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  • All Hands on Deck to Increase Vaccination Rates for Third Doses

    Message for EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians

    Dear Members,

    Last night, the Primary Care Collaborative members were invited to a meeting with Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Catherine Zahn, Deputy Minister of Health, Ministry of Health representatives and Ontario Health representatives.  Dr. Moore provided an update on Omicron and issued a call to action to primary care to play a significant role in vaccinating people 50+ over the next two weeks.

    Omicron update:

    • 1536 positive COVID cases were reported on Sunday (the largest ever on a Sunday) and 50% of those cases were Omicron.
    • Evidence is now showing that 2 doses of mRNA vaccine does not decrease transmission and there is a need for third shots.
    • Omicron cases seem to be doubling every two days and forecasting shows an ongoing uptick in cases.
    • 3 doses will hopefully protect people 50+ from serious illness or morbidity.

    Response:

    • Province’s goal is to vaccinate 3 million people 50+ in the next two weeks.
    • This is the priority for the health system over the next 2 weeks.
    • The goal is to protect people from serious illness and protect hospital capacity.
    • Dr. Moore has met with PHUs and Hospitals and they were asked to step up vaccination efforts, by extending their hours, adding more clinics, work with primary care to increase availability.
    • There is an adequate supply of vaccine to reach all 3 million people.

    Call to Primary Care:

    • Maintain all essential care (especially urgent and emerging issues), but where available redirect routine care over the next two weeks to deploy staff to assist with vaccination efforts.
    • There was indication that if you incur extraordinary costs, due to this extraordinary situation, there will be a process to get reimbursed for those costs (more information to come on this).
    • If your PHU has does not get in touch with you, please reach out to them to help ensure that all hands are on deck.
    • The HHR crisis was identified as an issue, and it was shared that especially in the north and rural areas, medical and nursing students could be engaged to provide vaccines. Ministry is working on a process for their engagement.  

    There will be more information coming from the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health, hopefully later today or tomorrow. However, we wanted to share this information with you this morning in case you begin to get contacted by your health system partners or PHU to start planning. Dr. Moore shared last night that this is absolutely the most important thing primary care can do in response to the pandemic.

    We will continue to share information with you as we receive it.

     
    Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns,

    Yours in good health,
    The AFHTO Team  

  • AFHTO 2021 Conference: all videos now available for members + 2022 planning committee sign up

    AFHTO 2021 Conference: all videos now available for members + 2022 planning committee sign up

    Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild

     

    Mamta Gautam

     

    NOW AVAILABLE

    All our 2021 conference videos and slides are now available to members, including the closing plenary MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: The Power of Resilience with Dr. Mamta Gautam.

    Also available to members:

    • Posters – a showcase of evidence-based, impactful innovations by your colleagues that be useful to other teams

     

     

     

    Become an influencer (sort of)!

    Maybe you’re not getting free swag as an Instagram influencer, but you can get free registration and that’s just as good! Become a part of our 2022 conference planning committee and shape our first hybrid conference. As members, you’re our main audience so you should have a major say in how 2022 looks.

    Review our ToR and sign up by Jan. 4, 2022.

    NB- for those who would like to only participate in a concurrent session and poster working group and/or Bright Lights review committee, the call for these will go out separately in 2022.

    Free Starbucks for attendees

    ICYMI- most conference attendees got a $5 Starbucks digital gift card courtesy of sponsor QHR. If you didn’t see this, please check your junk mail.

     

    We look forward to seeing you next year on Oct 12, 2022!

  • 2021 Conference videos and slides

    Pre-Conference Day: Tuesday, October 26, 2021

    Program Component Materials

    Fireside Chat with Enterprise Canada – What You Can Expect in the Provincial Election

     

    Video

    Day 1: Wednesday, October 27, 2021

    Opening Session- Welcome,  Minister’s Address and Bright Lights Awards Ceremony

    		 Video
    Facts vs. Myth: The Realities of Equity in Canadian Healthcare Video

    The Power of Social Media during COVID

    Video

     

    Presentation slides

    Day 2: Thursday, October 28, 2021

    The Opioid Epidemic: The Forgotten Public Health Crisis Video
    Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Primary Care. The Future is Now!

