Feature Story: COVID-19 Pandemic

How the UWS Community Has Adapted to the Current Life of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has affected health care and the well-being of our families, neighbors and friends. We connected with members of the UWS community to see how they have adapted their practices and protocols in these challenging times.

Chiropractic

Ali Masoumi - DC, UWS alumni mentor, ambassador and shadowing partner in Canada

Why did you choose chiropractic over another profession?

I originally wanted to get into dentistry, but after I observed a dentist in practice, I didn’t like it at all. We had a sports chiropractor at the university I attended treating students and athletes. This is how I was exposed to chiropractic and since treating athletes is my passion, I enrolled myself in the doctor of chiropractic program. After completion, I started my master’s in sports medicine and after that was over, I started my sports residency (RCCSS(C)) in Canada for another four years.

How were you able to help other practitioners in your community during the pandemic?

I originally saw a helpful post on social media that was tailored to just doctors of chiropractic needing a place to practice. I reshared it, but changed it to help not just DCs, but any other health care practitioner that needed a place to practice but was unable to. I opened my clinic on June 1, 2020. There were lots of empty rooms and I thought if it can help a practitioner even for a few weeks, it would be a great. I had a physiotherapist contact me and we set everything up, but fortunately their clinic opened up on time and the PT didn't need to make the move.

How have you evolved and adapted in your own practice during this intense time (pandemic, social upheaval, economic uncertainty)?

Opening up a new clinic during a pandemic is tough, but I don't let it bother me, because this

Curious about how UWS is keeping students safe?

Adjusting and In-Person Lab Experiences on the New Campus

At the beginning of the summer 2020 quarter, UWS opened the doors to the new campus for in-person instruction of adjusting and basic science labs. This undertaking required new safety and sanitation protocols. Part of the communication to the students included a Facilities Safety Newsletter that highlights safety tips, a link to the COVID-19 exposure form and more. The university also updates a resource page on the website that gives up-todate information, resources and links.

What are some ways that adjusting labs have been adapted for summer term?

We created small cohorts for each lab, of no more than twelve students. The students are kept in these discrete cohorts for every lab, working on the same partner, to reduce exposure. These smaller lab sizes also allow for more focused instruction to take place in a shorter period of time, limiting student’s time on campus. Our new building allows for delivery of content by the faculty in one lab to be shown on screen across four labs for consistency of content delivery.

What are some of the safety protocols being implemented in between adjusting labs?

Everyone on campus is required to wear a face covering, including in the adjusting labs. Students are paired up and remain in those pairs to avoid increased exposure. When instruction is taking place they are spread around the room, at least six feet apart. Tables have been moved around the building to accommodate these smaller groups and each pair of students has two tables to work on, so that cleaning between student use is easier to accomplish. At the end of a lab, all surfaces are wiped down and cleaning is tracked on a form mounted on the door so it is clear to the next group using the room it was sanitized.

How has UWS been working with students to ensure they stay atop of their hands-on learning during these challenging times?

The smaller lab groups are improving instruction by allowing more focused time for each student. Each cohort also has an extra assigned lab designed early in the quarter to allow for spring skills to be mastered and later in the quarter to add time for summer skill practice. The chiropractic science faculty has also been very responsive to any student’s need to assistance, within our safety constraints. Sanitation Protocols

One of the ways we are keeping our community safer is by increasing sanitation measures on campus. Here are a few key measures:

UWS staff are disinfecting in common areas every 1-2 hours.

UWS faculty have established protocols for cleaning lab classrooms between courses.

Our cleaning company is doing a deep clean of common areas every night, including nightly electrostatic disinfection.

What is electrostatic disinfection?

Electrostatic disinfection works by spraying an electrostatically charged mist of disinfecting products onto surfaces and objects. Due to the electrostatic charge, the spray clings to any surface it comes into contact with, allowing time for the disinfecting products to work. This method is ideal for irregularly shaped surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.

