While I have taken measures to minimize the risk of viral transmission, the nature of massage therapy means that physical distancing is not possible in the treatment room. There is no way to completely protect ourselves from this virus. I have created the following plan to explain to my patients what measures I have taken to minimize the risk. These measures include pre-screening, physical space modifications, enhanced cleaning protocols, hand hygiene and no face touching policies, mask wearing, new payment options and requests, and a modified cancellation policy. I have also outlined my professional obligations around exposure and reporting to public health.
There is a new consent for every patient to sign before treatment outlining the elevated risk of transmission during a massage therapy treatment. This consent form will be signed at the first treatment. It will give time to discuss each individual patient’s circumstances and to answer any questions.
Additionally, there are several new processes and procedures you need to be made aware of to keep yourself, myself, and all other patients safe. I am happy to answer any questions on the below:
→ Prescreening processes
Therapist must perform a pre-screening assessment daily before treating patients. This includes prescreening for symptoms of COVID-19 and confirmation that they have not traveled outside BC in previous 14 days or had contact with anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19.
Patients will be contacted one-day prior to appointment and asked to complete a BC COVID-19 symptom self-assessment, asked about contacts, and if they have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19. If patients are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 or have had contact with someone experiencing symptoms, their appointment will be cancelled and they will be advised to call 811 to be assessed and possibly tested.
Patients who are at greater risk will be consulted to explore options such as taking extra precautions, discussing alternatives for care or possibly postponing treatment. Treatment will be provided if patient and therapist agree that the benefits of care outweigh the risk to the patient.
Appointment will be cancelled if the patient does not meet the pre-screening criteria on physical presentation at the time of appointment. This includes even mild symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, new or worsening cough, chills, shortness of breath, sore throat or pain on swallowing, stuffy or runny nose, loss of sense of smell or taste, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, or loss of appetite.
→ Physical Space
Therapist and patient must maintain 2 meters of distance in all clinic areas other than the treatment room.
All clutter has been removed from office. Fabric furnishings and decorations that cannot be sanitized have been removed from office.
Appointment times have been altered to ensure that only one patient is in the office at a time.
Patient must arrive unaccompanied unless patient is a minor who requires a parent/guardian or infirm and needs assistance.
Do not arrive more than 5 minutes before your appointment time to ensure no contact with other patients. If you must arrive earlier, please wait in your car or outside until your appointment time.
The clinic door will be opened for the patient by the therapist, and it will be locked behind them to prevent anyone else from entering the space during the course of the treatment.
Patients will be asked to place their personal belongings in a plastic bin with a lid. This will be sanitized between patients.
→ Cleaning Protocol
Additional time has been scheduled between patients to allow for thorough cleaning.
Clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces between each patient regardless of appearance. High-touch surfaces include light switches, cell phones, tablets, chairs, stools, desk surfaces, doorknobs, faucets, etc.
Linens, including blankets, will be single-use only and laundered in hot, soapy water.
Treatment table will be cleaned and disinfected after each treatment. This will include not only the table surface, but the levers and foot peddle as well.
Equipment and supplies will be cleaned immediately after each patient. Equipment refers to lotion bottles, pillows, bolsters, etc.
All linens and other supplies will be kept in plastic bins to avoid contamination during treatment.
Used linens will be placed in a closed laundry bag to await washing.
A HEPA filter air purifier will be used in the treatment room as the room has no widows or external air exchange. Good air flow is always important.
→ Hand Hygiene
Patients must wash their hands upon entry with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Paper towel will be available at office sink and in the washroom for hand drying, and a foot operated garbage call with a lid will be used for disposal of paper towels.
Hand washing protocols will be posted visibly in reception and at sinks.
Therapist must wash hands regularly: before and after treatment, after touching used linens, touching any high-contact surfaces such as doorknobs, cell phone, or after handling money.
→ No Face Touching
Coronavirus can be spread by touch if a person has used their hand to cover a cough or sneeze and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Tissues will be available for patient’s use in reception, treatment room, and washroom.
Tissues should be used if the patient needs to address an itch or touch their face for any reason.
Therapist will make use of a hand towel or tissue to touch or scratch face.
If the therapist touches a possible contaminated surface during treatment, they will stop treatment and go and wash hands with soap and water before returning to treatment or use hand sanitizer.
→ Masks
A mask will always be worn by the therapist in the treatment room where physical distancing is not possible. If a cloth mask is used, it will be changed after each patient and laundered in hot soapy water.
Patients are asked to bring their own mask to be worn, at minimum, with lying in a supine position (on their back) during treatment. Patients are welcome to wear a mask at all times within the office, or at which ever additional time they feel comfortable.
If a patient does not have a mask, either a clean cloth mask or a disposable mask will be provided by the therapist.
Therapist’s hands will be washed with soap and water prior to putting on a mask and after taking it off and disposing of it in the laundry or garbage.
→ Payment and Receipts
Every effort will be made to have contactless payment options. E-transfer or Tap credit/debit system will be preferred. If cheque is used, please write cheque prior to coming to appointment. If cash is used, therapist will wash hands immediately after handling the money.
Receipts will not be written in the office, but they will be emailed to patient post treatment. Please ensure an accurate email address is on file with therapist.
→ Cancellation Policy
Amid the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, I have modified my cancellation policy to offer greater flexibility to all my patients. I hope this will alleviate any stress and hesitation you have about an upcoming appointment. If you need to reschedule for whatever reason, and especially if you are not feeling well, I understand and request for you to please contact me as soon as possible to reschedule. To further support you, there will be no penalties for cancellations.
→ Therapist’s Professional Obligations
If the therapist comes into contact with anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive for the virus, the therapist will immediately stop providing treatment and report to public health at 811. Therapist will immediately self-isolate until advised by public health that it is no longer necessary.
If a patient alleges that they caught COVID-19 from the therapist, the therapist must immediately call public health at 811 and report the alleged transmission. They must provide their name and the name and contact information of the patient. The RMT must not provide any further massage therapy until the matter has been investigated and public health direction has been provided. By accepting treatment, the patient consents to their personal contact information being shared with public health and necessary authorities.
The therapist carries professional liability insurance through Preventive Health Services Group.
Thank you for your assistance, patience, and cooperation in enabling the safe operation of the clinic, and we look forward to working with you in this ‘new’ normal.