Outpatient Physiotherapy

March break saw the out-patient physiotherapy department go through a massive change from 150 daily face-to-face visits with patients to a virtual environment. 

The 7 physios had to call all 500 patients with open files. The department looked and sounded like a call center. They answered questions and recommended how to progress treatment to maximize strength, range of motion and function.  Patients who were nearing the end of their treatment were discharged over the phone. But patients who still needed active treatment were told they would receive a call at least every other week.  

Then they started using technology recommended by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario so we could see the patient, and the patient could see the physio demonstrating exercises.  They also continued to assess new patients – some coming into the department and others were assessed virtually. They are still following approximately 200 patients.  

With very few patients physically coming into the department, the team offered their space for other QCH needs. An assessment room is now the sterilization room for used N-95 masks. Another treatment room is used for virtual visits and storage of carts. Two treatment cubicles are stored floor to ceiling with brand new face visors that deployed staff made in the ADR. And our main waiting room is also being used for storage of supplies.  

They are now planning on how we will catch up with the 200 pre-hip and pre-knee assessments that were cancelled. They have already taped the classes for a THR and TKR for the patients to watch in their home, and  we will be doing many Prehab 1:1 assessments virtually. The physiotherapy staff have adapted very well to the many changes in their day-to-day routine and there will be more to come.