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Crisis Connections
from CHF Summer 2020
by MediaEdge
Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation in digital age
By Michael Oreskovich
Balancing patients’ emotional needs with their safety has never been more challenging than during the COVID-19 crisis. Although social distancing is essential to prevent the spread of infection, it also has the potential to make patients feel alone and isolated at a vulnerable time. To offset this and ensure a quality patient experience, Runnymede Healthcare Centre adjusted its delivery of programs by leveraging digital technology.
Beginning in February, the hospital put measures in place to protect patients and staff from the spread of COVID-19. These escalated dramatically when the pandemic was declared the following month. All visitation was immediately suspended and large group activities were put to a stop. The measures were essential but 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 their therapy,” says Sarah King, Runnymede’s director of client relations and community engagement. “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.”
To maintain the patient experience while visiting restrictions are in effect, Runnymede has made tablet devices available, enabling face-to-face video chats with loved ones. In addition to helping patients stay connected, their use alleviates anxieties felt by families and loved ones who desperately want to provide support.
“The devices are in non-stop use for video chats,” says King. “To meet the high demand, we’ve had to double the number of tablets we have at the hospital.”
Since the devices are handled by multiple patients over the course of a day, they are cleaned between each use to prevent the spread of infection. The tablets are also 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 cer
tain cases, tablet devices are incorporated into the hospital’s activation programming.
“Some patients are enjoying virtual tours in place of regular outside trips, while others are taking advantage of streaming yoga classes,” says King. “For those who usually attend our religious gatherings, they can continue to have their spiritual needs met with online church services.”
