P R O F E SS I O N A L P R A CT I C E & STA N D A R D S U P D AT E
Dealing with Change to Support Our Communities Carol Jewell, OTA Acting National Manager, Professional Practice and Development
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OVID-19 had a profound impact on our nation and communities over the past year. In particular, we are acutely aware of the substantial impact it has had, and continues to have, on our members and profession as a whole. Some have had to adapt rapidly, and adjust clinical and business practices to provide continuity of care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. Mindful that this has all occurred in a climate of uncertainty and, at times, ambiguity, we have done our utmost to help members navigate the challenges by providing information, resources, and practice advice. We appreciate this only goes so far in tackling a complex scenario for occupational therapists providing frontline services. There is no doubt these challenging and uncertain circumstances will be with us for some time, and we may find ourselves needing to act immediately in response to new government restrictions. Dealing with these changes can be stressful. We would like to share our lessons, and the lessons of some of our members over the last year, to help you respond flexibly to future challenges of the pandemic. We hope these learnings go some way to help you make that adjustments you need to make in the way you continue to provide services. Firstly, ensure you know where to find the most current and relevant information. There are vast COVID-19 information sources and resources available for clinicians. However, it can be hard to find the latest information quickly. 10 otaus.com.au
As state and territory governments carry principal responsibility for managing the COVID-19 response, they will have the most up-to-date information, and should be your first sources. Check their websites for updates. Occupational therapists are listed as essential workers in the primary health care sector in all jurisdictions, so look for guidance that relates to your role as an essential worker (DoH, AHPA, 2020). Be mindful that different jurisdictions adopt different approaches and different criteria for complying with restrictions. Some will provide specific information about how this applies to your role, but not always. Take the time to do a workplace risk assessment and prepare a COVIDSafe Plan so you have a number of options to continue or adapt your services when restrictions are imposed. There are templates and guides on how to prepare these plans, and WHO has useful information on workplace risk assessments (Safe Work Australia, WHO, 2020).
We were committed to continuing services to vulnerable people and to do this in a way where there was no risk to our team and our participant— Leanne Healey
We encourage you to use your clinical reasoning to apply restrictions to your clinical practice. Develop a business continuity plan and share it clearly with your team. Consider your core purpose and mission, your clients, your own health, the levels of COVID-19 transmission in your community, and the degree of exposure your work colleagues have had before, during, and after work (ANU). Ensure you have strategies in place to implement the most up-to-date restrictions and monitor compliance. If you need clarity, contact the COVID-19 hotline in your jurisdiction or OTA.
We found investing in a communication strategy that included graphics, tables, decision making trees with scenarios to reinforce principles was much more effective for our team than words and verbal communications—Leanne Healey Develop a clear communication strategy and keep your team, clients, and stakeholders informed. Involve your team in problem solving and decision making. Equally, involve clients and their families or carers in decision making, and build their capacity to take some control of the situation. Have screening processes and decision making principles in place to understand and manage risks in face-to-face sessions, and make sure telehealth options are available to ensure continuity of support.
