The Physician Occupational Safety and Health (POSH) service was set up to help keep physicians safe and healthy throughout this crisis. POSH works closely with Public Health, as well as with Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC), and Employee Safety, Health and Wellness (ESHW). POSH started with Vancouver Acute physicians, and has now been expanded to include all of VCH.
POSH is staffed by physicians specializing in Public Health, Occupational Medicine, and Family Practice, assisted by senior medical students.
POSH confidentially:
- Answers questions physicians have about protective measures, exposures, symptoms, rationale for approaches, or anything else related to their wellbeing
- Follows up physicians who incur possibly inadequately protected close contact with a COVID+ patient or staff member, including symptom monitoring;
- Communicates with physicians who are tested for COVID-19 to inquire about the nature of the exposure if known and the symptoms that ensued, and provide advice for their own health and that of others.
POSH is also monitoring occupational exposures to ascertain how well physicians are able to practice proper procedures, so as to help determine further needs for PPE, training, fit-testing or other guidance at individual, departmental or regional levels. Symptoms are also monitored to ensure that physicians are getting the advice and care they need to protect their own health and that of others.
POSH has produced some information sheets and will continue to summarize new evidence relevant specifically to protecting healthcare workers.
POSH operates from 8 am to 8 pm Monday-Saturday. Send an email to POSH.COVID@UBC.CA and POSH will get back to you promptly.
What mask to wear when caring for patients with confirmed or suspected COVID-19
POSH - COVID-19 Phase 1 Data
