Psychiatry Partial Hospitalization Programs/Intensive Outpatient Programs: Infection Prevention Procedures
UMMS’s COVID-19 response is focused on how to provide critical health care services while maintaining a safe environment for both our staff and the patients in our care. To that end, UMMS developed guidance to gradually expand the mental health services that we can provide to include psychiatric partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs (PHP/OIP).
The policy specifies precautions to ensure these programs can operate safely and minimize risk for exposure and community-based transmission of the virus. This includes COVID-19 testing for all patients and ongoing daily screenings, cleaning and disinfection protocols, guidance on the use of group rooms and masking and social distancing requirements that must be adhered to by all staff and patients.
Telehealth services will continue whenever possible for treatment planning, family meetings, discharge planning and other circumstances determined by each patient’s care providers.
This policy was updated on March 16, 2022, to reflect that COVID-19 testing of patients prior to participating in UMMS’s Adult PHP/IOP will take place when recommended by the UMMS Tiered Approach to Infection Prevention Practice and Presence at the Workplace (UMMS Tiered Approach). The policy was also updated to specify that weekly testing conducted prior to the day of the program should be done with PCR testing, while testing conducted on the day of the program should be done with rapid antigen testing.
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FAQs
When should patients enrolled in PHP/OIP programs be tested for COVID-19?
Patients enrolled in PHP/OIP programs should be tested when it is recommended by the UMMS Tiered Approach. If testing is required, it should occur within seven days prior to the first date of attendance and then weekly.
How should patient care be handled when COVID-19 test results are pending?
PHP/IOP services can be offered through telehealth services if deemed medically appropriate, as patients and providers await confirmation on COVID-19 test results.
How should COVID-19 testing be handled for patients who are considered COVID Recovered?
Once a patient has been deemed COVID Recovered (symptom-free and at least 10 days following the date of the positive COVID test), no testing will be required for 90 days. After 90 days, COVID-19 testing requirements for the patient will follow the procedures outlined in the policy.
Will patients be screened each time they come into the hospital for care?
Yes. Every day upon their arrival, patients will be asked a series of COVID-19 screening questions and will also undergo a temperature check.
Will patients be expected to wear masks during treatment?
Yes, patients will be expected to wear masks at all times, except when eating. Discussion during meal time (while masks are removed) will be minimized. In the event that a patient is unable to comply with our universal masking requirement, they will be asked to leave for the day, upon completion of a safety assessment.
How will social distancing be managed during group sessions?
Patients will be assigned a “seat for the day,” to be used for all group sessions as well as at meal time. Group sessions will be limited in size, in accordance with the size of the treatment room, to ensure that all participants can remain at least six feet away from others at all times.
Are Designated Support Persons (visitors) permitted to come onto the unit?
One Designated Support Person (visitor) may come onto the unit under pre-planned clinical circumstances for treatment and discharge planning or other family meetings, as deemed necessary by the patient’s care team. When possible, these discussions will continue to occur utilizing telehealth services.