Tips on Reopening Psychiatric Practices During Pandemic

As psychiatrists begin to reopen their offices during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many questions about how to do so safely. In the latest issue ofPsychiatric News, risk management consultant Anne Huben-Kearney, R.N., B.S.N., M.P.A., offers someadvice. “Take into consideration your health and that of your patients and whether to continue with telepsychiatry, reopen your practice to see patients in person, or have a hybrid practice,” Huben-Kearney wrote. “Safety for your patients and for yourself is paramount, now more than ever.”For psychiatrists who are preparing to resume seeing patients in person, Huben-Kearney suggested the following:Continue to follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on social distancing, masks, and hand hygiene as well as state and local restrictions. Ensure adequate masks and hand sanitizer for office staff and patients. Demonstrate use of both, including using the hand sanitizer when your patient enters the session room. Reorganize your office to allow for physical distancing. Try to avoid more than one patient in the office at a time, and allow enough time between patients to wipe down surfaces.Outdoor sessions may be an option with written patient consent, but you need to be able to ensure auditory and visual confidentiality. Huben-Kearney also offered some guidance for psychiatrists who want to continue telepsychiatry sessions with patients, including those who live out of state:Keep track of...
Source: Psychiatr News - Category: Psychiatry Tags: CDC COVID-19 hand hygiene masks office pandemic risk management state guidance telemedicine Source Type: research