Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation
April 01, 2020
Balancing
patients’ emotional needs and their safety has never been more challenging than
during the COVID-19 crisis. Although social distancing is essential for
preventing the spread of infection, it also has the potential to make patients
feel alone and isolated at a vulnerable time. By rethinking how it delivers
programs and using technology in innovative ways, Runnymede Healthcare Centre
ensures patients are safe during their hospital stay, without sacrificing the
patient experience.
Starting in
February, measures were in place at the hospital to protect patients and staff
from the spread of COVID-19, but these escalated dramatically when the pandemic
was declared. All visiting was immediately suspended and large group activities
were put to a stop. The measures were essential to take, but they removed key
sources of support for patients.
“The limits on
patients’ social interactions are necessary, but they could also negatively
impact their quality of life or even affect their therapy,” said Sarah King,
Runnymede’s director of client relations and community engagement. “We
recognized that action was needed to maintain patients’ connections with others
– it was a priority for us to ensure they weren’t isolated in their rooms.”
One way
Runnymede’s activation team responded was by making tablet devices available to
patients, enabling face-to-face video chats with loved ones while visiting
restrictions are in effect. In addition to helping patients stay connected,
they also alleviate anxieties felt by families and loved ones who desperately
want to provide their support.
“The devices
are in non-stop use for video chats,” said King. “To meet the high demand, we had
to double the number of tablets we have at the hospital ever since we suspended
visiting.”
Since the devices
are handled by multiple patients over the course of a day, they are cleaned
between each use. The devices are kept in protective enclosures that are
designed to withstand regular cleaning with disinfectants.
With safety modifications
in place, the hospital continues to run its activation programs to the fullest
extent possible. Sessions during the pandemic occur in smaller settings, with
team members ensuring participants are kept a safe distance apart. Celebrations
that normally would have been hospital-wide have been converted to floor-based events
involving smaller groups.
“In some cases,
we incorporate the tablet devices into our activation programming,” said King.
“For example, some patients are enjoying virtual tours in place of our regular
out trips; others are taking advantage of streaming yoga classes; and those who
usually attend our religious gatherings can continue to have their spiritual
needs met with online church services.”
Patient safety
has never been in sharper focus at Runnymede than during the COVID-19 crisis,
but the hospital is ensuring it upholds its commitment to an outstanding
patient experience.
“At a time like this, helping patients connect with loved ones and others in the hospital is crucial for preventing them from feeling disengaged or slipping into depression,” said King. “Through the actions we’ve taken, we’re showing that social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation.”