Setting up GRACE’s first Telehealth clinic.
With all the changes taking place in the world, GRACE is doing what we can to help ensure the agency is still able to serve clients who do not have access to traditional health care.
When news of COVID-19 started to arise, Shirley Roberts, RN, BAS, CCM, our GRACE Clinic Nurse Manager, was quick to respond! She implemented over-the-phone health screenings, disinfection techniques routinely throughout the day, distributed supplies and educational materials to all GRACE sites, and referral information for callers who were concerned about symptoms. As information and mandates became more encompassing, Shirley and her team modified processes and moved almost all patient visits to a new Telehealth program.
On March 27, 2020, the GRACE Community Clinic provided its first full Telehealth clinic. Doxy.me, the platform that is being utilized, is HIPAA compliant and extremely user friendly. With the help of volunteers, GRACE was able to serve nine clients in the first virtual clinic.
It was amazing how well the clients were able to check into our virtual waiting room and had their provider visit online. There were tons of smiles when clients were able to see familiar faces still serving them in this time of need.
Going forward into April, we will be doing most visits through this platform. The providers will decide if they need to see anyone onsite. If clients need to be seen, it would be a rare situation, and they would go through pre-screening before the visit as well as upon their arrival.
GRACE is grateful for a community of clients, volunteer providers, and translators, who have been so positive and patient during this time of transition.
