News
On May 26, 2020, the Premier announced that health care practices could start to provide all types of care to patients. There were two key messages that came out of this announcement:
- Where possible it is preferable that care be provided virtually.
- Where practices are opening, a cautious and gradual approach is advised.
Since this announcement, the College’s Practice Advice team has received over 2,000 calls and emails from physiotherapists, patients and employers looking for advice regarding infection control practices, personal protective equipment (PPE), patient screening and what changes need to be incorporated into practice settings.
We are also receiving some concerning calls from PTs about their employers. These physiotherapists are worried about the lack of attention to infection control practices and unsafe conditions for themselves and their patients.
These are the most common and concerning trends that we are hearing about:
- There are no protocols discussed or written for staff to refer to.
- PTs are having to remind employers that all patients should be screened.
- There is minimal time scheduled between patients for proper cleaning and disinfecting.
- There are not enough masks and other PPE where it is needed for staff.
- Staff are not being trained or educated about the protocols.
- Employers are promoting increased volumes of patients at the expense of physical distancing requirements.
All physiotherapists must know their professional obligations and take the required precautions to keep their patients, colleagues and themselves safe.
As a reminder, one of the requirements for the gradual resumption of services is that physiotherapists must consider which services should continue to be provided remotely and which services can safely resume in person with appropriate hazard controls and sufficient PPE. This consideration should be guided by government directives and best clinical evidence.
Employers should remember that they have legal obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide a safe workplace for their employees and contractors, and the failure to do so can result in severe penalties.
Physiotherapists who have concerns about workplace safety should report those concerns to the Ministry of Labour. The Occupational Health and Safety Act protects employees from reprisal by their employer for reporting these concerns.
If you need to learn more about your professional obligations, please contact the College’s practice advice team for assistance. Email advice@collegept.org or call 1-800-583-5885 ext. 241.
As the rules will continue to change, read our e-newsletter Perspectives, go to the COVID-19 return to work section of the College’s website and reach out to us. In the interim we will continue to make resources available in an ongoing way.
Here are some key sources for direction and guidance from the government:
- Ministry of Health Orders and Directives
- Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance for the Healthcare Sector
- Public Health Ontario COVID-19 Resources
You can also visit the College’s COVID-19 Return to Work webpage.
Thank you for everything that you are doing to keep yourselves and your patients safe.
