Ultimate Blogging Championship

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  • Living with and Managing COVID-19, Updated Guidance and Events & Webinars

    Dear Members,

    On Wednesday Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, held a press conference where he announced the removal of the mandatory masking requirement for most settings on March 21, with the eventual lifting in most settings by April 27.  As part of the Living with and Managing COVID-19 (FR) strategy, a number of public health measures are being lifted including masking, isolation and testing requirements.

    Like many of you, we share a lot of the same concerns that our partners like the OHA, Children’s Health Coalition and RNAO have articulated that the removal of masks may be too soon, especially as we are still in a pandemic and high risk settings like schools have large groups of children not yet vaccinated. Now more than ever, getting as many children vaccinated and third shots to those over 18+ is critical. If you would like to administer vaccines in your clinic please connect with your PHU operational lead for information if you haven’t yet done so.

    Living with and Managing COVID-19

    Highlights from the  Living with and Managing COVID-19 (FR) strategy:

    CMOH Directives & Letters of Instructions:

    • A process is currently underway to gradually revoke all CMOH Directives and instructions by the end of April, which will be replaced with operational guidance or recommendations from the CMOH and relevant Ministry.
    • The first Directive to be revoked (FR) is Directive #6 (first issued on August 17, 2021), which required regarding the COVID-19 vaccination or and testing policies for public hospitals, home care and community services providers organizations, Home and Community Care Support Services organizations and ambulance services with respect to paramedics. Directive #6 will be revoked effective March 14, 2022, after which time organizations may retain their own policies.
    • On March 21, 2022, masking requirements will end in most places including schools but will remain in public transit, LTC, retirement homes, other healthcare settings and congregate settings like shelters and jails. Also, businesses will no longer have to conduct passive screening to require patients to self-identify recent exposure to a COVID-19 case. Other measures in schools are to also be lifted including removing cohorts and daily on-site screening.
    • On April 27, 2022 all remaining measures, directives and orders end including removing masking requirements in all remaining settings and revoking Directives 1, 2.1, 3, 4 and 5. Operational guidance post-April 27 will include a requirement for masking in all healthcare settings, though we are still seeking clarity on that.  

    Case and Contact Management and Isolation:

    • Non-household close contacts no longer need to isolate but for 10 days after exposure should self-monitor for symptoms, wear a mask, avoid activities that require removal of mask, not visit anyone who is at higher risk for illness (i.e., seniors) and not visit or attend work in highest risk settings (unless they have previously tested positive in past 90 days).
    • Household close contacts no longer need to self-isolate but should follow the above precautions for 10 days if: they have previously tested positive for COVID-19 in past 90 days or are household members over age 18+ and that have been vaccinated and received their including booster dose or are household members under 18 years old and are fully vaccinated (two doses). If household members do not meet the above criteria they must self-isolate per current requirements.

    You can find additional information about COVID-19 data reporting in the Living With and Managing COVID-19 briefing deck.

    N95 Respirators

    With the recent changes to Directives 1, 4 and 5, the use of N95 respirators has increased across the province’s health system. Please see this memo (FR) from Alison Blair, Associate Deputy Minister, Pandemic Response and Recovery and Melanie Frasier, Associate Deputy Minister, Health Services, on more information on the N95 Respirators that have been secured by the Ontario government over the next five years. Also included in the memo are instructions for health services providers on how to access N95 1870+ respirators and Fit Testing Supports. A reminder that health service provider organizations can request N95 1870+ respirators through Ontario Health’s Critical PPE Intake Form.

    Additional Ministry Updated Information

    In addition, the guidance for PCR testing has been updated and the eligibility has been expanded. The updated eligibility now includes: an outpatient who requires a diagnostic test for clinical management. This category gives primary care providers the flexibility to get PCR tests for their patients based on their clinical judgment.

    Events and Webinars

    Vaccine Hesitancy for People who are Pregnant, Lactating or Planning to Become Pregnant
    Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with the Canadian Vaccination Evidence Resource and Exchange Centre (CANVax) to produce a webinar to inform health care providers on vaccine hesitancy and strategies to build vaccine confidence in people who are pregnant, lactating or planning to become pregnant.
     