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was out of my hands and had nothing to do with my preparation and business plan. Even though my walking traffic is 1/10th of what it should be, I am lucky to have a strong referral program from the medical doctors around as I have been working in a medical clinic prior to this move.

What do you tell patients who want/need care but are concerned about COVID-19 (safety protocols, your advice)?

We've implemented all the safety measures recommended by our college and the government. Besides all the clinic protocols and cleaning measures, mandatory masks for patients and practitioners, and we send out a questionnaire for every patient on every visit prior to their appointment. 

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Michelle Cox, PhD, LPC NCC, ACS UWS Clinical Mental Health Counseling program director

Why did you choose clinical mental health counseling over another profession?

I had a full career as an operations manager and entrepreneur in the steel fabrication industry, which is a very difficult industry to be in as a female. I was consistently told I listened well, and that is likely one reason why I won jobs over some competitors. When the Gulf War occurred and construction and manufacturing industries tanked, I went looking for something else to do…something that felt a little gentler than the steel industry. A friend suggested clinical mental health counseling and the rest is history.

How were you able to help other practitioners in your community during the pandemic?

I am an Approved Clinical Supervisor in the Oregon and a Nationally Approved Clinical Supervisor as well. Most of my practice is supervising newer clinicians working toward licensure. All of them were faced with either layoffs, temporarily closing their practices or learning ethical telehealth best practices. Part of my supervisory responsibility is to help them make the transition to telehealth so they can continue to earn a living and assist clients. They have flourished despite how difficult it can be for clients and clinicians to adjust.

How does the online delivery of the CMHC program help during these times?

The clinical mental health counseling program at UWS was uniquely positioned in the online delivery platform. Our experience facilitating a fully online program meant that we had all the

content, systems, processes and people in place when other universities were struggling to get their courses online. Our primary adjustment has been in understanding the ways in which our current and future students are being impacted and being responsive to them. This could mean they need more time to complete assignments because they are also teaching children at home while working from home and going to school. This may also mean offering greater flexibility in students’ program plans so they can slow or speed up their programs as needed. I have seen some recent articles suggesting that with the use of telehealth, counseling is a COVID-proof field and we are excited to be able to prepare new clinicians to face our world’s challenges. This crisis has highlighted the need for mental health care and reduces the stigma related to receiving it. So, we expect to see an increase in our application and we are prepared to manage this uptick.

How has the CMHC program adapted delivery/telehealth/practicum services during these times?

Not only are our students adept at online learning, but our standardized patient program trains them to counsel using telehealth and to do so ethically. Well before COVID-19, our courses included standardized patients – who are mental health trained actors who play clients for our students. This allows our students to practice their knowledge and skills on what feels like a real client before they begin work with clients in their own communities. We provide clear and direct assessment and feedback about their online counseling during weekly supervision because we are recording and reviewing these sessions. We can also be online during the sessions and lead by example when that will help the student grow. This training includes differentiating between the ways affect, emotion, and client energy come across online versus live. Because of these experiences, some of our students have been called upon to develop telehealth protocols and training at their sites. Our adaptation has really been our consistent communication with site supervisors to let them know our students can successfully continue their clinical work using an online platform.

How have you evolved and adapted in your own practice during this intense time?

I am really blessed to be an introvert. I love having quiet space and time to reflect. I am my best self when I am alone to ponder my teaching, director, supervisor and clinical responsibilities. I have continued to rely on HIPAA-complaint online platforms to work with colleagues, students and clinicians. I realize, though, that many of these folks are extroverts and are really feeling isolated. So, I have worked to be positive, encouraging and to check in personally with those folks I know are likely struggling.

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What do you tell clients who want/need care but are concerned about COVID-19 (safety protocols, your advice)?

