The Challenge
Certain services offered by HANDS could not be adapted to virtual service delivery. For example, assessment and diagnosis for eligibility for autism services needs to be done in person.
Moreover, virtual care was not accessible to all clients for a variety of reasons, including insufficient IT infrastructure, lack of privacy, and personal preference.
The Solution
- HANDS is using Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC) measures to inform plans for safe return to working from office and community sites, allowing for provision of limited face to face service in situations where virtual service is not sufficient.
- Ensuring IPAC measures are appropriately embedded as one component of the overall recovery plan (supported by IMS structure)
The Process
- Developing process maps for each scenario where face to face interaction will occur (e.g. In office, home visits, community sites such as schools and for individual and group formats).
- Working with nurse consultant to identify points throughout the mapped process where IPAC implications exist.
- Identifying which IPAC measures are required at each identified point.
- Developing policies, procedures and work instructions for each process map.
- Providing education, training and resources to staff to support implementation, with auditing process built-in.
Contact us
For more information on Planning for Safe Return to Face to Face Service: Embedding Infection Prevention & Control (IPAC) Measures, contact Andrea Roberts, aroberts@handstfhn.ca
