How The Child Development Center is Responding to COVID-19
COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry
Critical Updates on COVID-19 / Clinical Guidance / COVID-19 Planning Considerations: Guidance for School Re-entry
The staff had our first ‘Response to the COVID Epidemic Meeting’ in our South Florida Office in the second week of March 2020. This was just after reports indicated ever-increasing numbers of infected people in our region.
Cleanliness, individual space, fewer people, and avoiding those who have possible symptoms have been a sensible start. We asked families not to bring other siblings for in-person doctor visits.
We have kept one in-office staff member per day to help answer the phones and emails, and to keep in close contact with Dr. Udell, who is having virtual follow-up visits from his home office.
The staff has remote access to our database so that appropriate prescriptions are refilled, started, and discontinued. Laboratory evaluations and results can be made available through cooperating institutions and services.
In addition to the virtual visits, other digital means (videos, pictures, reports, etc.) to discuss difficulties, protocol changes, and other patient issues can fill an important void.
Constant notification through emails has always been a valuable tool to keep protocols running smoothly. This includes assistance during these times of close quarters among families with additional behavioral implications.
As the days are turning into weeks – and more – of isolation, this may become an even more propitious moment to explore biomedical intervention for your child’s developmental challenges. Further advice from our warrior families is, as always, sought and appreciated.
UPDATE:
We are now allowing in-office and virtual visits (for established patients). We are only allowing 1 family at-a-time to enter the office, performing temperature checks upon entering, and thoroughly cleaning all areas prior to the next appointment. Acrylic barriers have been put in place and all of our staff are continuing to use face masks and strict hygiene. This takes more time and resources, so we appreciate all of our patients’ patience in these precarious times.
UPDATE:
All of the staff is tested frequently for COVID-19 positivity. That may mean longer wait times and fewer staff to handle all of the children experiencing developmental challenges with few options. Thanks for your patience.
How long will this last – WHO KNOWS FOR SURE?
Brian D. Udell MD
Medical Director
Child Development Center of America