When life is topsy turvy

I had intended to write about a piece of research today, but as I read all the news reports about how much life has changed and needs to change more, I’ve decided it’s time to address important issues facing health professionals working in pain management and rehabilitation. In New Zealand the alert level is at 2 out of 4. I suspect this has been instituted to soften the shock later in the week when we’re asked to completely lock down. We are currently being asked to maintain physical distancing, older folks are asked to self isolate as much as possible, GPs and nurses are being asked to move to virtual consultations, and all of us who can are being asked to work from home. What is not happening is guidance from the Occupational Therapy Board NZ, or the Physiotherapy Board NZ. Further: ACC has permitted psychology and medical consultations via video links, but not occupational therapy, physiotherapy or the group programme under the Community Pain Contracts. I’ve watched my massage therapy colleagues in NZ close their businesses because it’s not possible to provide safe therapy in this environment. Video conferencing is, however, completely feasible for occupational therapy and physiotherapy – I’ve been offering services via video for some years now. But apparently we’re somehow not included in those privileged to provide video services? It seems out of step, and perhaps demonstrates how little those making policy actua...
Source: HealthSkills Weblog - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Coping strategies COVID19 Source Type: blogs