As a faculty that is involved in healthcare, our primary focus in any outbreak is the health and safety of the populations that we serve, and maintaining the working capacity of the healthcare institutions and organizations where we work. Given the rapidly-changing epidemiology of COVID-19, we are using this page to keep Faculty of Health Sciences faculty, staff and students up to date on our protocol.
Please note that, beyond Faculty of Health Sciences policies, faculty, staff and students are also subject to hospital and clinical regulations. Please ensure that you are up to date on the protocols and regulations of all institutions for which you are providing service.
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The Faculty of Health Sciences has set up a Command Team that will adjudicate specific events and situations to determine whether they fall under the intent of our protocol. A joint Faculty-hospital exemptions committee has also been established to adjudicate scenarios where an individual is seeking an exemption from the travel protocol. In both cases, the committees will consult with Dr. Kieran Moore from our local public health authority as needed and will respond to inquiries with a directive on next steps.
Please send any questions to fhscomms@queensu.ca and they will be directed to the appropriate committee.
What should I do if I feel unwell and have COVID-19 symptoms?
Students who are feeling unwell and/or who are presenting with symptoms of COVID-19 should:
What should I do if I’ve been in contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19?
Students who have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 should contact Public Health and follow the advice that they provide. Students should refrain from coming to campus until given direction to do so.
Can I leave Kingston during the academic year to visit family and friends?
Given the unprecedented nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, we encourage students to limit travel outside the KFL&A region as much as possible throughout the fall term. Some programs will have strict travel restrictions based on clinical teaching units; before making travel plans, please check with the head of your program. For learners who do travel outside of Kingston, Public Health has made these recommendations.
Can my family or friends visit me in Kingston?
As with making travel plans, some programs will have strict restrictions based on clinical teaching units. Students should check with the head of their program before making plans to have family or friends visit. If seeing visitors is permitted, students should practice
physical distancing and strictly adhere to all other public health guidelines.
What mental health supports and resources are available to students right now? In addition to the supports offered by some programs, Student Wellness Services’ mental health care is available to all students. More information can be found here.
As many students in the Faculty of Health Sciences begin preparations to return to campus this fall, the safety of our students, patients, faculty, staff and the Kingston community are top priorities. In collaboration with Queen’s University leadership and KFL&A Public Health, FHS has developed a return to campus protocol for our students to minimize risk and promote a safe return to campus. This protocol includes an opportunity to participate in a research study (COVID-19 Testing of Health Professional Students and Residents: Informing Testing and Public Policy for Universities and Society) that is being performed here in the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Students are expected to return to campus two weeks before the start of any in-person activity in classroom, laboratory or clinical settings. Your program or school will provide you with these dates. Students who will be living in residence will be receiving further information from Queen’s University Residences.
Considering the increase in cases across the province, we must be diligent in adhering to Public Health guidelines. This is particularly important so we may continue educational activities that must be done in person.
Thanksgiving is a time when many students travel for the weekend. Given the current state of the pandemic in the province, we strongly advise that students who are currently in the KFL&A region should stay here for Thanksgiving weekend. Every time individuals leave KFL&A or southeastern Ontario, the risk of acquiring COVID-19 goes up. Further, some programs will have strict travel restrictions based on clinical placements and activity. As such, before making travel plans, students should check with the head of their programs.
We find ourselves yet again at a critical juncture; the actions that we take over the next two weeks could have a significant impact on our faculty, its programs and how things unfold over the fall term. Regardless of where you are, remember that as a healthcare professional or health sciences student, you have a clear obligation to protect others by following strict public health guidelines. Keep gatherings small and limited to your social bubble, physically distance from others, wear a mask and practice strict hand hygiene. Should you have any symptoms develop, please follow Public Health guidelines and seek testing as soon as possible.
The library is an option available for students who need study space. These spaces are available to all students regardless of their program of study. There are 150 seats in Stauffer Library which are bookable in advance only, using the Bookable Seats service.
Services at the library are changing regularly with the goal of expanding availability as possible while still prioritizing student, staff and faculty safety. The Library Covid-19 webpage is updated regularly and you are encouraged to watch this space for changes.