The key to getting care or support in an online format is to slow down the process. It can take some practice to get used to socializing and receiving care using technology, but I have seen great results and my supervisees and students have as well. There are many support groups available online and most allow people to listen without their cameras on, which allows even more privacy. Be patient. Know that technology may have a glitch every once in a while that may delay sound or image. Be willing to repeat yourself. Pause a bit longer between sentences. Give yourself a quiet, private space when possible so you minimize distractions when you are talking with a counselor, family member or friend. Most importantly, know that all the helpers are out there. We want to help and are working to be available to you in a safe way. If your counselor is returning to the office, they will offer safety protocols so make sure you review those rules and follow them carefully. We want everyone to be safe and healthy.  Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine

Chris Browne, DC, MS, HNFM Associate Director

How does the online delivery of the HNFM program help during these times?

A major benefit of online education has always been reducing barriers to access. This is especially important at a time when our access to locations outside the home is severely limited. By offering a fully-online program in an asynchronous format, we can provide students with the flexibility to choose the days of the week and times of day when they complete their coursework. We recognize that many students’ work schedules and social/ family responsibilities are very different as a result of this pandemic, making this flexibility more essential than ever. We are pleased to offer students an opportunity to work toward their desired careers in a setting that does not increase their risk of illness and that supports their well-being.

What are some strategies for staying resilient and supporting immune function with nutrition and functional medicine?

First, it’s crucial to follow public health recommendations including minimizing trips

out of the home, social distancing, washing hands frequently and wearing a face covering when outside the home. Functional medicine approaches seek to prevent illness whenever possible and these basic steps are essential for that. For individuals with chronic health problems, keeping their existing illness(es) under control is a major priority, so continuing to work with health care providers to make sure they’re following an up-to-date care plan is necessary. The next steps from there will vary by individual, but most people will benefit from regular exercise (helps with immune function and stress management), avoiding processed convenience foods (these can spark inflammation) and following a whole food eating approach with lots of colorful plant foods (providing antioxidant and immuneboosting nutrients). There’s research evidence that supports the use of specific nutritional supplements and botanical medicines as either preventive or co-treatment options for viral infections; some of this information may be cautiously applied to COVID-19, but advice on the use of supplements for this purpose should come from an individual’s healthcare provider, preferably one with a functional medicine education.  Sport and Performance Psychology

Melissa White, EdD UWS SPP Alumna

Why did you choose to provide sport psychology services over another profession?

I am passionate about sports and I have coached athletes for more than 20 years. I saw athletes over the year excel physically, but were just missing something, the mental side. I knew there was a need for me to be able to “coach” them on that side of the sport as well.

How were you able to help other practitioners in your community during the pandemic?

I was able to work with other coaches to help them, help their athletes. It was a really tough time for athletes with all of the unknowns and stress of whether or not sports would be taking place. I was able to offer advice and suggestions to coaches for them to be able to implement with their athletes.

What are some ways that sport psychology care in general has evolved with many sports being cancelled due to the pandemic?

It has definitely been a learning experience over the past several months while working with athletes who have lost their season due to

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the cancellation of sports. One of the things I found the most interesting/difficult is that there were no two stories the same. Each athlete that I spoke to was dealing with the experience in a different way and had a different view. It often depended on whether or not they were going to have another chance to compete, or how committed they were to the sport. With so many varying aspects it was important to look at each individual on a separate basis.

How have you evolved and adapted in your own practice during this intense time?

During this time, I have had to be more creative to help the athletes. There was a lot more distance coaching implemented during this time.

What do you tell clients who want/need care but are concerned about COVID-19 (safety protocols, your advice)?

It was a very difficult time for all of us, we were navigating uncharted territory. When I met with clients in person we took all the necessary safety protocols as far as social distancing and the wearing of masks. If there was a need to meet virtually we made the necessary adjustments to normal protocol.  Sport and Performance Psychology

D’Anthony Smith, EdD UWS SPP Alumnus

Why did you choose to provide sport psychology services over another profession?

