COVID-19 Policy and Procedures

 

Physiotherapy services at Joana Pires Physio 

 

Physiotherapy is considered an essential service and therefore continues to remain open.  

We have created a number COVID-19 Policy and Procedures in line with the Government guidelines. 

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Online appointments / Remote (phone/video based) consultation services

 

We offer online appointments via phone or video link as our first priority to avoid physical contact whenever is possible. 

 

 

Inclusion/Exclusion criteria for face-to-face appointments

 

Face-to-face appointments are appropriate when there is worsening of symptoms or risk of deterioration and not responding to remote treatment. Those who are unable to work due to symptoms and/or suffering high levels of pain and dysfunction on a daily basis and unable to successfully manage symptoms with remote means, shall be offered a in-person appointment.

 

Guidelines state that face-to-face appointments are for urgent and essential conditions where the risk assessment undertaken by the practitioner with the patient deems the benefits derived from treatment likely to be greater than the risks of contact with possible COVID 19 transmission.

 

Anyone with possible COVID 19 symptoms will not be offered face-to-face treatment but shall continue to do remote Physiotherapy in case they wish to do so.

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Pre face to face appointments:

 

Screening Procedure:

 

Prior to patients attending Joana Pires Physio, all patients will be screened and sent an online consent form which will include COVID-19 specific questions, such as :

 

-Do you have a new or continuous cough? 

-Have you had a fever in the last 7 days? Hot to touch on your chest or back?

-Have you experienced loss of taste and/or smell?

-Have you or anyone in your household had symptoms of Coronavirus?

-Have you or anybody in your household tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days?

-Are you aware if you have a high temperature? (onsite temperature checks will take place on patient arrival).

Answers will be documented in patient notes.

 

Face to face appointments: 

 

An infection control has been implemented, complying with guidelines 

 

• Hand Washing

 

Hand washing facilities with soap and water are available near the treatment room.

As a minimum between every patient, stringent hand washing to take place for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water - refer to hand washing guidance from Public Health England which is also displayed by the hand washing areas. 

Drying of hands is available with disposable paper towels or hand dryer. 

Gel sanitisers are available in all areas where washing facilities not readily available e.g. waiting area. 

Visitors are encouraged to sanitise their hands with anti bacterial gel on arrival into the treatment room and on leaving as well. 

Gloves may be worn by the Physiotherapists however not to substitute hand washing. 

 

 

• Cleaning

 

There will be frequent cleaning and disinfecting of objects and surfaces that are touched regularly particularly in areas of high use such as card machines, couch, rehab equipment, door handles, light switches, reception area, chairs, etc using disinfectant wipes between each patient.

 

 

• General clinic

 

All refuse will be stored in a bin with a secure lid. At the end of each day all bins will be disposed of safely, whilst wearing gloves.

All deliveries and post are disinfected and opened whilst wearing gloves.

 

 

• Social Distancing

 

Social distancing is enforced by reducing the number of staff and visitors in any communal area to comply with the 2-metre gap as recommended by the Public Health Agency.

Patients are asked to arrive at the exact time of the appointment and to use an area designated for waiting which complies with social distancing regulations which may include waiting outside of the building (being this the preferred option) or in corridors in case social distancing is not possible in the waiting area. 

 

On patient arrival there may be temperature checks. Daily staff screening and temperature checks are made. Patient temperature to be logged in the treatment notes and staff temperature to be recorded in case is out of normal standards. 

 

Patients are asked to arrive unaccompanied. If a chaperone or interpreter is required, or if the patient is a minor where the parent must be present, they will be screened in the same way that a patient would be and documented in the patient notes. 

 

Appointment times are created so that there is enough time to clean, ventilate the room and wash hands in between patients. There will be a minimum break of 10 minutes in between appointments. 

 

 

• PPE

 

The Physiotherapist is following public health guidance on the use of PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect against COVID-19, as it relates to health care settings.

 

Wearing of Gloves -  The removal of gloves is done carefully to reduce contamination as well as their disposal. The practitioner will wear gloves whilst treating patients as much as possible and unless is not appropriate . Used gloves will be carefully disposed of at the end of each patient.

 

Face Masks – Face masks (type FFP2) is worn at all times by the Physiotherapist. Face masks will be offered to patient if patient won't bring their own or in case the Physiotherapist considers that their mask is not appropriate. 

 

Uniform – The Physiotherapist wears uniform of choice that can be laundered at 60 degrees and above. Uniforms must be washed each day. Hands must be washing after handing the uniform at home. Closed in footwear.

 

Aprons – Disposable aprons to be used for every patient.

 

 

 

Covid-19 Symptoms

 

In case any member of staff becomes unwell with a new continuous cough or a high temperature in the workplace, they will be sent home and advised to follow the stay at home guidance.

 

If advised that a member of staff or public has developed COVID-19 and were recently on our premises, we will contact the Public Health Authority to discuss the case, identify people who have been in contact with the Physiotherapist and will take advice on any actions or precautions that should be taken.

 

 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate in contacting us. 

 

Joana Pires Physio