STP Inc. COVID19 Response

At STP Inc., the safety of our patients and their families is our number one priority. That is why we quickly shifted to an all-teletherapy model in March 2020, as soon as COVID-19 precautions were announced. In October 2020, STP partially reopened at 10% capacity and invited some families back for face-to-face intervention.  However, for many of our patients, tele-intervention remains the best and safest option.  Therefore, we continue to employ teletherapy to safely and effectively serve families of children and adults with speech-language-communication needs. Click here to learn more about the effectiveness of tele-intervention. 

Guiding Principles for Resuming Face2Face (F2F) Intervention:  For Patients and Caregivers ​

PRIOR to arriving for therapy Session
  • Self-screen: temperature and respiratory screenings
    • For any temperatures above 100.00 F, stay home, notify therapist asap to cancel appointment.
    • If coughing or shortness of breath is present, stay home, notify therapist asap to cancel appointment.
  • Inform the therapist AND cancel all appointments if the patient or caregivers have been sick or with a fever (above 100.00 F) within the last 14 days.
  • Inform the therapist AND cancel all appointments if the patient or caregivers have been exposed to someone who has tested positive to COVID19 within the last 14 days.
  • Screening Questionnaire: all persons entering the building will complete an online screening questionnaire. A questionnaire MUST be completed for EACH appointment.   There are 2 ways to access the health screener. 
    • Click here  to complete the Health Questionnaire for In-person Therapy.  
    • Scan 
 PRIOR to entrance to the office
  1. Caregivers will call or send a text to the therapist letting them know of their arrival.
  2. Temperature screenings: all persons entering the clinic office will be screened with a touchless thermometer.
    • For any temperatures above 100.00 F, entrance will be DECLINED and converted to telehealth sessions, if possible.
  3. Hand Hygiene: every person upon entrance shall wash or sanitize their hands.
    • A sanitation station with hand sanitizer a will be available at the entrance of the lobby. 
  4. Face coverings:
    • Every patient should be encouraged to wear a face covering, though it is understandable that young children and those with sensory dysfunction may not wear them. 
    • Every support person MUST wear a face covering inside the facility or entrance will be DECLINED.
  5. Patient- caregiver to patient-therapist exchange will occur in the building lobby or waiting room. 
  6. Patients are not allowed to bring personal items to therapy sessions. 
​DURING the therapy session
​
  • Caregivers WILL NOT be able to wait in the waiting room.
    • The waiting room will be closed.  Caregivers are expected to wait in their car and be readily available for emergencies.
  • Video monitors:
    • Caregivers will be provided with a HIPPA compliant video monitor to observe the sessions in real time. 
    • Parents can choose to view the session in real time from their own personal device by logging Google Meet using a unique log in.
  • As sessions are by appointment only, the office doors will be locked at all times.   This is to ensure safety. 
  • Ventilation/Circulation:
    • Therapy room in use will be open as well as the waiting room lobby door.  This is to promote air circulation and for the portable air filter/cleaner to fully circulate clean air. 
    • Windows may be open to allow for increase circulation in the therapy room.
 At the COMPLETION of the therapy session
  • Patient must wash/sanitize their hands and leave immediately.
  • Caregivers must be ON TIME for pick up so as to avoid exposure to other clients, allow clinician time for sanitation and documentation.
  • Patient-therapist to patient-caregiver exchange will occur in the office lobby/waiting room. 
  • Signature for attendance will be obtained. 
  • Wrap up:
    • Parent debriefing will occur in the building lobby/waiting room while keeping social distancing of 6 ft. 
    • If phone debriefing is possible, it should be exercised.
General Principles
STP staff have been trained on proper cleaning and safety procedures.  STP will employ a strict protocol.  Below are a few steps we will take ensure the health and safety for everyone: 
  • Alternate/ staggered scheduled will be instituted to maximize physical distancing and allow time to execute sanitation procedure. 
  • If toys are required for the session, every effort will be made to use items that can be easily washed or sanitize.
    • Disinfecting toys and other therapy materials will occur immediately after the patient leaves. 
  • Wipe down all surface areas and other objects.  These include but not limited to: pens, door knobs, call alert buttons, clip board and file cabinets. 
  • Mark the room as “This room has been sanitized” using a sign on the door when a room has been fully sanitized. 
  • Alternate rooms as needed to allow the room to be purified.