Cheryl Hall, PA-C, MHS, has been a PA for over 25 years. She has worked in a variety of settings, with her most recent beginning last December in Behavioral Health at Haymount Institute in Fayetteville, NC. Cheryl has shared some of the challenges faced curing COVID-19.
“We began using Telehealth during the second week of March, as the state began issuing stay-at-home guidance. It has been quite a challenge and very stressful. We use Doxy.me and Doximity and most of the office works from home, but I and my medical assistant come to the office to do telehealth. Some patients, particularly from Fort Bragg, need written prescriptions, so we can print the prescriptions and have them come and pick them up in the parking lot from us as we use PPE.
With regards to telehealth, there are a few challenges, including the inability to obtain vital signs and an even larger challenge in that some patients do not have good cell or internet service. We’ve also experienced a variety of behaviors from patients. Some patients don’t feel the need to even get out of bed and simply roll over for their visit, while some parents think it’s unnecessary for their child to be present when discussing their child’s health. Some behaviors become even more challenging, such as those who walk around during the call and lose their signal and some who even log on while driving.
It has been an interesting experience to provide telehealth during this time. I am glad we can continue to provide for patients while keeping as many people safe as possible. I certainly appreciate all the essential workers and PAs on the front lines.”
Thank you to all PAs providing care to the citizens of North Carolina during this unprecedented time. We are rooting for you, all the way.
