Covid-19 Patients

Home Covid-19 Patients

COVID-19 Preparedness

MedPharmics is closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and wants to assure patients that we are taking all recommended precautions. Our volunteers are Medical Heroes, and safety of participants is always our primary concern. As such, MedPharmics has enacted various measures moving forward to protect our community.

Please be patient with us as we navigate this rapidly evolving situation. We encourage all participants to maintain close communication with their medical provider, and contact our offices with questions or concerns about any upcoming appointments.

FAQs

Should I still come for my appointment?

Yes. If you are not currently ill, please come for your scheduled appointment as normal. If you are ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 please contact your health care provider immediately and the research site at the earliest opportunity. If you need to reschedule an appointment due to illness, our contact information is here.

What if my city is in lockdown or I am afraid to come in?

MedPharmics has other options established for visits. Depending on the type of visit required, we may be able to perform a phone or video appointment. If the visit is critical for collection, we have a home nurse team capable of performing the visit at your location.

What if I have Coronavirus?

If you suspect you have COVID-19 please contact your health provider as soon as possible. If it is recommended you are tested, you should and we will ask for a report of the results. If you are unable to get tested, you should follow CDC guidelines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

Will I have to leave the study if I get sick?

You do not have to leave the study if you get ill. In the normal course of study activities people can become sick. In the event you are ill, you can always reschedule your appointments or ask about alternate visit options.

What are you doing to maintain patient safety?

MedPharmics has enacted strict new policies for both staff and patients. All of the current policies and procedures are subject to change, based upon recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Our goal, as always, is subject and staff protection and data integrity.

Additional Patient Measures

All subjects during visits and during routine phone calls are questioned regarding fever (in excess of 100.4), cough, shortness of breath, and foreign travel.
The front desk staff will question all patients about fever and cough. If anyone (subject or caregiver) comes to the site with symptoms of fever greater than 100.4 and cough or shortness of breath, staff will put on an N-95 mask and then provide the individual with an ear-loop mask. CRCs will then follow updated safety procedures to complete the visit.
All magazines have been removed and pens are now single use.
Patients will be staggered so people are not waiting in groups, and taken to their exam room immediately.
Entering and exiting patients will use separate entrances.
No home visits will be performed on any subjects diagnosed with COVID-19. MedPharmics has developed procedures for remote and home visits and will perform these as needed for critical data collection.

Office Procedures

Staff wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after every subject interaction. When soap and running water are unavailable, alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol is available.
Touching of the eyes, nose, or mouth is avoided.
Good respiratory hygiene is enforced. This means covering the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or, preferentially, with tissue when you cough or sneeze.
After each subject visit, all surfaces touched by human hands – equipment (BP machines, scales, etc.), doorknobs, counters, exam tables, chairs, toilet seats, etc.- are wiped down with an approved disinfectant.
In addition to the above, MedPharmics is now encouraging social distancing (approximately six feet between individuals; no hand shaking or hugging).
Staff are instructed to self-isolate at home if they develop fever greater than 100.4 and a cough.