Protocols in Practice

Even as the nation settles into a new normal, safety protocols related to Covid-19 remain in many medical facilities and practices, including in eye care.

In fact, overall data from EB’s 2022 Regional Market Trends Study reveals that the application of various safety protocols and the sentiments regarding them have only waned slightly from last year.

➤ Masking. The biggest change relates to masking measures. Today, just 38% of respondents say that masks are required for all patients and staff—a notable drop from 60% in 2021. The Northeast presented as the U.S. census region where the most ECPs (49%) require in-office masking, while the Midwest Region had the least (31%). Nationwide, 42% of ECPs said that masks are optional in their offices, while 19% say they are required only for unvaccinated patients and staff.

➤ Other Protocols. Nationwide, survey respondents revealed that the most popular in-office protocol remaining in place today is safety shields for exam equipment (48%). This was followed by disinfection protocols for exam equipment (47%), dividers for reception and dispensing areas (45%), and daily health checks for staff (43%).

➤ Staff Concerns. Practice staff continue to have health and safety concerns in 2022. A full 52% of survey respondents say their staff has voiced safety concerns with to being at work, on par with 51% last year. Just 34% have health concerns with being at work, down from 50% in 2021. And, some (31%) remain concerned about enforcing Covid safety protocols and rules with patients, up from 28% in 2021.