    Video

    Presentation slides
    MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: The Power of Resilience with Dr. Mamta Gautam

    Video

     

    Presentation slides
  • Bits & Pieces: OHIP renewal inequity, member stories and more

    Bits & Pieces: OHIP renewal inequity, member stories and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Inequity in online renewal for OHIP
    • Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing slides and video available
    • Member stories
    • Interim Omicron guidance, booster letter and more
    • Seeking input on psychological safety factors
    • Together We Care 2022 Virtual Conference: call for content
    • Call for abstracts – Choosing Wisely Canada
    • Upcoming events regarding Primary Care Data Reports for OHTs and more

    Inequity in online renewal for OHIP

    Inequities in Ontario’s online health card renewal system must be addressed so marginalized people are not left behind.

    The Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance), the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO), the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC), and the Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic Association (NPLCA) call on the government to address the inequities in the online health card renewal system.

    “The ability to renew the Ontario health card online is only available to people who hold a driver’s licence. This needs to change to include those with an Ontario photo card,” says Kavita Mehta, CEO of AFHTO. “There are a number of people who do not or cannot drive, including those with medical conditions. Like those with a licence, they need the same ability to renew online.” Read the full statement here.

    Please share via Twitter or Facebook– the more people aware of this issue, the better.

    Polypharmacy webinar slide with picture of elderly woman exercising in pool and her health profile

    Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing slides and video available

    On Dec. 1 we explored approaches to the issues and problems around polypharmacy and deprescribing in primary care patients. We also demonstrated the TAPER tool. The video and slide deck are now available.

     

    Member stories

    City of Lakes FHT– stepping up to help with routine vaccination during health unit’s pause

    Dryden and Red Lake FHTs– Dryden Rotary supporting community groups

    Guelph FHT– Guelph administers first COVID-19 vaccines to children under 12

    Primacare Community FHT– health hub now open

    Rapids FHT – 2,000 local children already booked for first COVID-19 shot

    Interim Omicron guidance, booster letter and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Seeking input on psychological safety factors

    In collaboration with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, researchers at the Centre for Studies in Primary Care at Queen’s University and HEC Montreal are inviting health-care workers and leaders to participate in research to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing support for psychological self-care and protection from moral distress.  
     
    Learn more about the study and participate in a Canada-wide survey.

    Together We Care 2022 Virtual Conference: call for content

    The Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) in partnership with the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) will host an online experience for Together We Care (TWC), Monday, April 4 – Wednesday, April 6, 2022. The call for content is open until Dec. 20.

    Call for abstracts – Choosing Wisely Canada

    Choosing Wisely Canada is now accepting abstract submissions to be featured virtually at their National Meeting, on May 25 and May 26, 2022. Deadline is Jan. 28, 2022.

    Bounceback refresher webinars, Dec. 7-15, 2021
    Do you or your staff need a refresher on the BounceBack program and eligibility criteria? Attend an upcoming webinar in English or French. Links to resources also available. Register here.

    Primary Care Data Reports for OHTs, Dec. 8, 2021
    Hosted by Drs. Michael Green and Rick Glazier, INSPIRE-PHC. Find out more here.

    Echo Ontario Bariatric Network Series, starting Jan. 2022
    New series of sessions beginning January focusing on post bariatric surgical care. Register here.

    Diabetes Care: Tools and Resources to Support Mental Health Needs, Jan. 13, 2022
    First of an ongoing series that will highlight Ontario Health’s three diabetes quality standards. Register here.

    Family Medicine Summit 2022, Jan. 18, 28-29, 2022
    Kick-off event, January 18, 2022, with live stream days Jan. 28 & 29. Find out more here.

    Webinar Series: MyPractice Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement, Jan. 24 & Feb. 28, 2022
    Next in Ontario Health QI webinar series, focused on using the antibiotic prescribing and cancer screening indicators respectively. Register here.

  • Inequities in Ontario’s online health card renewal system must be addressed so marginalized people are not left behind

    MEDIA STATEMENT 
    December 7, 2021

    The Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance), the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO), the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC), and the Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic Association (NPLCA) call on the government to address the inequities in the online health card renewal system.

