COVID-19
OT Works! continues to provide occupational therapy during COVID-19. OT Works! has adapted and ready to better support everyone – our clients, customers, therapists, staff and our communities – in a safe and responsible way.
We believe occupational therapy is essential to maintaining the health and wellbeing of the public.
We have developed specific COVID-19 policies and procedures to keep clients, therapists and staff safe.
We have provided training on our Safety Plan to all our therapists and staff. As a regulated profession, we follow the directions of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). We regularly monitor developments and guidance from the Public Health Officer of BC, BC Center for Disease Control, the Government of Canada, WorkSafeBC, and regional health authorities. We review all guidance and update policies and procedures accordingly.
Occupational Therapy in-person and by Telehealth
Our OTs help clients in-person and remotely by Telehealth. Telehealth is our preferred method of service delivery when the services can be deliver therapeutic value effectively. Where telehealth is not appropriate, we see clients in person supported by a series of new safety measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
Telehealth
Learn moreIn-Person
Learn moreCOVID-19 Protocols at OT Works!
OT Works! has developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures we have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. We review and update our plans and measures if conditions change or in response to Provincial Health Officer orders to ensure our policies and protocols continues to be effective and functioning properly.
We continue to deliver services by telehealth during COVID-19 pandemic. Our occupational therapists can provide remote care services by phone, email, text messages and video. Telehealth can allow live, confidential and safe interactions with an occupational therapist during times social distancing. We have developed protocols and plans that follow guidelines by the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC) and the Provincial Health Services Agency (PHSA). Our goal is to provide remote therapy through telehealth that is meaningful and appropriate. Telehealth remains our preferred method of service delivery when the services can be delivered safely and effectively
Our therapists are prepared to deliver in-person services. All clients considering in-person services will complete a Point of Care Risk Assessment with their OT before the session proceeds and at the start of their in-person session. Upon completion of the screen, the OT may adapt the session plan to maintain the health and safety of both the client and therapist if necessary. Our therapists will provide clear communication outlining expectations such as requesting clients wash their hands and limiting the number of people in their home/environment prior to the occupational therapist’s arrival. Our therapists will also wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for every in-person client visit and will conduct hand hygiene before and after the client encounter. Clients are invited to wear masks if they have them and prefer to, but they are not obliged to do so. Whenever possible, the therapist will maintain 2 meters (6 feet) between themselves, the clients, and anyone else in attendance (e.g. family member or employer).
All clients considering in-person services will complete a Point of Care Risk Assessment with their OT before the session proceeds and at the start of their in-person session. Upon completion of the screen, the OT may adapt the session plan to maintain the health and safety of both the client and therapist if necessary.
Therapists are required to wear face masks for the entire duration of any in-person visit and will follow procedures to safely manage and care for PPE. Training has been provided on the proper use, management and care of PPE.
Therapists will perform proper hand hygiene when interacting with clients. Training has been provided on hand hygiene protocols with specific attention given our operations in the community.
The Occupational Therapist will confirm that remote support worker sessions are necessary by determining feasibility, therapeutic value, the activities involved and the feepayer’s support before proceeding. Any support workers providing urgent in-person services must follow the same safety protocols as all our occupational therapists.
All therapists, consultants and employees must self-isolate, follow guidelines from the Center for Disease control and contact 8-1-1 if they travel internationally or develop symptoms associated with COVID-19. Therapists with new or a worsening cough will not work in-person with any clients, client representatives, fellow providers, fee payers, employers or OT Works! employees for at least 5 days after their onset of symptoms OR until symptom resolution, whichever is sooner.
Remote working is the default mode of business for non-clinical operations. Our collaboration takes place online and by phone. We support work from home.
As a regulated profession, we follow the directions of the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). We regularly monitor developments and guidance from the Public Health Officer of BC, BC Center for Disease Control, the Government of Canada, WorkSafeBC, and regional health authorities. We review all guidance and update policies and procedures accordingly.
How OT helps during COVID-19
COVID-19 has launched the world into a major transition. Everything we do, and how we do it, has changed. This is a period of occupational disruption and occupational therapists can help. This is what we do.
Learn moreService Areas
OT Works! continues to serve the following areas with in-person and telehealth services:
- Metro Vancouver (Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, North & West Vancouver, Richmond, Delta, White Rock, Port Moody, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Langley, Fort Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows)
- Fraser Valley (Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Harrison Lake, Agassiz, Dewdney, Hope)
- Sea-to-Sky (Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton)
- Sunshine Coast (Gibsons, Sechelt)
- Vancouver Island: Victoria (Victoria, Esquimalt, Sooke, East Sooke, Saanich, Sidney, Langford, Colwood, Metchosin); Central Island (Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Port Alberni; North Island (Campbell River, Courtney, Comox, Cumberland, Fanny Bay, Nanoose Bay, Union Bay)
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With telehealth, our occupational therapists can also assist clients outside of these geographic areas. Contact us to learn more.
Contact Us
All of our therapists at OT Works! are certified with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) and have additional training in areas such as mental health, brain injury rehabilitation, home safety and chronic pain.
Contact us to get started with an Occupational Therapist today.