Virtual Health Spotlight Series: The Exercise Physiology Team

On Wednesday April 22, the team here at Providence Health Care held its first ever ZOOM “Stretch and Movement” session led by PHC Exercise Physiologists. It was 15 minutes in length and had 42 Cardiac Rehab patients participate.

Julie Werry, Clinical Nurse Leader/Patient Educator, Healthy Heart Program states, “there was a significant amount of waving between patients and staff as we all have not seen each other for four weeks! It was wonderful to see everyone again, even if it was virtually. It is important we stay connected during this time. Thanks to technology, we are able to provide the care to our patients despite being miles apart.”

With technology, such as Zoom, there have been many positive outcomes but also a few challenges.  For example, incorporating music into the recording of the sessions for patients to move too and finding a space that works best for filming. Also, similar to our physiotherapy Zoom story last week, physiologists needing to adapt how they talk and explain things to patients compared to how they would if they saw them in person. With most things COVID-19 related, the team is learning and adapting each day.

Going forward, the plan is to continue these sessions weekly — the team held another one last week. Thanks to Julie and the rest of the team for your continuous flexibility during this difficult time and for finding ways to stay connected to patients.

Questions? Email virtualvisits@providencehealth.bc.ca.