    “The ability to renew the Ontario health card online is only available to people who hold a driver’s licence. This needs to change to include those with an Ontario photo card,” says Kavita Mehta, CEO of AFHTO. “There are a number of people who do not or cannot drive, including those with medical conditions. Like those with a licence, they need the same ability to renew online.”

    The Ontario driver’s licence and the Ontario photo card are government-issued cards that show proof of identity and proof of residency, and they are both accepted for in-person renewal. The government does not accept the Ontario photo card for online renewal. 

    “This is concerning at any time, and it is particularly concerning during a pandemic,” says Sarah Hobbs, CEO of the Alliance. “One group that could be disproportionately affected by this practice are people with disabilities. People made more vulnerable by the pandemic, and at higher risk, are also faced with inequitable access to this system. These populations should not be treated differently or be limited to only being able to access in-person ServiceOntario renewals. We call on the government to step up and make the online OHIP renewal system equitable and accessible for all people living in Ontario.”

    Katie Hogue, nurse practitioner and chair of the NPLCA, echoes this concern. “There are many medical circumstances that can prevent people from driving, such as mobility challenges, vision impairment, dementia, and epilepsy. There are also conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, which can keep a person from driving while also making them immunocompromised. The system is not considering these people or their needs.” 

    The CEO of the IPHCC, Caroline Lidstone-Jones notes this concern across the healthcare system. “The pandemic has highlighted inequities in our healthcare system. We must prioritize those who are vulnerable and at-risk. This discrimination is one example of an inequitable system but this one has a quick solution: allow people with a photo card to renew their health card online, the same way those with a driver’s licence can.”

    The associations represent family health teams, community health centres, nurse practitioner-led clinics, Indigenous primary healthcare teams, and other interprofessional models of primary care in Ontario.

    For further information: Beth MacKinnon; 647-234-8605 x1201; beth.mackinnon@afhto.ca

  • Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s FHTs during the First Wave of COVID-19

    The Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s Family Health Teams during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic, HEALTHCARE POLICY, Vol.17 No.2, 2021

    Abstract

    Objective: The objective of this paper was to identify continuations and changes in care delivery methods in primary care teams during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Design: The study used a cross-sectional, web-based survey comprising close-ended and open-ended questions.

    Setting: The setting comprised family health teams (FHTs) across Ontario, Canada.

    Participants: The participants included executive directors of FHTs or designates of their choosing.

    Survey: Descriptive statistics were derived from responses to close-ended questions, and responses to open-ended questions were coded using thematic analysis.

    Results: With 93 participants, the response rate was 48%. Participants reported the continuation of in-person care, the implementation of virtual care across FHTs and collaboration within these teams and their communities.

    Authors– Rachelle Ashcroft, PhD, Catherine Donnelly, PhD, Sandeep Gill, Maya Dancey, Simon Lam, Dr. Allan K. Grill, and Kavita Mehta

    Relevant Links

     

  • Bits & Pieces: AI podcast episodes, 5-11 yr old webinar materials and more

    Bits & Pieces: AI podcast episodes, 5-11 yr old webinar materials and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • AI podcast episodes
    • COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old slides and video available
    • The Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s Family Health Teams during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
    • Vaccine admin update, CoP resources and more
    • The BETTER Program: building on existing tools to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care
    • OHT supports events calendar launched
    • RNAO seeking best practice panelists-deadline extended
    • Upcoming events including Digital Health Week webinars and more

    AI podcast episodes

    Following their panel at our annual conference, Drs. Mohamed Alarakhia and Ervin Sejdić spoke with HIROC on their latest episodes of the HealthCare Changemakers podcast about gaining trust and confidence in AI and automation and research respectively.

    You can listen to the episodes here or search your podcast app on your phone.

    COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old webinar title slideCOVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old slides and video available
    On Nov. 29 we co-hosted this webinar with the Alliance for Healthier Communities and the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association. Dr. Janine McCready, infectious diseases physician at Michael Garron Hospital, shared details of the approved vaccine and addressed pressing questions such as eligibility, risks, and how to address parents’ concerns. The recording and slide deck are now available.

    The Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s Family Health Teams during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

    Recently published in Healthcare Policy, this article was authored by Rachelle Ashcroft, PhD, Catherine Donnelly, PhD, Sandeep Gill, Maya Dancey, Simon Lam, Dr. Allan K. Grill, and Kavita Mehta. You can read on Longwoods’ site or the pdf here.