    At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: 

    • Discuss the challenges to vaccine confidence for individuals and families who are pregnant, considering pregnancy or lactating  
    • Identify strategies for building vaccine confidence among pregnant families, new parents, and those who intend to become pregnant  

     
    Event Information:
     
    English Presentation  
    Thursday, March 17, 2022
    3:30pm – 4:30pm EST
    Register: Click here
     
    Presenters:
    Dr. Ève Dubé, PhD, Medical anthropologist, Quebec National Institute of Public Health, Laval University
    Dr. Isabelle Boucoiran, M.D., M. Sc., Obstetrician-gynecologist, maternofetal medicine and reproductive infectious diseases specialist, clinical associate professor, Université de Montréal
     
    Moderator:
    Stephanie Elliott, MPH, CPH, Public Health Agency of Canada

    Improving your indoor air quality is essential to curbing the spread of COVID and protecting the health of your staff, clients, and community.

    Join the Alliance for Healthier Communities at noon on Tuesday, April 5 for a special Lunch ‘n’ Learn Webinar. Dr. Jeffrey Siegel and Dr. Amy (Tianyuan) Li will share practical advice about simple-low-cost measures you can take now to monitor and improve air quality in your facilities. These include portable filtration, bathroom fans that exhaust outdoor, strategically use of UV disinfection, and ways to clear air in rooms between uses.

    Register now, and be sure to mention any questions you’d like to see addressed. Want to get started right away? Check out these five great things non-profits can do with their year-end surpluses (or any time) to improve air quality and reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19 and other pathogens. This event is co-sponsored by our partners at the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions and the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council.

    We know you have a lot of questions around how to manage patient care as we look at living with and managing COVID in this next phase of the pandemic, including IPAC and masking for in-person care. We’re working with Public Health Ontario and our primary care partners to get some guidance and hope to have some information shortly. In the meantime, please continue to stay safe and thank you for all that you do. As always, please contact us if you have any questions.

    Yours in Good Health,

    The AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: Ontario Health and Primary Care and more

    Bits & Pieces: Ontario Health and Primary Care and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS, April 1
    • Social Work Week
    • Revocation of directive #6 and more
    • 2022/23 Annual Memo – Quality Improvement Plan
    • Ministry and Ontario Health updates, including coverage for continuous glucose monitors
    • Call for expressions of interest for hospital & pediatric models of care working groups
    • Upcoming events including COVID-19 and indoor air quality, and more

     

    Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS, April 1

    AFHTO has arranged for an update and conversation with Ontario Health on its role in supporting primary care, the work being led through the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence (MHA CoE), and the vision for OH’s Healthcare Navigation Service (HCNS).

    We will be joined by the following speakers:

    • Sacha Bhatia, Population Health and Value Based Health Systems Executive, Ontario Health
    • Zahra Ismail, Senior Director, Primary Care and Social Determinants, Ontario Health
    • Danyal Martin, Director, Clinical Programs, Mental Health & Addictions Centre of Excellence, Ontario Health
    • Graham Woodward, VP, Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence, Ontario Health
    • Mala Shastri, Lead, Co-Design, Patient Populations and Discovery, Ontario Health

    This session is open to all members of the teams so please share.

    Register here.

    #MoreThanEver We thank our Social Workers in health care. Social Work Week 2022 oasw.org

    Social Work Week

    It’s Social Work Week in Ontario, and we’d like to thank our teams’ social workers, who have worked tirelessly to support their patients and communities through COVID. We’re tired of living through historic times, but we’re glad you’re here to help. You can show your appreciation too, with resources from OASW.

     

    Revocation of directive #6 and more

    Recent updates include:

    We continue to update several pages on our site with resources and news:

    2022/23 Annual Memo – Quality Improvement Plan

    On behalf of Fernando Tavares, A/ Program Manager Primary Health Care Branch

    In follow up to the distribution from Ontario Health (EN and FR) regarding the submission of this year’s Quality Improvement Plans, the Ministry wrote to teams yesterday to confirm that they are supportive of Ontario Health’s plan to make this year’s submission voluntary and confirm that teams are not contractually required to submit this report for 2022-23.

