Is Your Independent Practice Set To Provide Care Without Risking The Health Of Your Clients And Yours During COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, and although progress is taking place, there are still important considerations that solo practitioners need to consider as we enter a kind of New Normal.
Some practices have reopened, some are testing the waters again after being hesitant to spend or invest during the lowest points of the crisis.
Solo practitioners have been forced into some important decisions during the current COVID-19 pandemic. With the very real risk of patients contracting COVID-19 during any visits, it becomes a matter of whether you can provide care without risking the health of your clients and yours, and keep your practice running.
Although we are not completely out of the woods yet, it’s safe to say that as long as the protocols and guidance provided by health authorities and professional regulators are adopted by your practice, the provision of healthcare services in the community should continue to take place.
So what does this mean for your independent practice strategies?
Revisiting your protocols is a must.
When times are good, our practices get a bit complacent about going through the motions of patient care, or treating every client the same. The post-COVID world is way too risky to allow for this kind of complacency. Every visit/contact you have your client counts more than ever. You can’t be improvising your patient care processes right now.
Create a consistent plan that accounts for every stage of your patient care journey, such as:
- Screen your clients for COVID-19 prior to each visit, and make sure you obtain formal consent from the client – outlining the risks. You can use our online forms to create your own screening tool and send it electronically to your client before each visit.
- Keep documents of these discussions. You can use our electronic documentation feature to document and track every interaction
- Be cautious when relying on waiver forms – as a regulated professional, a duty to provide care should always take priority
- Familiarize yourself with the current infection control protocols. Update your knowledge of best practices for these COVID-19 times
- Source the correct Personal Protective Equipment
- Ensure proper sterilization of equipment takes place
- Thoroughly document all care. You can use our electronic documentation feature to document the care you provide
- Conduct risk assessment for each client
- Clearly communicate every stage of the process to the client
- Check your public health authorities updates on the pandemic each and every day
- Consult with your health regulatory body
At CompanyOn, we’re committed to helping our community of solo practitioners with information that features specific advice and guidance on how to run a business.
Related Resources:
Canadian Nurses’ Association (CNA)
Canadian Association of Foot Care Nurses (CAFCN)
Personal protective equipment
Additionally, please contact your professional regulator.
Best Practices On Risk Management and Quality Assurance For Solo Practitioners
It is important for regulated solo practitioners to be committed to ongoing quality improvement and risk management of their practice. Ensuring the safe and effective provision of care services is paramount for the establishment, maintenance, and growth of any business.
One key step to accomplish this is committing to developing policies and procedures that address risks and quality assurance of your private practice
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