    Vaccine admin update, CoP resources and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    The BETTER Program: building on existing tools to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care

    Teams are invited to learn more about The BETTER Program, which aims to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care settings through a comprehensive, individualized approach provided by a Prevention PractitionerTM, which a regulated healthcare provider on a team can train to be through this program.

    It is an innovative, evidence-based program that focuses on prevention and screening of cancer (breast, cervical, colorectal), heart disease, and diabetes. It also addresses lifestyle risk factors, such as physical activity, smoking, alcohol, and diet. The program was developed by primary care providers for primary care providers.

    Teams can learn more about the program here.

    OHT supports events calendar launched

    The Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Rapid Improvement Support and Exchange (RISE) team, and partners in the OHT Central Program of Supports have launched the OHT Supports Events Calendar.
     
    The calendar now offers one central online location for teams at all stages of implementation to easily find information on learning and engagement events offered through the OHT Central Program of Supports and other health-system partners (e.g., webinars, information sessions). You can sign up directly for bi-monthly updates on upcoming events and access resources from past events.

    RNAO seeking best practice panelists-deadline extended

    The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) is seeking nominations for expert panel members for an upcoming new edition best practice guideline on Person-And Family-Centred Care, Third Edition. They are looking for 1 to 3 family physicians to be a volunteer on this panel which extends over 18 months.

    Please see attached letter for more information and if you are interested please let us know at info@afhto.ca by noon December 8th so we can inform the RNAO.

    OntarioMD Digital Health Week webinars, Dec. 2, 2021

    There are two webinars, both on Dec. 2:

    Clinician burnout: an epidemic within a pandemic. How can digital health help? Dec. 2, 2021

    Hosted by eHealth Centre of Excellence, with multiple speakers including Dr. Kevin Samson, Family Physician at East Wellington FHT. Register here.

    Q&A with Dr. Kieran Moore and Dr. Janine McCready, Dec. 3, 2021
    Hosted by OCFP, this is the 33rd in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ on Friday, December 3rd at 8:00-9:00am. Register here.

    Understanding vulnerabilities in children and families post-pandemic, Dec. 3, 2021
    Hosted by the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, this will be the second keynote in a series of upcoming lectures focused on future pandemic readiness. Register here.

    Bounceback refresher webinars, Dec. 7-15, 2021
    Do you or your staff need a refresher on the BounceBack program and eligibility criteria? Attend an upcoming webinar in English or French. Links to resources also available. Register here.

    Primary Care Data Reports for OHTs, Dec. 8, 2021
    Hosted by Drs. Michael Green and Rick Glazier, INSPIRE-PHC. Find out more here.

  • The BETTER Program: Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care

    The BETTER Institute (Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening in Primary Care) is a not-for-profit organization that supports the long-term uptake and sustainability of the BETTER approach to cancer and chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care settings.

    The institute has two primary areas of focus:

    • Training of healthcare professionals on the Prevention PractitionerTM role and BETTER approach, and
    • Providing implementation support to individual primary care practices and organizations interested in adopting the BETTER approach.

    As part of the institute, the BETTER Program aims to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in primary care settings through a comprehensive, individualized approach provided by a Prevention PractitionerTM, which a healthcare provider on the team can train to be.

    It is an innovative, evidence-based program for patients ages 40 to 65 that focuses on prevention and screening of cancer (breast, cervical, colorectal), heart disease, and diabetes. It also addresses lifestyle risk factors, such as physical activity, smoking, alcohol, and diet. 

    Patients complete a comprehensive health survey to learn more about their personal health history, screening history, family history etc. Patients attend a one-on-one visit with a Prevention Practitioner TM to discuss their personalized cancer and chronic disease risk. Patients are supported to set S.M.A.R.T. goals and connect with resources to help lower their risk for cancer and chronic disease.

    The program was developed by primary care providers for primary care providers.

     

    Why BETTER?
    Patients who have participated in the program have said that they value time spent on prevention. BETTER provides dedicated time for patients to discuss their personal risk for cancer and chronic disease with a healthcare professional. Patients learn how to take action to reduce their risk with a personalized approach that encourages them to take ownership of their own health and decide what changes they want to make. It gives patients the confidence in knowing that they are up to date with appropriate preventive screening.

