Update on Patient Screening
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Many RMTs have expressed concern that their patients with chronic headaches who have received benefits from massage therapy would be excluded from treatment, as the Ministry of Health Patient Screen Guidance Document states that any individual experiencing any headache would screen positive for COVID-19 and should not receive treatment.
If someone screens positive due to a chronic condition, the CMTO directs RMTs to consult with the Ministry of Health (MOH) Healthcare Provider Hotline (1-866-212-2272) or their local public health authority for additional guidance on screening. If they receive alternative guidance, this is to be documented.
If the MOH or public health authority provide guidance to modify screening for certain clients, RMTs must use their professional judgement when following that direction, including additional PPE should the RMT assess that the situation warrants it.
We also reached out to the Ministry of Health to clarify this issue, and they stated that providers should use their professional judgement to assess the level of risk that a client/patient poses to inform their next steps after completing the screening, including assessing the nature of the patient's headache and whether you are aware of any underlying cause. They also point out that the screening guidance may be adapted based on need or setting.
In assessing patients with chronic headaches, we recommend you follow the CMTO advice to contact the Ministry of Health hotline before proceeding.
You should be reguarly checking the Ministry of Health Patient Screening Guidance Document as it is regularly updated.