The information provided on the show is for general information purposes only. If you have a health problem, medical emergency, or a general health question, you should contact a physician or other qualified health care provider for consultation, diagnosis and/or treatment. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-diagnosis or treatment based on anything you have seen on the show.We know that our healthcare system has had to pivot to deal with the impact of the pandemic - but what about Canadians who still need to utilize doctors and healthcare services that fall outside of COVID-19? Here with important information on how to get the care you need right now is Dr. Shelia Wijayasinghe.
CHANGES IN URGENT CARE
The pandemic is impacting our healthcare systems in many ways. We’ve heard stories of people maybe avoiding hospitals because they’re worried they could contract COVID there or that they don’t want to overrun the system. How have things changed in terms of urgent care?The healthcare system has not abandoned you, Dr. Sheila says. One of the unintended consequences of the pandemic is that many hospital emergency rooms are relatively quiet (20-50 per cent reduction in volume across the country.) People are thinking twice about going in and riding it out at home. But an emergency is still an emergency. Some of the same rules from pre-pandemic days apply and should be seen in ED: Sudden chest pain, weakness in one side of the face or body, or a sudden thunder-clap headache are all red-alert symptoms that could signal a heart attack or stroke. You should also be seen for difficulty breathing or sudden-onset confusion in a loved one, severe abdominal painSomething that may be different is that in most larger centres non-acute emergency clinics have been set up to take some of the burden off emergency rooms (reserving space for acute care); there are also COVID assessment centres that are assessing those who may have symptoms for COVID-19.Hospitals are working hard to be safe and Dr. Sheila urges you to not avoid or delay going if you have a serious health concern. If you are not sure if something is urgent, call your primary care provider's office.[video_embed id='1943532']Separating fact from fiction when it comes to COVID-19[/video_embed]
VIRTUAL HEALTHCARE
Across the country, each provincial body has mobilized telemedicine options for specialists and family doctors to be able to connect with their patients virtually. Before the pandemic, about four per cent of primary care visits in Canada were done virtually (phone, video, text or app). The most recent statistics show that has climbed to 60 per cent, according to Canada Health Infoway.The first option: check with your own family doctor to see what they are offering – this may be over the phone/online video format/emailNext, if you do not have a family doctor and you are not having an urgent medical situation, there are virtual care platforms that are available to you; some covered by provincial healthcare plans and others charge a fee.
IN PERSON VS. ONLINE APPOINTMENTS
Visits that should still be done in person:
- Anything urgent/distress, see in person. If you are not sure, call and healthcare providers will help you triage to the right place.
- Anything that requires a procedure (stitches/diagnostic ultrasound/bloodwork)
- Vaccines
- Prenatal visits. Some have shifted to virtual but some must be done in person
Examples of things we can monitor virtually: (note – every individual’s situation is unique so please check with your doctor to see if virtual care is appropriate)
- Blood pressure monitoring. This can be done with home monitor and doses can be adjusted accordingly.
- Blood sugar monitoring (Diabetes). Dosing can be adjusted
- Prescription renewals. Routine renewals can be done over phone/email
- Dermatology: Telederm, which existed pre-pandemic. They can do photo reviews.
PREVENTATIVE CARE
Urgent/essential visits (childhood vaccinations/prenatal care) are being booked on an as needed basis but not as walk-in. Healthcare providers have been directed to only provide essential services at this time but this definition is based on the discretion of the practicing physician. Screening is done at the entrances of clinics and masks are being given or patients can wear their own. Staff are all screened at entry as well. Majority of care has shifted to virtual care—this can be as simple as a telephone call, email, text messaging and videoconferencing.
SEEING A SPECIALIST
Specialist offices are also adopting virtual care similar to primary care. This includes surgical specialties – an initial visit that discusses surgery/if it's needed, etc... can still be done virtually.
ELECTIVE SURGERIES
Emergency surgeries and some cancer-related surgeries are still happening. With reopening, more elective surgeries are going to be starting up again. Many elective surgeries have been postponed in order to prioritize hospital resources for potential COVID-19 related admissions/needsThis is being done to preserve resources but also prevent the regular flow of people into and out of hospital settings, which can potentially increase the risk of exposure to other patients and staff. Despite knowing why these delays are being made, it does not make it easier for patients who are waiting.Specialists are working on virtual platforms, and continuing to monitor those who may be deteriorating as a result of delays.[video_embed id='1940599']What to expect when you're expecting during COVID-19[/video_embed]
WOMEN'S HEALTH
What kind of impact is this having for women's health?
Reproductive health care services
Sexual health clinics are offering virtual support for non-acute sexual health related concerns (birth control) and in person support/visits for acute care. Abortion clinics are still open.
Intimate partner violence
Intimate partner violence is something that is on the rise right now. Sexual assault centres are still available and emergency rooms are able to see you for acute distress/injury. We know that IPV (sexual assault and domestic violence) has increased during pandemic but less people are presenting to the hospital. Emergency rooms are still available and sexual assault centres are still working as well.
REFILLING PRESCRIPTIONS
If you are recovering/isolating (COVID+/suspected), do not go to pharmacy! See if they can deliver or have someone pick up for you if pharmacy does not do this. Refills for routine medications can be done via phone call to pharmacy/they can often call/fax – pharmacists can also extend renewals on routine medications. You can also transfer your prescription to other pharmacies closer to home if needed without a doctor visit
THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE
One of the positives we are seeing is how we have adapted our care in a virtual way. This may lead to changes that lead to efficiencies post pandemic that may be able to make accessing your doctor easier (less need for travel, parking, and childcare/time off work.) There will always be reasons to see your doctor in person but a recent study showed 50 to 70 per cent of primary care can be handled effectively by phone! [video_embed id='1965720']This live CSA acceptance speech interrupts CTV National News, and it’s awesome[/video_embed]
