COVER STORY
Preparing for a
Pandemic
As coronavirus disease 2019 spreads globally, O&P facilities share best practices for employee and patient health and safety By CHRISTINE UMBRELL
NEED TO KNOW • As we begin to see the community spread of COVID-19 within the United States, healthcare facilities are being asked to review and improve their infection control measures. • At many O&P facilities, a large segment of patients have compromised immune systems or comorbidities, so it’s particularly important to limit exposure to both airborne and bloodborne pathogens. • Some O&P practices have developed infection control manuals as well as OSHA binders that include documentation of their exposure control plan. Many companies have designated a staff member to serve as the facility’s infection control coordinator. • The O&P lab poses a unique set of health and safety challenges because components may be carried from patient exam rooms to the lab and back, increasing the possibility of cross-contamination. Both of these areas should be included in a facility’s infection control plan. • Much remains unknown about COVID-19 and the impact it will have in this country, so O&P professionals should pay close attention to information released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Safety and Health Administration, and the World Health Organization as it becomes available.
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MARCH 2020 | O&P ALMANAC