COVID-19 prevention strategies during the return to activities in a Speech Therapy Teaching Clinic

Abstract

Purpose: Describe the preventive strategies used during the COVID-19 pandemic in the return of academic and health care activities in a Speech Therapy Teaching Clinic at a Brazilian public university. Methods: This is a descriptive study based on documentary research. The strategies were based on official recommendations from national and international institutions and/or organizations to combat COVID-19 published between March and June 2020. The strategic plan included an analysis of the clinic’s infrastructure, material and human resources, and user profile. The results are presented descriptively. Results: Actions based on the health recommendations to face the COVID-19 pandemic published until then considered adaptations to the infrastructure, care for the environment, and planning and implementation of a new health care routine and a biosafety protocol. The technical-scientific support provided by professionals in the field of biosafety was essential to assess local risks and establish preventive measures. Conclusion: A detailed description of strategies is a guiding instrument for the return to activities in the safest manner. To be effective, strategies to combat infections of any nature should be formulated considering the particularities of each health care environment. The new routines should contemplate the local socioeconomic reality and fulfill the academic and social objectives of the Speech Therapy Teaching Clinic, but they should be revised by the management team periodically or as the local health situation evolves.