Physician Office Covid-19 Preparation Guidelines

Physician office Covid-19 preparation guidelines

As we continue trying to contain the Coronavirus outbreak, it is more important than ever for medical professionals to protect their most vulnerable patients. For physicians, keeping your patients safe should be a top priority. Therefore, it is crucial that medical facilities and their staff are familiar with the preparation guidelines for physicians’ offices during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Staff and patients alike should be informed about social distancing practices and proper personal protective equipment through clear communication and signage. Furthermore, making sure all employees are disinfecting their workspaces and wearing face coverings will help prevent the spread of the disease.1

Office preparedness

Medical facilities should follow CDC guidelines for handling COVID-19 specimens, waste disposal, and preventing community transmission. Preparing a physician’s office during COVID-19 is not only about the safety of your patients, but the safety of everyone around us. 

Preparing your facility is also a matter of protecting the trust and confidence of your patients. With little known about the virus and all the uncertainty in the air, your patients are most likely filled with trepidation and worried about their wellbeing. They should be sure that their physician’s office is still a place of healing and safety, even during the pandemic. 

Keeping your staff safe

In addition to protecting your patients, you must also keep in mind the wellbeing of your staff. Nonessential personnel such as office admin should be working from home to minimize their movements. While record keeping is important, it is not more important than the health of our communities. Staff that are needed at the office should be equipped with PPE to protect themselves and others during patient interactions.1 

By following the CDC guidelines and keeping abreast of new information about COVID-19, we can help lessen the impact of the disease and protect those around us. Take a look at the complete AAFP checklist to make sure your physician’s office has all the necessary equipment and precautions in place to continue providing quality care to your patients.

Complete AAFP Checklist

References

1 Checklist to Prepare Physician Offices for COVID-19, AAFP. 

DISCLAIMER:

NOTE: The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), have not reviewed or approved the above article.