    This program sends the message to patients that proactive work is being done to address their prevention needs.

     

    Training
    Healthcare providers can enrol in a training session to become a Prevention PractitionerTM and gain enhanced skills in chronic disease prevention with access to the BETTER toolkit. 

    Training is 11 hours of continuing education provided virtually over 2 or 3 days.

     

    More information is here:
    •    Introduction to The BETTER Program (PPT)
    •    The BETTER Program – 2-pager
    •    The BETTER Program – Prevention Practitioner Training Ad
    •    Research Article: Building on existing tools to improve chronic disease prevention and screening in public health: a cluster randomized trial (2021)

     

    If teams have any questions or would like more information, please contact Carolina Fernandes (Director, The Better Institute and Lead Coordinator, The BETTER Program) at carolina.fernandes@ualberta.ca

  • Resources and Tools for the Rollout of Vaccines for 5–11-Year-Olds

    Resources and Tools for the Rollout of Vaccines for 5–11-Year-Olds

    Dear Members,

    As you know, Health Canada approved the Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old last Friday. The Government of Ontario opened booking beginning today, November 23. Ontario is expected to receive 1,076,000 doses of the vaccine from the federal government for the approximately one million eligible children, which will be distributed to public health units, pharmacies, and primary care settings across the province. If you are not aware of your PHU’s plans or would like to participate in the vaccine efforts, please contact your PHU directly.

    Below are some resources you may find helpful in either planning for vaccination or helping to address questions parents/caregivers may have about vaccinating their kids.

    Information Session Webinars for Health Care Providers

    Getting Kids Back to Being Kids: COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children 5-11

    Getting Kids Back to Being Kids: COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children 5-11
    Friday November 26, 2021 | 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. ET
    In this upcoming session, Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, and Dr. Daniel Warshafsky, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health, will share current information regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in children ages 5-11, and the provincial roll-out plans, followed by a panel of professionals providing an overview of implementation through a variety of lenses. A moderated Q&A will follow the discussion. Register to attend.

    Information webinar: COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old
    Monday November 29, 2021 | 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. ET
    The Alliance, AFHTO and the NPLCA are cohosting an information session to help our members prepare, and to answer your most pressing questions. Dr. Janine McCready, infectious diseases physician at Michael Garron Hospital, will share details of the vaccine for children, share insights for how to counsel parents and guardians, and address commonly asked questions and concerns. Register to attend.

    Ministry of Health Resources and Tools

    AODA Compliant Fact Sheet and Poster COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Youth:
    Fact Sheet

    Poster

    Updated guidance documents related to COVID-19 vaccines for Children/Youth aged 5-17:

     

    Helpful Tools/Resources

    Updated Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty product monograph

    • Updated November 19, 2021

    Response to individuals requesting to book a paediatric vaccine appointment

    Sample letter to patients encouraging patients/caregivers to vaccinate their kids

    • Letter drafted by Drs Tara Kiran and Noah Ivers that can be adapted for use in your clinics

    Fears about safety and long-term effects:

    Needle fear and pain:

    Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy:

     

    University of Toronto DFCM and OCFP Free Learning Modules

    Free learning module: Vaccination in children age 5-11
    DFCM and OCFP have developed a free learning module on vaccination in children aged 5-11 designed to support primary care clinicians as they begin discussing vaccination of children with patients and their families.

    The vaccination in children module includes:

    • Dose and composition
    • Efficacy
    • Safety
    • Risk of myocarditis and pericarditis
    • Benefits of vaccinating children
    • Our role as primary care clinicians
    • Common questions and concerns
    • Resources

     
    This module is the latest update to a series of free COVID-19 vaccination modules developed to provide primary care professionals with the knowledge and skills to support Canada’s COVID-19 vaccination effort. The self-learning series is designed both as a continuous learning experience and as a resource that users can refer to as needed. To learn more and for free registration please register here.
     
    As we look towards the holiday season our team would like to thank you for all the hard work you continue to do to keep your patients and your communities safe. This has been another tough year, but hope is around the corner. Continue to stay safe and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or ideas.

