This FAQ is a collection of questions that we have frequently received during the pandemic as well as a collection of tips that our members have found useful since the pandemic begun
Covid-19 FAQ
Covid-19 FAQ
Yes. It is paramount that podiatrists continue to handle the footcare of their patients to ensure that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed when the focus is currently on Covid-19. Failing to treat patients can result in botched home care of the foot that leads to infections and worsened conditions. Minor ailments of the foot should be promptly addressed. For patients with diabetes, heart disease, rheumatological illnesses, cancer and higher risk patients with other co-morbidities, their appointments should be kept to maintain the foot in a stable and manageable condition.
Adherence to safe management guidelines within the podiatry practice is key to preventing and containing the virus.
Yes, but you must adhere strictly to the safe distancing guidelines including adequate PPE, strict adherence to the number of visitors per day for each household, and infection control practice.
Podiatrists and staff are required to use medical grade surgical masks when in clinic or treating patients. N95 respirator masks and full personal protective equipment is required if you are working in a higher risk setting such as the hospital or where there is a high chance of exposure to any infectious disease. Hands should be decontaminated with ETOH-based gel between patients and hand washing should be preformed regularly. For suppliers of such PPE please log into your members portal on this page.
Telehealth has its place in podiatry practice for certain conditions. In most cases, your podiatrist should be able to ascertain how urgent your case is from a telemedicine consultation.
Treatment for lower limb conditions is extremely limited via telehealth consultations and your practitioner would likely still require you to come to the clinic for assessment, investigation, and treatment.
Although there are some valid concerns pertaining to online consultations regarding image quality and an inability to fully assess the patient’s condition, we believe that the benefits of telemedicine outweigh these issues under the current conditions. For more information on conducting online consultations please refer to our Telehealth page for professional advice on conducting telehealth in your practice.
If any person in your healthcare setting, staff or patient, shows any of the following signs that are linked to COVID-19 they should be immediately isolated on your premises. Your inhouse safe management officer should be informed and take the relevant and necessary steps to ensuring the person obtains the correct medical care promptly and that any areas that are at risk of contamination be cleaned promptly.
- Respiratory illness
- Fever or elevated temperature
- Vomiting
- Loss of smell or taste
- Red, itchy eyes
- Rash
Staff and patients are advised to only visit one doctor for check-ups if you are feeling unwell. If you visit more than one doctor for symptoms related to COVID-19, you are required to inform all previously visited clinics over the past 14 days.
It is advisable to follow as per your own clinic’s guidelines on post sick leave. General guidance on returning to work includes submitting a valid medical certificate from a recognised Medical Doctor/Physician and to report directly to your HR department and immediate superior.
If you have been tested for COVID-19, you are required to stay home until your test results have cleared you to return to work. Immediately inform HR as soon as you receive your test results.
Upon returning to the workplace after sick leave, you should take 4 temperature readings per day spaced around 3 hours apart to ensure that any symptoms are quickly detected.
Should you feel unwell, inform your immediate superior immediately.
APM is creating materials for our members to use with patients to help with home care and basic lower limb medical advice. During COVID-19, our top priority is to keep patients safe with heightened healthcare controls and ensuring their lower limb conditions continue to be treated promptly and safely. We continue to encourage patients to keep their regular appointments with their podiatrist and for podiatrists to educate and reassure patients about the precautions taken to keep them safe.
Please refer to our ‘public’ dropdown tab which provides information on foot health in general and continue to keep an active and healthy communication with your practitioner during these times.
Yes, APM is present and working for remotely to continue to provide assistance, guide and support for podiatrists in Singapore.