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COVID -19
Information for our Kinesiology community
As we see the corona virus pandemic increasingly affecting our day to day lives here in Australia, it is important that kinesiology practitioners and students, clinic operators and clinic owners are taking measures to minimise risk to themselves and the public.
Perhaps more importantly, the concern and uncertainty of the current climate is likely to be impacting you, your students and clients. Now is a good time to draw on your training and skills as a kinesiology practitioner, teacher or student. Our mental health is just as important to consider as our physical well-being.
Open the dialogue and talk to your friends, family, colleagues and communities. Critically examine what is being reported in the media. Take the time to pause and listen to your intuition and consider getting a balance to support yourself.
Below we have provided you with information we have pulled together from credible sources to provide some simple measures on how you can protect yourself, your clients and your students over the coming months. We must all be vigilant in monitoring government resources to ensure that we are working with the most up to date advice by monitoring recommendations from the Australian Government Department of Health updates. Additionally, the AKA recommends therapists ensure they are familiar with best practice standards around infection control.
The AKA cannot, and will not direct members to close their business. It is the responsibility of each member to consider their clients, their vulnerability and own health, based on the information provided in the health updates and make an informed and educated decision on their own individual risk assessment. AKA will take guidance from respected global health organisations and medical advisors and in alignment with various government restrictions.
It is important to ensure detailed clinical record keeping is maintained, including informed consent and contraindications. While therapists have the right to refuse treatment for any clients who may be suffering an illness, keep in mind Australia’s anti-discrimination laws. Hygiene and infection control is paramount. Ensure you are disinfecting all surfaces that may have come into contact with any virus, including objects you may not have considered in the past (e.g. doorknobs, buttons, sprays, books and other tools used in the session).
We hope you find the resources we have put together useful. But most importantly, we hope that you all remain safe and healthy through this challenging time.
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To support practitioners in face to face consultations see templates below to facilitate a COVID safe plan for your business. The intention of the documents is for you to use them as a guide and to modify them according to your business needs i.e as a sole trader working in clinic. All documents below are are referenced from Damn Good Advice on Creating a COVID-19-Safe Workplace: A guide for NFP boards and managers.
FAQs
Monitor recommendations in relation to COVID-19 from the government links below: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
You may be eligible for the government incentive for sole traders. Visit the links below for information: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/jobseeker-payment
Please check the link below pertaining to your state to determine whether you may still continue with face-to face Kinesiology services. VIC please click here to view Victoria's Covid update NSW please click here to view NSW's Covid update ACT 22/05/2020: YES; Kinesiologists are allowed to work in a face to face capacity in ACT. WA 21/05/2020: YES; Kinesiologists are allowed to work in a face to face capacity in Western Australia. https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus SA 20/07/2021 Level 5 Restrictions will be in place from 6pm. Kinesiologists to work online only. Kinesiology is other allied health and in the same category as personal services. More information is available on the SA government website here: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/activities-and-gatherings/current-activity-restrictions 1/12/2020: YES; Kinesiologists are allowed to work face to face with restrictions. Kinesiology is under the banner of 'Health or residential care, disability support or aged care services'.TAS 19/05/2020: YES; Kinesiologists are allowed to work in a face to face capacity in Tasmania. QLD https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-procedures/diseasesinfection/diseases/coronavirus 20/05/2020: YES; Kinesiologists are allowed to work in a face to face capacity in QLDNT 15/05/2020 (at 12 noon Stage 2 to commence): YES; Kinesiologists are able to practice Kinesiology face-to-face.
You the practitioner, are the single most important person in this equation. Because if you catch the virus you will be unable to assist anyone else. If you do choose to work with clients, we recommend you wear a mask, gloves and a different gown for every client to protect both you, your clients and your loved ones. Remember we don’t know where our clients have been for the last 2 weeks and who they have been around, so for every client you see, you are getting the exposure of many, many people.
Some insurers will not cover you for online consultations. AON, the AKA recommended insurer, follow AKA guidelines as listed above in the AKA Online Kinesiology Balance Protocol. Aon_ Cover for Online Services.pdf Aon_ COVID-19.pdf
The government has a free, 30 minute refresher course for infectious control here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training Note that registration is required. NOTE: these refresher courses/modules are approved for AKA CPE points.
A Kinesiologist falls under the banner of "unregistered" healthcare worker. Please note Kinesiologists are NOT registered with AHPRA. https://www.coaghealthcouncil.gov.au/NationalCodeOfConductForHealthCareWorkers
Our IT provider has recommended using Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp for video conferencing. All of these platforms are secure platforms, but you need to be aware that, like all data transmission, they are not without flaws. Security breaches are very rare and as likely as a phone call being intercepted. We recommend you explain this risk to your clients.
Please do not call the AKA Office, we are now working remotely, due to government requirements. We are available to answer your enquiries via email only. Email: enquiries@aka.asn.au We thank you for your understanding and patience during this challenging time.
Do not panic. All lapsed First Aid will be given a three month extension. This extension will revised by the AKA Management Committee after the three month period if the need arises.
As there are limited ways for accruing points, without person-to person contact, (i.e. conference cancellation), we are working towards increased online options to count towards CPE points. Consent has been granted from a number of the 2019 Conference presenters to extend the availability of their podcasts for purchase. Click here to purchase podcasts Please note, the online infectious control refresher courses listed above are approved for AKA CPE points. For those who cannot meet the minimum 20 CPE points for 2020, the option is for you to submit 40 points by 1st July 2021. Click here for CPE Record Form Click here for CPE Activity List
If you are with AKA's recommended insurance provider "Aon", your First Aid and CPE requirements will default to AKA's current adjustments/ modifications guidelines/policy set during this period. However, if your cover is not with Aon, you will need to contact your insurance provider directly or read their product disclosure statement (PDS).
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