COVID-19 Response Plan
Rainier Clinical Research Center has established a COVID-19 response committee to develop strict new Safety Policies and Procedures to ensure the health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors. Some of these policies include thorough cleaning procedures following each patient visit, symptom screening for both patients and staff, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment for both patients and staff. We are abiding by social distancing recommendations as best possible at the same time as facilitating “normal” clinic operations.
If you have an appointment at our clinic and have had any of the following symptoms within the prior 48 hours including sore throat, fever, cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea, please contact your study coordinator at (425) 251-1720 to reschedule your visit. If you are not feeling well and think that you require medical assistance, it is best to call your primary care provider. Your health is our primary concern.
Summary of COVID-19 Safety Policies and Procedures
Per the CDC guidelines:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. As an alternative, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol can be used.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
PLEASE NOTE: Presented below is a “List of Topics” addressed by our COVID-19 Safety Committee. Further questions/concerns can be sent to rcrc@rainier-research.com or call 425-251-1720.
Staff Policies
Reporting and close monitoring of recent/current symptoms of any illness.
Adhering to social distancing in the workplace as best possible at all times.
Wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e. masks, gloves, etc. at all times.
Options of working from home. Utilization of electronic correspondence.
Reminder calls for patients
Close monitoring of recent/current symptoms of any illness of patients scheduled to attend clinic visits.
Rescheduling/Cancellations if necessary.
Rules on social distancing for patients.
Notification that wearing of facial masks will be required for everyone.
Visitors will not be allowed unless needed for the consenting process or assistance.
Waiting Room
Review recent/current symptoms of any illness for patients on arrival
Temperature checks will be required prior to admission into the clinic.
All patients will be asked to wear a facial mask throughout their appointments.
Social distancing in the waiting room.
Disinfecting of all surfaces on a frequent basis throughout the day.
Exam Rooms, Large Testing Rooms (Frequent Sampling Visits), and Routine Clinic Visits
Disinfecting of all surfaces on a frequent basis throughout the day.
Disinfecting of all equipment.
No cloth furniture permitted.
Hand hygiene.
Use of medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment for patients.
Proper spacing of patient chairs & proper social distancing.
Limited number of patients & staff permitted in each room.
Specific rules regarding the preparation of meals and beverages for lengthy visits.
Laboratory
Hand hygiene.
Use of medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment for patients.
Consistent phlebotomy procedures.
Disinfecting of all surfaces in-between each patient.
Disinfecting of all equipment used between each patient.
Overnight and Extended Stay Visits
Hand hygiene.
Use of medical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for staff.
Single occupancy of all rooms
Proper social distancing.
Use of other clinic facilities addressed.
Kitchen Etiquette
Disinfecting of all surfaces.
Disinfecting of all equipment.
Limited number (of staff members only) in the kitchen and food preparation area.
Hand hygiene.
Use of Personal Protective Equipment for staff.
Proper PPE during meal preparation.
Office Equipment and Other Frequently Touched Surfaces
Disinfecting of all surfaces.
Hand hygiene.
All Other Non-RCRC Employed Personnel
Notification of RCRC’s policies to all personnel prior to their visits
Close Monitoring of recent/current symptoms of any illness.
Rules on social distancing in the workplace at all times.
Wearing of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all visiting personnel.
Options of working from home. Utilization of electronic correspondence.
Disinfecting of all surfaces.
Disinfecting of all equipment.