Introduction
WorkSafeBC has released the requirements for regulated health professionals, such as Dietitians, to safely run an in-person clinical practice in British Columbia during the COVID-19 outbreak. These protocols are much more involved than initially imagined and are in addition to obligations prescribed by our professional college and the provincial health officer.
Understanding the Risk
The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through droplets from coughing or sneezing and by touching contaminated surfaces. WorkSafeBC emphasizes that physical distancing measures and effective cleaning practices are essential to mitigate the risk of person-to-person and surface transmission [1].
Selecting Protocols for the Workplace
WorkSafeBC Covid-19 Hierarchy of Controls [1]
Elimination (First Level): Limit the number of people in the workplace and rearrange spaces to ensure a 2-metre (6 ft) distance.
Engineering Controls (Second Level): Install physical barriers like plexiglass when distancing isn’t always possible.
Administrative Controls (Third Level): Establish rules for cleaning, equipment sharing, and one-way walkways.
Personal Protective Equipment (Fourth Level): Use non-medical masks as a final layer of protection, noting their limitations.
Extensive Clinical Protocols
WorkSafeBC has detailed extensive requirements for hygiene, staff workflow, and client communication. This includes staggering appointment times, screening clients for symptoms, and implementing rigorous sanitization schedules for treatment areas and shared equipment. Workers are also advised to maintain dedicated work clothes and shower immediately upon returning home after shifts.
The Effect of These Necessary Protocols
These protocols require extra time and labor, taking away from actual clinical time. While practices like dentistry or massage therapy must implement these for in-person care, Dietetic services can often be conducted through secure video conferencing. WorkSafeBC recommends virtual appointments as the first approach whenever clinically appropriate.
Use of professional HIPAA and PIPEDA compliant telemedicine software
I have provided Distance Consultations for over a decade. They are functionally indistinguishable from in-person visits and eliminate the need for PPEs, decontamination time between clients, and physical distancing challenges. I utilize secure HIPAA & PIPEDA compliant telemedicine software that requires no downloads.
More Info?
If you would like more information about the different types of Dietetic services I provide, please have a look under the Services tab. If you have any questions, please feel free to send me a note using the Contact form.
To your good health!
Joy
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References
- WorkSafeBC. Health professions: Protocols for returning to operation. 2020. [https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/covid-19-updates/covid-19-returning-safe-operation/health-professionals]
© 2025 BetterByDesign Nutrition Ltd.
Joy Erdile is the Registered Dietitian at BetterByDesign Nutrition Ltd., and has been supporting clients’ nutritional needs since 2008. Joy has a post graduate degree in Human Nutirion, more than 17 years of experience in private practice, and is a published in mental health nutrition. She is licensed in BC, Alberta, and Ontario, and her areas of expertise range from routine to clinically complex cases. Joy is passionate about helping people feel better and restore their health, and believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but that Nutrition is BetterByDesign©.