Dear Covid-19:
I consider myself fairly old school for my generation: I prefer the page to the screen and human interaction over a Facebook like. Yet in 2020, running a practice without technology is simply irresponsible. We’ve had technology as key to care at Riverside from the start: with the Ocean registration software, Brightsquid secure email system, and EMR integrated fax for prescriptions and investigations (labs, diagnostic imaging, etc). It certainly was met by many with resistance – not just patients, but by other health services. Now, as this pandemic reshapes our idea of “normal,” something as simple as faxing a prescription directly from your electronic medical record is bound to stick, even after this crisis is over.
During the pandemic, doctors across Canada have been forced to review how to manage family practice patients. Many, like us, are doing a combination of telephone consults, virtual encounters, home visits, and occasional clinic in-person appointments when absolutely necessary. Fact is, we can generally do a lot via a simple phone call: review blood pressure readings (many patients have their own machines), renew medications, and provide mental health support. On occasion, someone might have a rash – and then we video or use our secure email system to get the patient to send a photo for assessment. Some patients we see for home visits or in clinic, like our prenatals, because those appointments require hands-on care.
These changes have been fluid – changing week by week, based on new information and epidemiological evidence. Our governing bodies are regularly advising practice changes to protect patients, as well as to keep us safe for service. Therefore, we social distance by seeing far fewer patients in-person for daily clinic practice, and when we do see patients, we follow certain suggested guidelines: we wear full PPE; we try to see a max of 2-3 patients per day; we try to schedule them before lunch and at the end of the day in order to get the rooms well-cleaned after each visit; we screen every patient for COVID symptoms or exposure; we wash our hands, and wash our hands, and wash our hands.
Yet a concern that has arisen across the province amongst physicians is how patients avoid the ER due to their fear of COVID. Patients with significant symptoms such as chest pain, defer visiting the ER due to a fear of getting COVID, or being seen as stupid for coming to the ER during a pandemic for something other than COVID. Fact is, other health problems will continue to occur and patients should feel comfortable seeing a doctor if they are unwell. Patients should feel free to call their doctor if they have any health concerns, not just about COVID. Any family physician can generally determine, based on symptoms and history, whether a visit to the emergency department is warranted. Don’t let fear prevent you from seeking care!
As the province prepares to relaunch, we’ll be seeing more patients in-person again. This will remain different than our pattern prior to the pandemic, due to the social distancing regulations that will have to be maintained by all businesses planning to relaunch. We will do everything we can to keep everyone – patients, staff, allied health colleagues – safe. One step at a time.
photo courtesy Valley & Hill Photography