    The Ministry continues to encourage all organizations who choose to complete this work to develop and post your 2022/23 QIP on your website and share it with your administrative staff, clinicians, and patients/residents and their family members.

    Ministry and Ontario Health updates, including coverage for continuous glucose monitors

    Assistive Devices Program– Starting March 14, 2022, eligible Ontarians with type 1 diabetes can receive Assistive Devices Program funding for a continuous glucose monitor and the related supplies.

    Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence – latest newsletter, Mar. 1, 2022

    Ontario Health’s Technology Advisory Committee– seeking volunteers. Deadline Mar. 14, 2022.

    Call for expressions of interest for hospital & pediatric models of care working groups

    Ontario Palliative Care Network is establishing two working groups to create two distinct models of care:

    Once completed, this work will build upon and complement the framework for Focus Area 1: Adults Receiving Care in Community Settings, completed in 2019.

    Applications are due to info@ontariopalliativecarenetwork.ca by Wednesday, April 6, 2022.

    COVID-19 and indoor air quality – how community spaces can reduce transmission using ventilation, filtration, and ultra-violet disinfection

    Hosted by the Alliance and IPHCC, this April 5 webinar features two experts in indoor air quality from the University of Toronto. Want to get started now? Dr. Siegel and Dr. Li have shared five great things you can do to improve air quality and reduce airborne transmission of COVID-19.

    Your Voice is Important: Election Campaign Training with Enterprise Canada, Apr. 6, 2022

    The provincial election is just over three months away. Now is the time for local candidates to hear from you!

    If you have any questions or need support, please email advocacy@afhto.ca.

    Diabetes Care: Tools and Resources to Support Mental Health Needs, Apr. 8, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health and moderated by Dr. David Kaplan. Find out more here.

    QI Innovations: Better Data, Better Decisions, Better Outcomes, Apr. 12, 2022
    Free conference hosted by Excellence through Quality Improvement Project (E-QIP). Learn more here.

  • Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act – Tools and Resources for Bylaw Compliance

    The Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) was proclaimed on October 19, 2021. Non-profits have until October 19, 2024, to update their bylaws and letters patent to comply with the ONCA.

    To support members with the ONCA requirements, INQ Law has developed the following tools for teams:

     

    Kathy O’Brien and Simmie Palter from INQ Law reviewed  the new tools and ONCA’s impact on FHTs on Tuesday, April 26. Their deck can be seen here.

    Here is the webinar recording:

    Teams are also reminded of the introductory ONCA session that we held on November 19, 2021, with Benjamin Miller from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO). This education focused on what is new in the ONCA, and steps non-profits can take to set themselves up for success in transitioning to the new requirements under the Act. The presentation deck and recording of that webinar are here.

    Please note of the updated ONCA Template showing a slight change occurring in late 2023. These changes relate to electronic meetings (giving notice, holding them, adjourning them etc.), the composition of the audit committee and the clarification that corporate records can be kept electronically. These by-law changes would have to be approved by special resolution of the members but no government filing would be required for teams that have already updated their By-laws to align with ONCA.

    The FHT template By-law is specific to the FHTs; it includes specific elements from the FHT Funding Agreement that might not apply to NPLCs or CHCs.

    If you have any questions, please info@afhto.ca

  • Bits & Pieces: resilient communities fund and more

    Bits & Pieces: resilient communities fund and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • OTF Resilient Communities Fund deadline April 6
    • Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month
    • Recommended drugs for adults with COVID-19 and more
    • Cannabis and older adults – coming soon
    • OCFP Awards – call for nominations
    • Benefits wayfinder
    • Upcoming events including “From pandemic to endemic? What’s next with COVID”, and more

    OTF Resilient Communities Fund deadline April 6

    While AFHTO members may not be solely eligible, they can work with community partners to apply for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund. The fund supports the recovery efforts of organizations impacted by COVID-19 and helps them respond with immediate, medium, and longer-term recovery projects.

    • Applicants can apply for a minimum of $10,000, and up to $200,000, with a maximum of $100,000 per year.
    • Application period is from March 9 until April 6, 2022, at 5 PM ET.

