let me know my calling or texting 587-297-7043 as I may not check my email in time to get the cancellation notice.
Space has been added between patient appointments to allow for proper cleaning and disinfection between patients.
New Patients- To minimize exposure Acupuncture Intake Forms for new patients are now emailed and can be filled out and signed digitally. These need to be filled out and sent back before appointment. The Acupuncture Consent Form must be printed, signed and brought to your first appointment.
If at any time I exhibit symptoms all appointments will have to be cancelled and re-scheduled. This may be with short notice to the patient.
People who accompany patients such as parents, caregivers, or companions, must be screened with the same questions as the patients.
I will also be completing a screening form before starting work as instructed by AHS to allow for tracing should I become infected with Covid-19.
Patients (and Companions) Entering The Clinic
Patients are asked to wait in vehicles until their appointment and to text 587-297-7043 when they arrive.
Please show up on time for your appointment. There will not be wiggle room due to the increased sanitation and disinfecting that needs to occur.
Physical distancing must be practiced when in the building.
Do not bring extra people to the appointment unless absolutely necessary.
Patients will be directed into treatment room immediately upon entering the gym whenever possible.
Patients are required to wash hands for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer that will be provided when entering the gym and before their acupuncture appointment.
Contact with Patients
I will be wearing the approved surgical/ procedure mask continuously.
I ask that patients bring their own masks to the appointment to wear in the building and during the appointment. Should you forget yours one can be purchased for $2.00 + GST.
Clients must allow the disclosure of contact information in the event that a client has visited the clinic within 14 days of testing positive for COVID-19.
After Appointment
Patients can pay online through e-transfer to kari.pettersen@hotmail.com for their appointments to minimize contact. Payment will still be available in the clinic with Debit/ Mastercard. No cash.
Receipts will be emailed whenever possible to avoid sharing pens and office equipment
Cleaning and Disinfecting
All high touch area’s will cleaned and disinfected between patients including door handles, light switches, treatment table, headsets, therapeutic tools, devices and pin pads used to process payments.
I will be practicing hand hygiene consistent with Alberta Health Services.
Cloth items will be washed in hot water and handled with gloves.
Approved hand sanitizer, soap, cleaning products and masks (for purchase) are all available in treatment rooms and washrooms to ensure everyones safety.
All non essential items will be removed from the treatment room to allow for easier cleaning between patients.
A plastic bin will be provided for clothing that can be sanitized between patients. That being said please try to keep all non essentials in your vehicle.
This is a learning process for me so bear with me as I try learn the new online form system and systems put in place. I am taking extra time to try to make this transition as simple as possible. Some of the information may change. I may need to change some appointments or protocols last minute but hopefully it will not be an issue.
I look forward to seeing you all!