Introduction
WorkSafeBC has released the requirements for regulated health professionals, such as Dietitians, to safely run an in-person clinical practice in British Columbia during the COVID-19 outbreak. These protocols are much more involved than initially imagined and are in addition to obligations prescribed by our professional college and the provincial health officer.
Understanding the Risk
The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing and by touching contaminated surfaces. WorkSafeBC emphasizes that physical distancing measures and effective cleaning practices are essential to mitigate the risk of person-to-person and surface transmission [1].
Selecting Protocols for the Workplace
WorkSafeBC Covid-19 Hierarchy of Controls [1]
Elimination (First Level): Limit the number of people in the workplace and rearrange spaces to ensure a 2-metre (6 ft) distance.
Engineering Controls (Second Level): Install physical barriers like plexiglass when distancing isn’t always possible.
Administrative Controls (Third Level): Establish rules for cleaning, equipment sharing, and one-way walkways.
Personal Protective Equipment (Fourth Level): Use non-medical masks as a final layer of protection, noting their limitations.
Extensive Clinical Protocols
WorkSafeBC has detailed extensive requirements for hygiene, staff workflow, and client communication. This includes staggering appointment times, screening clients for symptoms, and implementing rigorous sanitization schedules for treatment areas and shared equipment. Workers are also advised to maintain dedicated work clothes and shower immediately upon returning home after shifts.
The Effect of These Necessary Protocols
These protocols require extra time and labor, taking away from actual clinical time. While practices like dentistry or massage therapy must implement these for in-person care, Dietetic services can often be conducted through secure video conferencing. WorkSafeBC recommends virtual appointments as the first approach whenever clinically appropriate.
Use of professional HIPAA and PIPEDA compliant telemedicine software
I have provided Distance Consultations for over a decade. They are functionally indistinguishable from in-person visits and eliminate the need for PPEs, decontamination time between clients, and physical distancing challenges. I utilize secure HIPAA & PIPEDA-compliant telemedicine software that requires no downloads.
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Joy
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References
- WorkSafeBC. Health professions: Protocols for returning to operation. 2020. [https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/health-professionals]
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Joy is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and owner of BetterByDesign Nutrition Ltd. She has a postgraduate degree in Human Nutrition, is a published mental health nutrition researcher, and has been supporting clients’ needs since 2008. Joy is licensed in BC, Alberta, and Ontario, and her areas of expertise range from routine health, chronic disease management, and digestive health to therapeutic diets. Joy is passionate about helping people feel better and believes that Nutrition is BetterByDesign©.