    You can find out more and register for overview webinars here.

    (NOTE: as per the OTF – they do not fund organizations that receive the majority of their funding through the public purse but they would welcome applications through the Collaborative Applicants Policy).

    Pharmacist in glasses, mask, hijab and gloves injects masked female patient in her right arm

     

    Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month

    March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month, so we’d like to thank all our teams’ pharmacists for stepping up, during the pandemic, before, and beyond. Happy Pharmacist appreciation month!

     

    Recommended drugs for adults with COVID-19 and more

    Recent updates include:

    We continue to update several pages on our site with resources and news:

    Cannabis and older adults asynchronous learning- 11 individually accredited modules

    Cannabis and older adults – coming soon

    Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health has been developing several eLearning modules on Cannabis and Older Adults. The English version will be ready for launch very soon. Geared specifically to physicians, nurse practitioners, other healthcare providers and healthcare students, information on how to register will be made available when the modules officially launch. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest developments. 

    OCFP Awards – call for nominations

    Nominate your colleagues for an OCFP award. Multiple categories ae open, including regional Family Physician of the Year. New for 2022 – Ontario family physicians can self nominate in any OCFP Award category. Deadline Mar. 13, 2022.

    Benefits wayfinder
    Benefits wayfinder is an online tool that simplifies the search for government benefits for people seeking ways to boost their incomes and/or reduce their expenses. Created by Prosper Canada, primary care providers can do a free online course to help them support patients here. If you have questions, please email benefitswayfinder@prospercanada.org. 

    Supporting caregiver well-being within Ontario Health Teams: Building caregiver resilience and reducing the risk of caregiver burnout, Mar. 2, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Caregiver Organization. Register here

    From pandemic to endemic? What’s next with COVID, Mar. 4, 2022

    Join the 40th in OCFP CoP’s series ‘Changing the way we work’. Register here.

    Your Voice is Important: Election Campaign Training with Enterprise Canada, Apr. 6, 2022

    The provincial election is just over three months away. Now is the time for local candidates to hear from you!

    If you have any questions or need support, please email advocacy@afhto.ca.

    Safe Administration of Oxytocin, Mar. 7, 2022
    Relaunched report, developed by the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health available here. You can register for the webinar here.

    Primary Care COVID-19 Support CoP, Mar. 9, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health, with a special focus on COVID@Home monitoring and Post COVID-19 Clinical Guidance for primary care. Register here.

    Winter/Spring 2022 Continuing Professional Development, until June 2022
    Some changes have been made to session dates for Queen’s Faculty of Health Sciences’ Continuing Professional Development program to allow them to host many programs in-person. View options here.

  • Reallocation Requests 2021-22

    Please support AFHTO with a voluntary contribution

     

    As we enter into post-pandemic recovery, the foundational role of primary care has never been as important. However, the work ahead of us is daunting and will require some additional supports and deliberate attention. Please consider supporting AFHTO in the upcoming year by making a reallocation to support upcoming AFHTO projects for this year which may include:

    • Health human resources is at a crisis point in this province and there has never been a more important priority as finding ways to retain our team members in comprehensive team-based care – foundational to that will be the need for a market refresh on compensation with a renewed focus on recommended salary rates, especially given the unprecedented inflation rates and cost of living expenses.
    • To help support government relations for the upcoming provincial election, ongoing advocacy with all parties (including elected officials) continues to be important and relationship building with the elected party will be even more critical. Government Relations support is critical as we also look to building relationships with the federal government.
    • The importance of team-based care was made even more clear during the pandemic – individuals who were supported through a team were better able to maintain their health and well-being and manage their health status through continuity and relationships. But showing the value has always been difficult and research demonstrating the value has never been so important. Critical to this will be embedding research and researchers to demonstrate why every Ontarian who wants access to team-based care should have access.
  • Are you taking full advantage of your AFHTO membership?

    Are you taking full advantage of your AFHTO membership?

    Benefits and perks galore

    To AFHTO member EDs/Admin Leads, Lead MDs/NPs, and Board Chairs

    Leading in primary care has never been easy and it would be an understatement to say the work has only gotten harder during COVID. That’s why you should take advantage of every opportunity available, and that includes making the most of your AFHTO membership.