For further information, please contact library.queensu.ca
Return to campus protocol for Faculty of Health Sciences students, including Medicine, Nursing, Rehabilitation Therapy and Graduate Students:
This protocol should be followed by students who are currently residing in Canada. Students travelling internationally are required to follow the Government of Canada’s directives for mandatory quarantine.
In order to protect those who you are interacting with during in-person activity, it is important that you carefully follow the protocol outlined above. Without undertaking these measures, you will not be able to participate in certain curricular activities that involve close contact with other students, instructors, volunteers and patients.
Should you have any specific questions in the interim, please reach out to the head of your program.
The Ontario Government has declared a state of emergency and announced new COVID-19 measures effective Jan 14, 2021. This will require people in Ontario to remain at home, with exceptions for accessing health care, groceries, pharmacy services, essential work, and for individual exercise. Below you will find details on how this directive impacts Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) operations.
Use of FHS buildings
Research
Educational programs
Mental health support
Students who have left the KFL&A region and who will be participating in on-campus activities must:
Students returning directly to non-campus activities in hospital or clinical settings are governed by the guidelines of the institutions within which they are working
The Faculty of Health Sciences has developed a protocol for students who will be travelling to other regions. This protocol is not only intended to minimize the spread of COVID-19 across the Queen’s and Kingston communities, but to ensure that our educational and research programs may continue to operate.
All students must abide by the following protocol in advance of any in-person activity in classroom or laboratory settings. Students returning directly to non-campus activities in hospital or clinical settings are governed by the guidelines of the institutions within which they are working.
2021 return to campus protocol for Faculty of Health Sciences students, including Medicine, Nursing, Rehabilitation Therapy, and graduate students and post-doctoral trainees who will be participating in on-campus activities:
(This protocol should be followed by students who are remaining in Canada. Students travelling internationally are required to follow the Government of Canada’s directives for mandatory quarantine.)
Without undertaking these measures, you will not be able to participate in curricular activities that involve contact with other students, instructors, volunteers, and patients.
Should you have any specific questions about the protocol above, please reach out to the head of your program. All information related to COVID-19 for the Faculty of Health Sciences can be found here.
The Ontario Government has declared a state of emergency and announced new COVID-19 measures effective Jan 14, 2021. This will require people in Ontario to remain at home, with exceptions for accessing health care, groceries, pharmacy services, essential work, and for individual exercise. Below you will find details on how this directive impacts FHS operations.
Use of FHS buildings
Work locations
Research
Educational programs
Mental health support
In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in the Kingston region, Queen’s University is strongly encouraging employees and students currently on campus to wear a face covering in all common areas, particularly in spaces where maintaining physical distancing is challenging.
To support this important safety measure, Queen’s has purchased two cloth face masks for each employee. These masks will be distributed to employees as they are permitted to return to campus as part of a phased return to regular operations. Please refer to guidelines for current information on who is currently allowed to be attending the Queen’s campus.
Why is daily screening necessary?
Individuals who are entering FHS buildings must complete the Elentra screening on a daily basis. This allows FHS to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19 by ensuring that individuals who screen positive do not come to campus and to properly track those who do come to campus should the need for contact tracing arise.
Who needs to complete the Elentra screening, and when?
The Elentra screening must be completed by any learners, staff and faculty members who are entering an FHS building. Completing the form is required for individuals (learners, staff, faculty) who are authorized to be on campus. Individuals who are not approved to be on campus will not be asked to complete the screening. Individuals who need to come to campus on an exceptional basis must first seek approval from their manager. If approved, they will then receive a form by email the morning of their visit to campus.
If I am not coming to campus, do I still need to complete the daily self-evaluation?
It is preferable if everyone that receives the request to complete the self-evaluation does so. If the form isn’t submitted, we won’t know if an individual forgot to submit the form or simply chose not to do so since they would not be on campus.
If I have completed the hospital screening, am I exempt from screening with the Elentra tool when I am entering an FHS building?
No. Any individual who is entering an FHS building must complete the Elentra screening in order for us to have a record of the FHS buildings visited that day.
Should managers and program directors still use the spreadsheet for tracking staff who are on campus?
