PUSH changes practices to adapt to pandemic

Purdue University Student Health Center. (Purdue University/John Underwood) Download image

Purdue University Student Health Service (PUSH) implemented several changes to continue caring for students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The changes to PUSH’s practices began at the start of social distancing in March for the safety and well-being of students. PUSH has been open throughout the pandemic and continues to be open to assist Purdue students.

“It is the mission of Purdue University Student Health Service to provide quality, compassionate, culturally competent and safe care to members of the Purdue student community,” says Jamie Jackson, director of nursing for PUSH. “Therefore, in line with our core values, we adapted to the changing environment of this pandemic quickly with items such as provider telephone visits, separation of well and sick patients care areas and staff health screenings to ensure that our services continue to be safe, accessible and without interruption.”

PUSH’s general changes have included designating certain doorways as being either entrances or exits, enforcing social distancing through clearly marked spots on the floors, adding a transparent plastic barrier to the welcome desk, advising students not to bring a visitor with them, and reminding students of social distancing practices with signage at each entrance and exit. PUSH also suspended no-show fees for the spring semester and summer to help reduce student anxiety.

PUSH transitioned all initial face-to-face visits to initial phone screenings with a provider. The provider determines if the student needs to come in for a face-to-face appointment or if the visit can be completed over the phone.

“We have been able to do phone visits with students who live in Indiana and those students who have a previous medical relationship with a PUSH provider and are currently outside the state of Indiana,” Jackson says.

After the phone screening, if an in-person appointment is necessary, students are instructed on the designated entrance and stairwell they are to use to enter the building.

Students being seen for cough, congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, sore throat, body aches, sudden onset fatigue and/or fever have appointments on the main floor at PUSH. Checking in and out for their appointment also is done on the main floor.

Students who are not being seen for respiratory symptoms have their appointments on the third floor. These students are instructed to take the elevator to the third floor to check in for their appointment.

Starting this week, students who do not have respiratory symptoms have the option to book face-to-face appointments online by clicking on the "Patient Portal" icon or by calling 765-494-1700. Students with respiratory symptoms still will need to call the center at 765-494-1700 to start with an over-the-phone screening.

PUSH's hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is recommended that patients do not enter the PUSH building for a "walk-in" visit.

Writer: Madison Sanneman, msannema@purdue.edu
Source: Jamie Jackson, jacks629@purdue.edu