    While you may open our emails because you know you’re getting the latest and most relevant updates, you might have forgotten about other benefits available to you. Below are some which can facilitate not just your work, but that of staff, clinicians and board members as well, or simply make life a little easier.

    Membership benefits:

    HOOPP handbook cover with woman giving a little boy a piggyback ride, both laughing

    Eligibility to join Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

    • Employers Joining HOOPP – this page outlines some of the benefits for employers and an overview of the process
    • HOOPP Plan Features – this page outlines the many great features of the Plan that are available to all HOOPP members
    • The HOOPP Handbook – this member booklet provides a detailed overview of the Plan
    • If you’re interested in participating in HOOPP, you can contact Bill Kontos, Business Development Manager
    • m. (437) 998-3042
    • e. bkontos@hoopp.com

    (NOTE: AFHTO continues to advocate to try to reduce the OHA membership fee to participate in the HOOPP program and will continue this work).

    Discount perks

    • Reduced rates for Community Health Ontario Group Insurance Plan (CHOGIP)- English and French
      • Available as a benefits program courtesy of our partnership with the Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance) and Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO)
      • As a reminder, benefits for primary care teams are set at 22.5% to enable teams to access benefits and pension. For more information on the CHOGIP program please contact our Benefits Consultant, Pierre Huneault at pierre@dibrina.com.
    • Perkopolis employee discounted program
    • GoodLife Fitness discounts

    And lest we forget- UpToDate® discounts

    Desktop monitor, tablet and smartphone all showing UpToDate information

    As an AFHTO member, you are able to save on an individual subscription to UpToDate® and optional add-on products.*

    AFHTO professional members can SAVE 15% off and up to USD 194 on a subscription to UpToDate.

    AFHTO trainee members can SAVE 20% off and up to USD 79 on a subscription to UpToDate.

    AFHTO Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants SAVE 20% off annual (or longer) subscription rates and up to USD 259 on a three-year professional subscription to UpToDate.

    To take advantage of this offer, log in as an AFHTO member, and then click on either:

    Also included:

    There are so many calls on your time and budget, so take advantage of all we have to offer. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@afhto.ca.

    *Savings on annual and longer subscriptions only and based on subscription type. AFHTO member prices are reflected in the UpToDate storefront when you are signed in to the AFHTO website with your membership login. Applicable taxes may apply.

  • Bits & Pieces: election advocacy materials ready and more

    Bits & Pieces: election advocacy materials ready and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Provincial Election 2022: advocacy material is now ready
    • CIRA’s Community Investment Program grant application open March 1
    • Vaccine information sheets updated and more
    • Submission of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for 2022/23 voluntary
    • Update on tests now covered by OHIP
    • Seeking input for social connections and living with dementia research study
    • Upcoming events including Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages and more

    Provincial Election 2022: advocacy material is now ready

    When it comes to keeping Ontarians healthy, IT TAKES A TEAM. Above a graphic illustration of four healthcare workers.

    The provincial election is just over three months away! The election period will start in early May, and election day is June 2. However, campaigns are underway now and health care is a priority for all parties.

    AFHTO is arranging meetings with ministers, opposition health critics, and party leaders or central campaign leads. And now is the time for local candidates to hear from you!

    To help make sure parties understand the importance of team-based primary care and how to address the crisis facing the healthcare sector, candidates need to hear about it – and solutions on how to fix it – from local stakeholders and voters.

    If you have any questions or need support, please email advocacy@afhto.ca.

    CIRA’s Community Investment Program grant application open March 1

    AFHTO members and/or their partners may be eligible for Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) Community Investment Program grants. Grants are available up to $100,000. In addition, one grant is available up to $250,000. You can learn more about eligibility, key dates and priority funding areas for 2022 on their site. You can also register for their information webinar on March 8.