No. The Elentra tool will now be used for screening and tracking any individuals who enter FHS buildings. The tool has been rolled out for nearly all learners, staff and faculty in the FHS. Anyone who has not been set up to use the Elentra tool should contact the person responsible for their group – see contact information below. Please keep any tracking information that you have on file for thirty days in the event that it is required by KFL&A Public Health.
What if I don’t have access to the Elentra tool, or am not receiving the daily email?
If you are encountering problems including: you have not been set up to do daily screening with the Elentra tool, you are not receiving the daily email, or you are having issues using the tool, please contact the person responsible for your group, per below. If the groups below do not apply to you, please contact Allison Leverette: allison.leverette@queensu.ca
What happens if I have a positive screen when completing the self-evaluation?
In the event that you have a positive screen, do not come to campus. Your manager will be notified by Elentra and will follow up with you. You will also need to complete the Ontario COVID-19 assessment tool which will advise you on next steps.
What do I do if a person within FHS tests positive for COVID-19?
When a person tests positive for COVID-19, Public Health will contact all those individuals who have had contact or exposure to the person who tested positive. If you have not been contacted by Public Health, you should continue to screen yourself daily with the Elentra tool and continue with planned on-campus activity.
The process is being finalized for the following groups:
Managers responsible for faculty and staff who are authorized to return to campus must review all resources provided below
The Faculty of Health Sciences at Queen’s University will use these guiding principles to steer our community towards effective decision-making practices and strategic planning considering the current global pandemic. Accepting that the pandemic poses a risk of illness, these principles have been established to mitigate this risk to the best of our ability. The Faculty will be mindful of these uncertain times and remain flexible and responsive to student, staff, and faculty needs. We believe that our comprehensive well-being includes the availability of positive educational and social interactions.
Updated December 4, 2020
Laboratory Research
Beginning in late May and rolling into June and July, the Faculty of Health Sciences restarted most laboratory-based research, currently with approval for principal investigators (PIs), research staff and graduate students to return to work when working at home is not feasible or practical.
Approval for the return to work was based on KFL&A Public Health guidelines and in consultation with the Queen’s Vice-Principal Research, Physical Plant Services, and Campus Planning personnel. The return to work was made possible by having custodial services, procurement, shipping and receiving, and security back in place. Scheduling for access within labs and facilities, across various floors, and from building to building to allow proper social distancing was undertaken.
We have been vigilant in monitoring, both actively and passively, the health of faculty, trainees and staff on a daily basis, and instituted the requirement for daily screening and reporting on building access for contact tracing purposes through the Elentra system. Faculty, staff and trainees not receiving notifications from the Elentra system should advise their PI or contact Kim Garrison via researchcovid@queensu.ca to request being added to the system.
The Faculty is now contemplating the return of 4th year graduate students to the laboratories in the Winter term, in consultation with Campus Planning, KFL&A Public Health, and the Vice-Principal Research.
Please contact Gladys Smith in the FHS Research Office if you require further information on the opening or increasing capacity of laboratory research. Ph: 613.533-6627 | email: Gladys.Smith@queensu.ca
Human Participant Research
Human Participant Research, including recruitment to and follow-up on clinical trials, has also restarted. Investigators and research staff will undertake remote/virtual contact with patients/research subjects when feasible, but must seek approval for in-person contact before beginning or restarting a project.
Dr. Steven Smith, the FHS Vice-Dean of Research/KHSC Vice President of Research, reviews and approves applications to start or restart human-participant research, and will consult with colleagues at the Hospital (Infection Prevention, Planning) and at Queen’s leadership (Campus planning, Physical Plant Services, Vice-Principal Research), and the KFL&A Medical Officer of Health when required.
Requests to restart human participant research projects which were halted because of the pandemic are submitted using two forms:
Requests to start new human participant research projects, which were initiated after the pandemic began, have full internal and Hospital Operational Directors’ approvals through TRAQ DSS, have received ethics clearance to conduct the research using appropriate wording and instructions for research subjects about COVID, and have received a financial project number (from Queen’s Research Accounting) or fund number (from KGHRI finance) are submitted using the:
Requests to restart projects shutdown, or start new human participant research projects, should be submitted by email to Dr. Steven Smith and his assistant Gladys: Gladys.Smith@queensu.ca
Wherever possible, principal investigators, research staff and trainees should continue to work from home until further notice. For those who must physically be on site to conduct research, please adhere to the following protocols.