My reasoning for selecting to provide sport psychology services over other professions in sports is two-fold. I was first introduced to the field of sport psychology during my rookie year in the National Football League. In the league, the position is called the player development director, and they act as a liaison between the player and the community. This role would often introduce players to members of the community. During a PLAY 60 event, I met Dr. James Chidester, a clinical psychologist who worked with athletes. Already having an interest in the field during my undergraduate years, discovering that I could work with athletes was the icing on the cake. The second aspect comes from personal experience within the sports world. After dealing with several injuries throughout my career and encountering several instances where mental skills development could have been beneficial. I have made it a mission of mine and my private practice to help athletes develop the confidence, the mindset, and skills

needed to play at an optimal level. With my degree from UWS, not only would I be able to relate to athletes from an athletic perspective, but I could now help them develop, process, and train the mental components of being an athlete.

What are some ways that sport psychology care, in general, has evolved with many sports being canceled due to the pandemic?

As a new member of the field, the evolution of sport psychology felt more like the “norm” for me. Whether it is establishing an online presence or gaining a better understanding of the new HIPPA related regulations, creating avenues that provide an increase of accessibility to athletes has proven to be a top priority of care for all practitioners.

What are some tips you could provide to other performance consultants working with athletes during this time?

I have two tips that I would recommend to performance consultants working with athletes. The first would be to stay updated on the pandemic news and how it could affect the athlete and their seasons. Although an athlete’s season may be canceled, there are several other components that an athlete could improve during this time and keeping them informed on the services that become available during the pandemic. The second piece of advice would be to encourage athletes to discover avenues that enhance their plan-A. Whether it is engaging in self-care to be 100% when the time does come to perform or exploring techniques that could improve their current development levels. As a member of the performance psychology field, I would be biased If I only recommended athletes focusing on their mental approach to performance.

What is your main takeaway piece of advice to athletes whose seasons have been affected by the pandemic?

After working with several clients during this pandemic, the most influential piece of advice to athletes would be to ask to embrace the support of their family members, friends and community. Although the season may be lost, the same individuals who would have been in the stands cheering you on during the season are still supporting you now. 

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Sports Medicine

Rebecca Bell, DC, MS, CCSP UWS DC Alumna

Why did you choose to provide sports medicine services over another profession?

I chose sports medicine for a multitude of reasons, but as a long-time athlete, I will always have a deep-rooted love for sports. I underwent many injuries throughout my years of competitive sports, and I was fortunate enough to always have awesome providers in my corner helping me get back to 100%. I really wanted to be able to do that for athletes because I knew I would really enjoy it knowing how grateful I was for the providers that helped me along the way.

What are some ways that sports medicine care in general has evolved with many sports being cancelled due to the pandemic?

This pandemic has sparked dramatic changes in many aspects of our lives. I think one of the big ways sports medicine has changed since the onset of this pandemic is that athletes all over are returning to sports after a long period of not doing a ton of sport-specific training, and in some cases not doing a lot of intense exercise overall. This is important to consider as a sports medicine provider because now more than ever we need to carefully consider how to safely re-introduce athletes to their sports while reducing injury risk as much as possible.

How have you evolved and adapted in your own practice during this intense time?

Our clinic and my patients have been so wonderful during these unique times. Everyone wears a mask, washes their hands and gets their temperature taken before their visit. We changed the flow of traffic in our clinic to be one way only; in one door and out the other. Telemedicine was not something we had previously considered or offered, but we did start to offer that during this time and some patients have opted to continue visits that way.

What do you tell clients who want/need care but are concerned about COVID-19 (safety protocols, your advice)?

If any of my patients express concern regarding coming into the clinic due to COVID-19, I assure them that whatever decision they make is the right one. I share our clinic safety protocols with them, and offer them the telemedicine option. During times like this everyone is going to have a different level of comfort when it comes to in-person visits, and I think the best way to navigate that is to fully respect the choices people make about coming in for treatment, while reassuring them that you will still be there for them once they decide they feel comfortable. 