    Vaccine information sheets updated and more

    Recent updates include:

    We continue to update several pages on our site with resources and news:

    Submission of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for 2022/23 voluntary

    On Feb. 18, Ontario Health sent out a memo regarding annual priorities for the 2022/23 Quality Improvement Plans. For the past two years, QIP submissions have been on pause. This year QIP submission to Ontario Health is voluntary. Please email QIP@OntarioHealth.ca if you have any questions. You can also register for the Feb. 24 webinar QIP 2022/23 Program Launch here.

    Update on tests now covered by OHIP

    Per communication from LifeLabs, the following tests are now covered by OHIP:

    • NT-proBNP – Measurement of NT-proBNP is a mainstay for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF)

    New Canadian Dyslipidemia guidelines (2021)

    • Apolipoprotein B – A risk measure for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
    • Lipoprotein (a) – Essential risk assessment for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASVD)

    Seeking input for social connections and living with dementia research study
    Funded by the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation, Nipissing University researchers are seeking input for a study exploring social connectedness & loneliness in people living with dementia & their care partners. The outcomes will inform resources for staying socially connected when living with dementia. They are currently seeking participants. Find out more here.

    Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages, Feb. 24, 2022
    COVID-19 has put an extraordinary strain on laboratory medicine in Canada due to critical shortages in blood tubes, devices, and lab staffing. Join Choosing Wisely Talks for a discussion on the need to conserve tubes and other critical lab resources. Register here.

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement, Feb. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Register here.

    The Reality of Virtual Care: Learning From the Pandemic, Mar. 1, 2022
    Ontario Health is relaunching Quality and Patient Safety Rounds (formerly Quality Rounds Ontario) to connect the quality community across Ontario. Register here.

    Supporting caregiver well-being within Ontario Health Teams: Building caregiver resilience and reducing the risk of caregiver burnout, Mar. 2, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Caregiver Organization. Register here

    Primary Care COVID-19 Support CoP, Mar. 9, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health, with a special focus on COVID@Home monitoring and Post COVID-19 Clinical Guidance for primary care. Register here.

  • Election 2022 – it Takes a Team – Social Graphics

    Election 2022 – it Takes a Team – Social Graphics

    For the 2022 election, here are graphics that you can use for social media to help with local advocacy!

    There are seven images. You can right click on any image you’d like to use and save it to your desktop.

    If you have any questions or need support, please email advocacy@afhto.ca

     

     

  • Updated primary care guidance document, revocation of Directive #2 and other supports

    Dear Members,

    With the announcement on February 14th that the government is moving to the next phase of reopening on February 17th, now more than ever it’s important to keep the pressure on ensuring more Ontarians get vaccinated. Thank you again for all your hard work in supporting your patients and community in all aspects of the pandemic efforts, while also managing the critical work of keeping your doors open for primary care.

    In addition to the reopening, as of 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, Ontario is expanding booster dose eligibility to youth aged 12 to 17. Appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, as well as at primary care clinics and select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine.

    Appointments are to be booked approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose and individuals must be 12 years old at the time of appointment. If you would like to administer vaccines in your clinic please connect with your PHU operational lead for information if you haven’t yet done so.

    Primary Care Guidance Document
    The Ministry has issued the COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting (FR) (Version 10.0, Feb. 14, 2022). In this document see:

    • Updated in-person care guidance (page 3)
    • Updated active screening recommendations (page 6)
    • Updated PPE requirements when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (page 9 and 14)
    • New testing guidance (page 11)
    • Updated case management (page 13)  
    • Updated HCW self-isolation and return to work guidance (page 17)

    Also the Ministry has updated COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge Management of Critical Staffing Shortages in Highest Risk Settings (Version 3.0, Feb 11, 2022) which you can find here (FR).

    Revocation of Directive #2 and Revised Directive #2.1
    On Thursday, February 10th, the CMOH revoked Directive #2 to allow for the resumption of non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures in hospitals. Until there is a return to normal hospital capacity, Dr. Moore also issued an updated Directive #2.1 to ensure that hospitals resource share across the system. For more details:

    To support the cautious and phased resumption of these clinical services, Ontario Health has provided operational guidance to the hospital and health care system in the Operational Direction for Optimizing Care: Wave 5 (FR) document. Of particular note was a specific request for primary care in supporting the response.