With dual roles as healthcare providers and as trainees, the duties and responsibilities of residents and clinical fellows differ from those of students.
What are the principles of resident service during a pandemic?
The role of residents during a pandemic is unique from that other learners, so the following principles have been developed to support the ongoing and appropriate integration of resident service and education.
Are there updated screening and self-isolation guidelines?
Yes. New guidelines have been established to provide guidance on managing the risks associated with the movement of learners between rotations in various locations. All learners should become familiar with these new COVID-19 Screening and Self-Quarantine Guidelines. Highlights include:
What should I do if I suspect that I have a COVID-19 infection?
Please take the following steps:
If you are required to stay at home or miss class, please follow standard procedures and report to your program office.
As a resident or clinical fellow, should I provide direct care to patients who have a suspected COVID-19 infection?
Yes. residents and clinical fellows are expected to continue to provide patient care where COVID-19 is suspected or under investigation:
As a resident or clinical fellow, when should I disengage from providing patient care?
Residents and clinical fellows will be expected to continue to provide direct care to patients on their service in cases where COVID-19 is presumptive or confirmed, with the appropriate protection and supervision.
The expected level of care delivery may vary across programs based on the skill set of the resident and the goals, objectives and/or competencies of the specialty. Whether the delivery of care by the resident or clinical fellow should discontinue is at the discretion of the attending physician, department/division chief and Program Director.
Further information about the role of residents and clinical fellows in public health emergencies can be found in the Council of Ontario Universities’ Residents and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Guidelines which can be accessed here: https://cou.ca/reports/residents-and-public-health-emergency-preparedness-guidelines-2019/
As a resident or clinical fellow, what should I do if I suspect a COVID-19 infection?
Residents and clinical fellows who suspect a COVID-19 infection in a patient should report this immediately to their direct clinical supervisor.
As a resident or clinical fellow, what infection control guidelines should I be aware of?
All residents and clinical fellows should use the following guidelines:
Where can I get more information about the role of residents and clinical fellows during public health emergencies?
The Council of Ontario Universities’ Residents and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Guidelines can be accessed here: https://cou.ca/reports/residents-and-public-health-emergency-preparedness-guidelines-2019/
What is happening with qualifying examinations?
Please refer to the latest updates from the Medical Council of Canada here.
What is happening with CFPC Examinations?
The latest information about certification and examinations is available here.
What is happening with RCPSC Examinations?
The latest information on Royal College examinations is available here.
My examinations have been cancelled. What should I do with my exam study leave?
Residents should return to their home program and regular clinical duties in the interim. Any certifying exam study leave missed would be granted again when the exam schedule is clarified. Residents will be notified should the status of examinations change.
Do I have to go to work during a pandemic or crisis?
Residents have dual roles as both trainees and health-care providers. As members of the medical profession, we are all called upon to provide care to the best of our ability during a crisis. Sometimes this means taking on elevated personal risk.
Individual residents also have the right to refuse unsafe work. Certain residents may be considered higher risk, including those who have chronic respiratory disease, those who are immunocompromised, those who are pregnant, and those who cohabitate with any of the above. You are not expected to serve if you fall ill or become a vector for infection.
Am I entitled to personal protective equipment?
As frontline health-care providers you are entitled to all necessary PPE, and should be considered along with other health-care professionals for early access to preventative measures like vaccines. You have the right to refuse work if protective measures are inadequate.
Will residents be involved in Aerosol Generating Medical Procedures (AGMPs)?
The following general guidelines have been established for situations occurring when aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMPs) are planned or anticipated to be performed on patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. Only properly trained medical personnel with proper PPE should be involved in these procedures. Residents should not be involved if there are other opportunities for learning the competencies involved in these procedures. Residents should consult with their Program Directors for program-specific guidelines.
Is there anything I should be doing now to prepare?
Keep your N95 mask fit card on you at all times. All residents are expected to be up to date with your mask fit test as previously outlined by the PGME Office. If you know that you cannot be fit properly due to religious or health reasons, contact your site director or program director now to understand how this will affect you work and training. Familiarize yourself with all site-specific protocols at your training site.
