RESUMING SERVICE
Physiotherapists eye hurdles
As life in Alberta began slowly returning to normal on Monday, operators of physiotherapy clinics — among the first businesses allowed to reopen amid the easing of public health restrictions — say they anticipate new challenges.
Physiotherapists, dentists and other health-care specialists were allowed to resume services on Monday as long as they followed approved guidelines set out by their professional colleges.
The province’s gradual relaunch plan was detailed late last week, giving clinics and colleges a handful of days to prepare.
“We’ve been working around the clock to get the clinic up to the highest level of sanitation standards to take in patients,” said Kieran Mcsorley, manager of Brentwood Physiotherapy Clinic.
On Friday, the Physiotherapy Alberta College and Association issued guidance for private clinics, which included a recommendation that services be provided remotely when they can be done so safely and effectively.
The college also stated in-person appointments can only proceed when the anticipated benefits outweigh risks to patients and staff.
Physiotherapists must wear personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, when dealing with patients, but should also try to conserve equipment when possible.
With the scarcity of masks and gloves, Mcsorley said he hopes clinics won’t run out.
“We’ve got enough to hold us over for two weeks,” he said. “However, after two weeks I’m not too sure exactly what the plan will be. Hopefully, there will some more shipments in, but all we can do is really just wait.”
The northwest clinic has been offering virtual services throughout the COVID-19 shutdown. Those will continue. “I think it would be unfair to not give patients the option,” said Mcsorley, but in-person visits have already resumed.
He noted the clinic treated its first patient at 8 a.m. after reopening Monday.
“If I put myself in the patient’s shoes, I would definitely be hesitant to come back in early,” Mcsorley said. “Some people may think that the restriction for physio clinics to be open was lifted a little bit early. Some may think it was not early enough.”
Around 67 per cent of Albertans say they’re comfortable going for physiotherapy, chiropractic treatments or a massage before a COVID -19 vaccine becomes available, according to a recent survey.
Ian Goodwin, the owner of Calgary Core Physiotherapy, said his downtown clinic was “pretty busy” after reopening. To avoid crowds in the waiting room, patients are encouraged to text the reception desk from the lobby or their car when they arrive, he said.
For therapists, schedules have also been altered to ensure no staffing overlaps. Morning and afternoon shifts are now separate to cut down on the number of people in the clinic at once.
Goodwin said the clinic has “actually gone above and beyond what our college has recommended” in mandating that patients wear masks or face coverings during their appointments, too.
Those added measures help in an environment where social distancing is almost impossible, as therapists find themselves in proximity to their patients, he said.
“There is definitely an inherent risk and (the college) asked us to weigh those risks and help that dictate the treatment that you would choose or perform on your patients,” Goodwin said.
He acknowledged some patients were still “nervous” to come in, especially those with pre-existing health conditions.
John Ward of Panther Sports Medicine said his clinic is allowing fewer patients at once to allow for proper social distancing, while therapists are working with one person at a time.
Staff are sanitizing all high-touch surfaces continuously throughout the day.
“We have had some patients contact us immediately,” Ward said. “They were very eager to come in for treatments. Others are taking a more cautious approach. Both reactions are understandable.”
Some crucial treatments, such as those involving machines, can only be provided in-person, according to Mcsorley. He pointed to vehicle accident victims as some of those who’d especially benefit.
“If you’re cooped up inside for the past month, if you’re in a lot of pain coming in and seeing some relief, that might make a big difference on not only your physical well-being but also the mental well-being,” he said.
If I put myself in the patient’s shoes, I would definitely be hesitant to come back in (to the clinic) early.