Let’s not lose sight of our communities
It is in times of uncertainty that we must remember what it is to be part of a community. Not only the community of physiotherapists and patients that we are all a part of, but the wider community of human beings who are being affected by the happenings of the world right now.
It would be remiss of me not to mention the steps that we at the APA are taking inside our offices. We have the majority of our staff, me included, working remotely from our homes in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19.
I understand that for a lot of you that is not an option. I know you are taking whatever precautions you can to look after yourself as well as your patients.
In this regard, physiotherapists fall into a very particular group of healthcare workers. At the time of writing, the advice supplied by the government is predominantly aimed at the acute response sector, meaning GPs and emergency departments. It is very much for the people who are expecting to be in direct contact with coronavirus cases.
Physiotherapists are particular in that there is little advice that is the exact right fit for your current needs. There is no hard and fast rule of how to be a physiotherapist in this climate.
To date we’ve provided advice to help you navigate these difficult times through a number of emails and a website repository of information, as well as providing one-on-one advice through our member support team.
We have provided business continuity, occupational health and safety and insurance-related resources to business owners. And we’ve provided some really targeted advice for people working in the aged care sector.
We are also lobbying hard to have government and third-party funders recognise the value and sensibility of telehealth-enabled physiotherapy at this time.
No one knows what’s ahead of us. As this InMotion goes to print, it doesn’t look like it will be an easy path ahead. But with kindness, innovation and resilience, we will weather this storm.
Please visit our dedicated webpage at australian.physio/coronavirus for frequently asked questions and relevant information, resources and links to help guide you through this period.
And our member support team is on hand if you have any queries or concerns. To contact the APA, call 1300 306 622 or email info@australian.physio.
I extend my best wishes to you, your loved ones and your communities.
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