Do the PARO-CAHO Collective Agreement rules still apply?
Every attempt will be made to respect the conditions outlined in the agreement. Work hour limits can be waived during a pandemic situation, if absolutely necessary.
Can I be redeployed from my regular rotation?
In emergency situations, residents can be deployed to areas of greatest need. Activities must remain appropriate to level of training and scope of practice and must be adequately supervised. It is possible that you may be quickly retrained to provide care outside of your usual scope. Patient safety is always the highest priority.
Principles of Redeployment of Residents and Fellows in Times of Exceptional Health System Need
What happens to my course of training?
Queen’s University’s goal is to make every effort to continue academic programs for residents with minimum disruption. Your site director, program director or program coordinator will issue updates in the event of any disruption to academic and clinical schedules. Every effort will be made to provide alternatives in the event of clinical or academic disruption that is appropriate to training level and program resources. If you are redeployed, consideration will be given to awarding credit for extraordinary service. All efforts will be made to avoid an increase in length of training. Where necessary extensions of training as a result of COVID-19 will be supported by PGME.
Training impact will be assessed on a case-by-case basis however it is reasonable to anticipate training extensions as the two week isolation in addition to the antecedent vacation are likely to result in inadequate assessment during the impacted experience. While we will try to mitigate this as best we can it will often not be possible. Also, all international Queen's related business/education travel is cancelled, including electives.
Could there be interruptions in salary or vacation?
Salary, benefits, and stipend entitlements continue during any pandemic. Due to extraordinary patient care needs, certain vacation requests may be denied or cancelled. Vacation days will continue to accrue as usual.
Residents should be aware that if they make a decision to travel for personal reasons and are subsequently required to self-isolate, then there may be salary implications.
I’m scheduled for an international elective. Will I still be able to go?
No. The Faculty of Health Sciences has suspended all academic or work-related travel outside Canada for all faculty, staff, and students.
Am I allowed to go on an elective?
Yes, but there may be some restrictions. Some programs have imposed a moratorium on electives for blocks 1-3 for the 2020-2021 academic year. You must ensure that you check with the host program to determine if they are able to accommodate an elective. In some cases, where electives have been cancelled, you may be able to ask for an exemption from the host program. Your home program director would be required to write you a letter of support.
Will mandatory rotations occur in 2020-2021?
Yes. If you have a mandatory rotation you will be able to complete this at the host institution. Be sure to check the host institution’s screening and self-isolation requirements.
Are there screening and self-isolation guidelines for trainees returning from electives?
Yes. Please refer to the new screening and self-isolation guidelines (June 2020).
I am currently on an elective. Do I need to return to Queen’s?
If you are currently on an elective in Canada, you should be aware that your the host institution may cancel your elective at any time. As the situation is changing rapidly, you are encouraged to monitor travel health notices and you may wish to end your elective experience early.
If you are currently on an elective outside of Canada, you should be aware that the Government of Canada is urging you to return home without delay while commercial options are still available.
You should review the Travel and Event Protocol for the Faculty of Health Sciences for information about travel and mandatory self-isolation.
In addition, for those who work at KHSC, contact Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) to be screened for symptoms of a respiratory infection.
I have vacation time booked and am planning to travel outside of Canada. Will I still be able to go?
The Government of Canada is warning against all non-essential international travel and is urging citizens to return home without delay.
International travel by residents at this time is irresponsible and may have repercussions for other residents and staff in their program. You are strongly advised to consider your role as a physician and act both professionally and responsibly. Should you need to self-isolate for 14 days upon your return, your salary may be affected because of this personal decision and your training may be extended.
If you need a letter for travel cancellation or insurance purposes, please complete the request form on the Travel and Event Protocol for the Faculty of Health Sciences website.
Where can I find further information from Kingston Health Science Centre (the paymaster for all residents and fellows)?
Watch for further updates, FAQs and resources on the COVID-19 site of KHSC Now. Follow the link off the home page.
What wellness resources are available?
There are a variety of wellness resources available on the PGME Website.
What are my best sources of information as it relates to my role as a resident or clinical fellow?
