What is our ethical responsibility to provide PT, OT, and SLP during the COVID-19 pandemic?

As therapists, we of course want to help our patients and keep them safe. Our patients vary in the degree to which they require immediate therapeutic intervention, and as therapists we need to find a balance between providing necessary services and avoiding unnecessary risk of exposure. Going forward, it is important to consider a patient’s need for therapy versus your known proximity to potential infection. At this time, we are making case-by-case decisions with each therapist and their patients/caregivers as to whether or not a patient should be placed on hold or continue treatment. In the instance that a patient is placed on hold or is not receiving care, a good practice would be to perform weekly “check-ins” with your clients by phone so that we can respond to the patient’s evolving needs.

The following mandatory items are brought in with us during our workday:

• Disinfectant wipes
• Gloves
• Foam soap or antibacterial sanitizer
• Masks
• Non-contact thermometers

Depending on how our patient presents, as needed, there are additional personal protective equipment that we will wear or bring with us during our workday.

For further questions please contact us at 212-842-0080 and/or info@outreach-rehab.com.