The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto is constantly monitoring directives related to COVID-19. Given the evolving situation we are asking all clinical sites hosting our physical therapy students to ensure they are undertaking active screening (asking questions) and passive screening (signage) of patients for COVID-19 as well as practicing evidence-based infection control practices as per the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
Screening
1. Active screening via phone and at reception areas
Screen patients for symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., fever, cough, muscle aches and tiredness, difficulty breathing) before entering your clinical facility.
2. Passive screening
Post signage on entry to the clinical site and in reception areas for patients to self-identify if they have symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., fever, cough, muscle aches and tiredness, difficulty breathing).
Keep up to date on the recommendations for preventing the spread of COVID-19 by following Toronto Public Health guidelines or call TeleHealth 1-866-797-0000.
We have communicated to our students that they are not to put themselves and others at risk. If they experience even mild upper respiratory symptoms they are not to present in the clinical learning environment. Students have been instructed to contact Sharon Switzer-McIntyre (s.switzer.mcintyre@utoronto.ca) and their Clinical Instructor as soon as possible.
In preparation for their clinical internships and to ensure they are utilizing best practice students have been advised to review the following resources:
Proper Hand Hygiene Module to decrease the spread of infections in a healthcare environment. Created May 2013; Content approved by TAHSNe. Hand Hygiene Module (http://tiny.cc/tahsn2)