This is an evolving situation and updates will change regularly. Your best sources of information regarding your training are:
What are the latest COVID-19 work alerts from PARO?
The latest COVID-19 updates from PARO are available here.
I expect to successfully finish my training on June 30. Will I be allowed to practice now that certifying exams have been postponed?
Yes. The Medical Regulatory Authorities (the CPSO in Ontario) are working to develop a process which will allow residents who have successfully completed their training and are eligible to sit their certification examinations to receive a licence allowing them to practice and receive a provincial billing number so that they can work. Please review the CPSO’s COVID-19 FAQs for Physicians for information on registration and licensure.
Despite the evolving situation with COVID-19, the Faculty of Health Sciences is conscious of the need to make concrete plans for the delivery of our graduate programs during the fall term. In making these plans, the Faculty has been working closely with KFL&A Public Health and senior leadership at the University.
For the Fall 2020 term, we anticipate that all graduate programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences that are normally delivered on-campus will shift to a hybrid of remote delivery and on-campus activity. Graduate programs that are normally offered remotely with periodic on-site delivery will shift to full remote delivery for the Fall 2020 term, including: Aging & Health (GDip, MSc, PhD), Health Quality (MSc, PhD), Nursing (PhD), Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Management and Innovation (GDip) and Rehabilitation and Health Leadership (DSc).
We continue to work closely with KFL&A Public Health on plans for re-opening research laboratories and facilities. The operational details are finalized and being rolled out in a coordinated and staged manner guided by public health policies. As graduate students begin to return to these settings, they will be provided with clear direction and standard operating procedures on how research can be conducted in a safe manner, in accordance with public health guidelines. Graduate students are not to enter the buildings that their laboratories are housed in until they receive notification from their supervisors that the reopening plan for their laboratory has been approved, along with the operational details of that plan.
Many details for program delivery in the fall continue to be developed, but have not yet been finalized. We will continue to keep you updated as guidelines and protocols are put in place.
If you have time-sensitive questions related to your program, please reach out the following individuals:
School of Medicine - Dr. Chandra Tayade: tayadec@queensu.ca
School of Nursing - Dr. Erna Snelgrove-Clarke: erna.snelgroveclarke@queensu.ca
School of Rehabilitation Therapy - Dr. Marcia Finlayson: marcia.finlayson@queensu.ca
For questions related to funding, please reach out to the School of Graduate Studies.
The Faculty of Health Sciences leadership team has been working closely with the university, our hospitals and KFLA Public Health to make plans for the gradual return of some in-person activities.
In making these plans, safety is top of mind: the safety of our students, patients, staff, faculty, the hospital environment, and clinical staff. We have also been working hand in hand with the Provost’s office to ensure coordination between our faculty and the rest of the university. Further, any return to in-person activities will need to adhere to the principles as set out in the current provincial guidelines.
Limited reopening of offices
The following offices have opened, with limited staff capacity, in order to support clinical activity across FHS:
Any staff and faculty who have not been identified to return to work on campus will continue to work remotely until Aug 28. The faculty will share further information leading up to this date.
Return of Research Activity
In coordination with the Office of the Vice principal of Research, our Vice-Dean Research, Steve Smith is leading a process for a staged return of laboratory activity. This process is already underway. Research leads who are making plans for a return to on-campus activity should be in touch with Steve and visit https://www.queensu.ca/vpr/covid-19/research-facility-start-and-requests-site-access.
Return of Student Activity in Clinical Placements
Our three schools have been working with our Public Health unit, our hospitals and our community partners to determine the timing and safety considerations of our students returning to clinical rotations. In lifting the suspension of clinical placements, we anticipate that students will be resuming clinical activity towards the end of May or in early June, depending on the program. As our students return to these in-person activities, we will adhere strictly to Public Health and provincial guidelines, with safety being our biggest priority.
Additional information:
Queen's Office of the Vice-Principal (Research) COVID-19 research impact information
Should you perceive the need for clarification or an exception to what is outlined above, please send an inquiry/request to fhscomms@queensu.ca. We have established an adjudication process for educational and research activities, with the team meeting frequently to provide direction.
The Faculty of Health Sciences has suspended all academic or work-related travel outside Canada for faculty, staff and students. Individuals considering personal travel for any reason are strongly discouraged from doing so.
