Dear Healthcare Professional:
Please accept our sincerest thanks for everything you do for the health and well-being of the patients you serve. There aren’t many silver linings to be found in the COVID-19 crisis, but if there is one, it may be that we’ve all been reminded not only of how essential our medical professionals are to the fundamental functioning of our nation, but also how we all too often take your expertise and commitment for granted.
While each of us is doing our best to make the most of the unusual – and unsettling – circumstances we’re in, it’s not likely that things are going to return to anything like ‘normal’ for at least a little while longer.
Your office visits have almost certainly been impacted by the crisis, and we’re sure that your patients are concerned about their health and their ability to reach you during this time.
That’s why we’ve gathered some of our favorite patient resources in the section below. These are brochures, booklets, trackers and tools that are designed for patients to use on their own and in the comfort of their own homes, with easy tips and techniques to help them continue on their care path.
Feel free to download them and then share them widely – you can email them, put them on your own web page, even print them out and mail them (and, of course, you can always feel comfortable sending your patients directly to NAFC.org, as well).
No matter how you choose to get the word out, you’ll find that sharing these resources is a convenient and effective way to continue supporting those who count on you for their care, even if they can’t make it to you in person. To help you get started, we’ve drafted the following email that you can customize for your practice to make your patients aware of some of the materials they have at their disposal.
Dear Valued Patient,
We know there are continuing questions and concerns about COVID-19. Please be assured that all of us at [PRACTICE NAME HERE] are following the most recent guidelines issued by the CDC diligently to ensure your safety, our own safety and the safety of the community at large.
In particular, we have implemented a number of procedures to keep our environment as clean as possible, and we require that all staff members who have any symptoms or suspected exposure stay home until cleared by a physician.
Just as important is that patients who may be carrying COVID-19 minimize their contact with others, as well. This is where you can really help us all flatten the curve – if you meet any of the following criteria and have an upcoming, non-emergency appointment, please call our office to reschedule:
You have traveled internationally in the last 14 days
You have had any contact with someone who has COVID-19, as confirmed by a lab test
You are experiencing respiratory symptoms or have a fever
Of course, treating urology symptoms at home can be challenging, whether you’re caring for yourself or someone else. That’s why we hope you’ll take a moment and click through following links – you’ll find a whole range of easy-to-understand, patient-friendly resources and educational tools that can really make a difference for you:
How changes in diet and exercise can help incontinence
Using bladder retraining or bowel retraining to improve incontinence symptoms
Using Kegel exercises (if approved by your doctor) to help incontinence
Feeling alone during this time? Talk with others like you at the National Association for Continence’s message board
Caring for someone with incontinence? Here is a list of helpful resources.
Need to order incontinence supplies online? Find helpful information on picking the right absorbent product here and a list of trusted resources where you can order supplies online here.
Find brochures across many conditions, booklets, incontinence trackers and tools at the NAFC learning library
Amwell makes it easy for you to talk to doctors, immediately, from your home. Simply log on or call 1-844-SEE-DOCS (1-844-733-3627) to connect with board-certified doctors in your area.
If you have questions or an urgent problem, please call our office and we will have a physician or technician return your call. We value all of your patience during these difficult times and encourage everyone to stay safe and healthy. We will continually evaluate and monitor the situation closely as it unfolds and will be sending updated communication.
Sincerely,