    Primary Care and Community Support Services:

    • Continue to focus on urgent and emergent care to avoid unnecessary emergency visits
    • Continue to optimize capacity to support flow and provide care at home, as appropriate
    • Resume or continue preventative care (e.g., cancer screening)
    • Undertake early identification and referral of patients who would benefit from covid therapeutics
    • Continue to support vaccinations and remote monitoring of covid patients
    • Ensure community support service organizations continue to participate and collaborate on regional response and recovery efforts

    Importance of Vaccinating Children 5-11
    As of February 9th, nearly 55% of all Ontarian children aged 5-11 have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, of which nearly 25% are fully vaccinated with two doses. The government has requested that there be a renewed focused on vaccinating children 5 to 11 years old. To support these efforts, please see:

    Update on RATs
    The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table has released a new review on Use of Rapid Antigen Tests during the Omicron Wave. Some key notes:

    • Combined oral-nasal sampling that involves swabbing both cheeks, the back of the tongue or throat, then both nostrils, should be implemented for rapid antigen tests
    • a single negative rapid antigen test result should not be used to rule out a case of COVID-19 at this time
    • a single positive rapid test result can be used to confirm COVID-19
    • there are multiple ways in which serial testing can be applied to assess the likelihood of COVID-19, depending on the case rate, risk tolerance, and setting.  

    Just a reminder that the provincial stockpile has received additional RATs and all backlogged orders should have been fulfilled. Additional orders can be made here.

    Also a reminder that primary care can refer patients for PCR testing using the PHO developed form when the diagnostic test is required for clinical management, at the discretion of the referring clinician. The form is being embedded in the 3 major EMRs (Telus PSS, Accuro and OSCAR) and updated guidance will soon be available.

    Other vaccination resources

    • VaxFacts is partnering with the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario to provide a dedicated, free telephone service for members of Black communities to receive vaccine information. No OHIP required. Visit shn.ca/VaxFacts or call 416-438-2911 ext. 5738.
    • GO-VAXX Mobile Vaccine Clinics are now accepting walk-in. Check the GO-VAXX schedule for times and locations. If your organization is interested in having the GO-VAXX bus visit your community, please contact GOVAXX@ontario.ca.
    • OCSA’s Accessible Drive-to-Vaccine program has been extended and provides door-to-door rides to vaccination sites for people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues.
    • The Rehabilitative Care Alliance has compiled this list of outpatient rehab programs which may be helpful for patients experiencing ongoing symptoms of COVID-19.

    Upcoming Events:
    Ontario College of Family Physicians/University of Toronto Department of Family & Community Medicine

    • The next CoP session will be Friday, February 18th from 7:55 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on The Omicron Aftermath: Post-acute COVID and Physician Wellness. Register here.

    Choosing Wisely Canada

    • Laboratory medicine is under strain from COVID-19, with critical shortages in blood tubes, devices, and lab staffing. Learn primary care recommendations to conserve – register for the Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages talk on February 24th at 12:00 p.m.

    As we start slowly reopening the province again, we want to thank you once again for all you are doing to keep your patients and the community safe. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

     Yours in Good Health,

     The AFHTO Team

    (in collaboration with the Primary Care Collaborative)

  • Bits & Pieces: 2022 pre-budget submission, OHIP inequity and more

    Bits & Pieces: 2022 pre-budget submission, OHIP inequity and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission
    • Inequity in online OHIP renewal being addressed
    • FHT contract extension confirmed
    • Our response regarding the impact of team-based care on ED visits
    • Windsor Essex OHT announced
    • Updates re revoking Directive #2 and more
    • Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program extended
    • Advance care planning guides on sale
    • Upcoming events including The Omicron Aftermath: Post-acute COVID and Physician Wellness and more

    AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission

    On February 10, AFHTO submitted our recommendations to the government for their 2022 budget. This was done in collaboration with our five partners in the Primary Care Collaborative.

    Our recommendations are broken into four sections: 1) Address the HHR crisis and system capacity; 2) Integrate health care across Ontario; 3) Prioritize digital and data equity; and 4) Create a culturally safe healthcare system that addresses health inequities.