For any student, staff or faculty member returning from travel outside Canada
All faculty, staff and students, upon return from travel outside Canada, must self-isolate for 14 days before returning to work/class. This is in accordance with the Government of Canada’s recent directive.
For those who have returned from travel outside of Canada within the last 14 days
For faculty and staff members who have returned from travel outside Canada within the last 14 days, you must complete what is remaining of 14 days of self-isolation from the date of your return to Canada.
For those who have upcoming personal travel outside of Canada
Managing our collective healthcare provider workforce properly is of paramount importance. To this end, we strongly recommend following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s advice to avoid all non-essential travel outside of Canada.
Exemptions
For faculty members, we recognize that this may result in non-trivial clinical service disruptions in some circumstances. If a significant negative impact is anticipated as a result of the absence of the faculty member, and if the particular circumstances of the travel and the work environment collectively pose a low risk to patients and colleagues, then exceptions to the 14-day self-isolation directive may be issued through an exemption.
If you perceive a need for an exemption, please email fhscomms@queensu.ca with details on your specific circumstances. These requests will be adjudicated by a joint hospital-university committee and responses will be provided as quickly as possible.
What if I feel unwell but haven’t been travelling?
We can never be 100% certain who is sick around us with any virus. Follow the same infection control practices that you would at home and work: clean your hands frequently, cough into your sleeve or tissue that you discard, avoid touching your eyes/nose/mouth and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are feeling unwell, stay home. If you work in a clinical or hospital setting, please follow the directives of the institution where you are working.
Should events like research days, conferences and guest lectures be suspended?
Yes. Research days and other events like conferences and guest lectures should be suspended (cancelled or postponed).
Should committee, departmental or intra-departmental meetings be cancelled?
Meetings with more than 10 people in attendance should be suspended or held online. In-person meetings with less than 10 people may proceed, using the following precautions:
Since the spread of COVID-19 first began, the Faculty of Health Sciences has been closely monitoring the situation and consulting widely on an ongoing basis to make decisions around our learners. Things have evolved rapidly, and today, in alignment with our national counterparts, we have arrived at the decision to suspend clinical learning activities for medical students, nursing students, occupational therapy students and physical therapy students, as of the end of the day, Wednesday March 18, 2020. If you have concerns around completing documentation within this timeline, please contact your clinical supervisor.
This current suspension of clinical activity does not pertain to other learning activities that the Schools of Medicine, Nursing and Rehabilitation Therapy may have underway, or may initiate in the future.
Importantly, this suspension does not apply to residents and fellows in the School of Medicine, or registered nurses who are in the Nurse Practitioner program.
We will be monitoring this situation on an ongoing basis in order to determine when learners will return to clinical settings.
For residents and clinical fellows who are part of Queen’s Postgraduate Medical Education programs, please see COVID-19 Information – For residents and clinical fellows in postgraduate medical education programs below.
What should I do if I suspect that I have a coronavirus infection?
Please take the following steps:
If you are required to stay at home or miss class, please follow standard procedures and report to your program office.
I am a student working in a clinical setting. What should I do if I suspect a coronavirus infection in a patient or client?
Students who suspect a COVID-19 infection in a patient or client - based on appropriate symptoms and recent travel to an affected area or contact with a confirmed case - should report immediately to their direct clinical supervisor.
I am a student working in a clinical setting. Should I still be providing patient care?
Students will be expected to continue to provide patient care, except in cases where a COVID-19 infection is under investigation, presumptive or confirmed.
I am a student working in a clinical setting. Should I still be providing patient care to patients with COVID-19 infection?
Students will not be expected to provide direct care to patients in cases where COVID-19 is under investigation, presumptive or confirmed:
If a student is excused from clinical service, they should report this immediately to their program office by email or phone so that alternative educational experiences can be arranged.
I am a student working in a clinical setting. What if there is a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 case on my service or in my setting?
All students working in clinical settings should use the following guidelines:
The information below is for preceptors, clinical supervisors and attending physicians who are providing direct supervision to Faculty of Health Sciences’ students, residents or clinical fellows in clinical settings.
Are students working in clinical settings still expected to provide patient care?
