With millions of people across the world in the grasp of Covid-19 and its rampant transmission, the fear of visiting hospitals has been a major concern.
Initially, the government had suspended most elective surgeries for three months owing to the risk of infection among patients and staff apart from reducing the burden on the healthcare systems for concentration on the treatment of Covid-19.
Considering healthcare experts and facilities are dealing with all kinds of patients hospitals are more infection-prone given the present circumstances.
While delaying treatment should never be an option mild symptoms or routine checkups can be taken care of with teleconsultations. More serious conditions, such as allergic reactions or severe accidents, need to be treated at an urgent care facility or the emergency department.
In situations where physical examination is absolutely necessary and in case of emergencies treatment for which cannot be delayed, visiting the hospital becomes vital. Hence in circumstances where non-covid patients have to visit hospitals, there are basic precautions that people can take to ensure safety.
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As per guidelines of IMA (Indian Medical Association), ideally, hospitals and healthcare professionals need to restrict people visiting the hospitals for health issues that can be addressed via video/teleconsultation.
It is only if the physician feels absolutely necessary that the patient should be called for physical examination. Additionally, restrict visits of non-essential visitors except for certain situations, such as an end-of-life situation.
Reiterating on few precautions that visitors need to follow while visiting hospitals are
- Practice hand hygiene-Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds at a time. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. As much as possible, avoid touching things such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, and credit card machines. Also, avoid touching your face, eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Use masks– Covering your face and nose with a mask is mandatory
- Social distancing-Avoid sitting within six feet of other patients in the waiting room and do your best to minimize physical contact with your doctor and staff.
- Before going to the hospital or any medical facility, consult online or telephonically first and confirm your appointment so as to avoid any sort of delays or lags.
- Avoid over-crowding in the hospitals, patient a come along with one attendant if necessary
- Carry all necessary documents and reports with you so that the evaluation process can happen faster, and the patient does not have to spend long hours waiting for reports
Also, once back home, remember to sanitize yourself again. - Remove your shoes, disinfect, and clean any surfaces or things you might have touched. If you are using a cloth mask, dispose of it off, without touching the outer surface.
If a health condition makes a hospital visit more likely, talk to your doctor in advance so you know what to do if that happens. Since things are changing all the time during the pandemic, it’s a good idea to keep up with advice from officials.
If you need non-emergency medical care during the Covid-19 pandemic, you should call your doctor’s office to find out what steps should be taken to get the care you need.
Instead of an in-person visit, your doctor may recommend rescheduling a routine appointment, setting up a Virtual Visit, or discussing your condition over the phone. If you need to visit the doctor’s office in person, taking simple precautions can help you stay safe.