    With primary care at the foundation, our submission lays out what is needed to help build a province where people can access better care, more integrated care, and more accessible and continuous care.

    Our 2022 pre-budget submission can be read here.

    Inequity in online OHIP renewal being addressed

    Kathleen Wynne quote tweet- This is good news and only happened because activists spoke up. COVID has been especially hard on people with disabilities. This decision only makes sense!

    AFHTO began advocacy for the online OHIP renewal system last fall after learning that only people with a driver’s license could renew their OHIP card online. Like others, we felt it was unfair to limit this ability, particularly when it most negatively impacts people with disabilities that may prevent them from driving and, as such, having a driver’s license. It’s a concern at any time, but especially with a fast-approaching OHIP renewal deadline during a pandemic.

    AFHTO’s advocacy, along with partners, has paid off and the government announced on February 9 that they will be fixing the system to allow those with an Ontario Photo Card to renew online as well. To allow them needed time to fix this, they have extended the OHIP renewal deadline to September 30, 2022. Read more here!

    FHT contract extension confirmed

    FHT funding agreements were set to expire March 31, 2022. On Feb. 9 the Primary Health Care Branch sent the long-anticipated letters to teams confirming the extension of your current contracts to March 31, 2023. To minimise any potential disruption in funding, please return a signed copy as requested by March 15, 2022. Please contact your Ministry representative if you have any questions.

    Our response regarding the impact of team-based care on ED visits

    In the Jan/Feb Annals of Family Medicine journal Dr. Tara Kiran et al. showcased the Impact of Team-Based Care on Emergency Department Use which found adoption of team-based primary care may reduce emergency department use. See here for our response to the editors on this very important work.

    Windsor-Essex OHT announced

    Congratulations to Windsor-Essex OHT, whose 45 partners include members Amherstburg, Erie Shores, Harrow Health Centre, Windsor FHTs, and Essex County NPLC. Their focus will include ensuring underserved communities have equitable, culturally appropriate, and safe access to care. Read the news release here.

    Updates re revoking Directive #2 and more

    Recent updates include:

    We continue to update several pages on our site with resources and news:

    Need a ride to your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment?

     

    Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program extended

    Ontario Community Support Association has been administering the Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program since June 2021, which is a Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility funded initiative that provides rides to COVID-19 vaccines for people with disabilities and seniors with mobility issues. The program was originally set to conclude in December 2021, but was extended to accommodate further transportation to booster shots, etc. The Ministry has announced that the program has been extended to March 31, 2022. Visit their site for more information.

    Advance care planning guides on sale

    National Advance Care Planning Day is on Saturday, April 16, and Hospice Palliative Care Ontario has a resource, Guide to Advance Care Planning in Ontario, to encourage important conversations. From now until March 31 at 4 p.m. all orders placed for full boxes will be provided with a discount of 10% off. Order the guide in English, French, Punjabi, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, or Tagalog. Please email your completed order form to Nav.Dhillon@hpco.ca.

    The Omicron Aftermath: Post-acute COVID and Physician Wellness, Feb. 18, 2022
    39th in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ – COVID CoP for Family Physicians, hosted by OCFP. Register here.

    Segmenting your OHT population: Stories from the Field Part 3, Feb. 22, 2022
    The next HSPN OHT evaluation webinar. Register here.

    OMD Educates: Targeting Patient Populations in Primary Care – A Practical Approach, Feb. 23, 2022

    Presented by Dr. Anil Maheshwari, Dr. Lee Donohue, and Dr. Vineet Nair, OMD Physician Peer Leaders with support from OMD Practice Enhancement Consultants.
    Register here.

    Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages, Feb. 24, 2022
    COVID-19 has put an extraordinary strain on laboratory medicine in Canada due to critical shortages in blood tubes, devices, and lab staffing. Join Choosing Wisely Talks for a discussion on the need to conserve tubes and other critical lab resources. Register here.

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement, Feb. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Register here.

    Supporting caregiver well-being within Ontario Health Teams: Building caregiver resilience and reducing the risk of caregiver burnout, Mar. 2, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Caregiver Organization. Register here