Students will be expected to continue to provide patient care, except in cases where a COVID-19 infection is under investigation, presumptive or confirmed (see question 2 for further detail).
Should students working in clinical settings provide care to patients with COVID-19 infection?
Students will not be expected to provide direct care to patients in cases where COVID-19 is under investigation, presumptive or confirmed:
If a student is excused from clinical service, they should report this to their program office and alternative educational experiences will be arranged.
What happens when a student is working in a clinical setting and there is a case under investigation, or a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 case on their service?
In situations where a student is providing care on a clinical service where there is a case under investigation or a presumptive or confirmed COVID-19 infection, the student will not provide care directly to that patient. The student’s direct clinical supervisor will determine whether the student is expected to continue providing care to other patients on their service.
Should residents and clinical fellows provide direct care to patients who have a suspected COVID-19 infection?
Yes. Residents and clinical fellows are expected to continue to provide patient care where coronavirus is suspected or under investigation:
When should residents and clinical fellows disengage from providing patient care?
Residents and clinical fellows will be expected to continue to provide direct care to patients on their service in cases where COVID-19 is presumptive or confirmed, with the appropriate protection and supervision.
The expected level of care delivery may vary across programs based on the skill set of the resident and the goals, objectives and/or competencies of the specialty. Whether the delivery of care by the resident or clinical fellow should discontinue is at the discretion of the attending physician, department/division chief and Program Director.
Further information about the role of residents and clinical fellows in public health emergencies can be found in the Council of Ontario Universities’ Residents and Public Health Emergency Preparedness Guidelines which can be accessed here: https://cou.ca/reports/residents-and-public-health-emergency-preparedness-guidelines-2019/
As a clinical supervisor, what infection control guidelines should I be aware of?
The Faculty of Health Sciences recommends that all learners follow the guidelines below:
Who should I contact if I have any questions about the role of students, residents or clinical fellows in clinical settings?
For questions related to undergraduate medical students:
Dr. Andrea Guerin, Clerkship Director, UGME: ag151@queensu.ca
For questions related to students in the school of nursing:
School of Nursing Office: nursing@queensu.ca
For questions related to students in the school of rehabilitation therapy:
Occupational therapy - Dr. Rosemary Lysaght, Associate Director (Occupational Therapy): lysaght@queensu.ca
Physical therapy - Dr. Jordan Miller, Associate Director (Physical Therapy): jordan.miller@queensu.ca
For questions related to residents and clinical fellows (all except family medicine):
Dr. Ross Walker, Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education: ross.walker@queensu.ca
For questions related to family medicine residents:
Belleville-Quinte - Dr. Nadia Knarr, Site Director: nadia.knarr@dfm.queensu.ca
Kingston-1000 Islands – Dr. Kelly Howse, Site Director: Kelly.howse@dfm.queensu.ca
Bowmanville-Oshawa-Lakeridge – Dr. Wei-His Pang, Site Director: wei-hsi.pang@dfm.queensu.ca
Peterborough-Kawartha – Dr. Kim Curtin, Site Director: kim.curtin@dfm.queensu.ca
For questions related to bachelor of health sciences students:
Dr. Michael Adams, Director, Bachelor of Health Sciences: adams@queensu.ca
For questions related to graduate students in the school of medicine:
Dr. Chandrakant Tayade, Associate Dean Graduate & Postdoctoral Education: tayadec@queensu.ca
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
All graduate programs remain in session. Please refer to information from your program with regards to the deliery of classes online.
Graduate students in the School of Rehabilitation Therapy should refer to program and cohort specific information from Dr. Marcia Finlayson.
Graduate students in the School of Nursing including Healthcare Quality programs should refer to information from Dr. Erna Snelgrove-Clarke.
The Faculty of Health Sciences has set up a Command Team that will adjudicate specific events and situations to determine whether they fall under the intent of our protocol. A joint Faculty-hospital exemptions committee has also been established to adjudicate scenarios where an individual is seeking an exemption from the travel protocol. In both cases, the committees will consult with Dr. Kieran Moore from our local public health authority as needed and will respond to inquiries with a directive on next steps.
Please send any questions to fhscomms@queensu.ca and they will be directed to the appropriate committee.
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