    Yours in good health,
    The AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: member stories, multiple kids 5 -11 webinars and more

    Bits & Pieces: member stories, multiple kids 5 -11 webinars and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Introduction to ONCA slides and video available
    • Reminder- information webinar: COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old, Nov. 29, 2021
    • Reminder- Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing, Dec. 1, 2021
    • Letter for patients regarding children’s vaccine and more
    • Perkopolis for AFHTO members
    • Update on the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)
    • 2022 Alliance conference- call for learning proposals
    • Call for AMS 2022 Fellows in Compassion and Artificial Intelligence
    • Upcoming events regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children age 5 to 11 years and more

    Member stories

    Belleville NPLC- New programs tackling mental issues

    City of Kawartha Lakes FHT– receives diversity and inclusion award. Examples not mentioned in the article:
    – offered Indigenous culture and 2SLGBTQ+ and training for staff and as part of FHT annual Education Day(s);
    – participated in diversity and education training though the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion;
    – consulted and created enhanced capacity for transgender health including via Gender Journeys locally and Rainbow Health Ontario; and
    – increased physical accessibility at the Fenelon site.

    North Simcoe FHT – Midland COVID-19 assessment centre moving to new location

    Introduction to ONCA title slide

     

    Introduction to ONCA slides and video available
    On Nov. 17 Benjamin Miller from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) held an education session for members on what is new in the Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), and steps nonprofits can take to set themselves up for success in transitioning to the new requirements under the Act. Slides and video are now available.

     

    Reminder- information webinar: COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old, Nov. 29, 2021

    Dr. Janine McCready, infectious diseases physician at Michael Garron Hospital, will share details of the expected or approved vaccine for children, share insights for how to counsel parents and guardians, and address commonly asked questions and concerns. Register here. (in partnership with the Alliance and NPLCA)

    Reminder- Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing, Dec. 1, 2021
    Join Dr. Dee Mangin as she speaks to approaches to the issues and problems around polypharmacy and deprescribing in primary care patients; discuss approaches to the integration of patients’ goals and priorities with evidence; and demonstrate the TAPER tool. Register here.

    Letter for patients regarding children’s vaccine and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Screenshot of Perkopolis newsletter

     

    Perkopolis for AFHTO members

    This is an early reminder AFHTO members are eligible to sign up for free access to over 5000 perks through Perkopolis. Get discounts on shopping, attractions and more. We know you’re probably on top of your holiday shopping, but given potential supply chain ssues this year, another source can’t hurt.

    EDs, if your team doesn’t have access yet, please email info@afhto.ca.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Update on the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)

    On March 10, 2021, Ontario Health communicated that an adjusted strategy for the 2021/22 QIP would be forthcoming, designed to provide organizations with flexibility to reflect where they are with their QI efforts given the pandemic, local needs, pressures, and goals for the recovery period.
     
    After careful consideration, they have made the decision to not reopen Navigator for the 2021/22 QIP submission. You are not required to submit your 2021/22 QIP to Ontario Health. They do, however, encourage you to develop and post your 2021/22 QIP on your website and to share it with your staff, clinicians, and patients/clients and their family members. Please reach out to the team at QIP@OntarioHealth.ca if you have any questions about this. You can read the full email in English and French here.

    2022 Alliance conference- call for learning proposals

    Action Now! Building Equitable Futures Together will be held June 8-9, 2022. The call for workshop proposals now open. Visit their website to review the conference criteria, priority topics, formats and terms and conditions. Deadline for submissions is January 10, 2022.

    Call for AMS 2022 Fellows in Compassion and Artificial Intelligence
    The call for the AMS 2022 Fellowships in Compassion and AI is open. The program focusses on promoting the integration of digital technology and compassionate care in the delivery of health care services, education of health professionals as well as facilitating the leadership needed to realize the promise of technology. For more information visit their site.

    Employment Standards & Occupational Health and Safety Related to COVID-19, Nov. 24, 2021

    The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is hosting an online information session to help you understand your employment standards and occupational health and safety rights and obligations as they relate to COVID-19. Register here.

    Starting the Conversation: Perinatal Mental Health, Nov. 24, 2021
    Hosted by the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) to support healthcare providers in their understanding and awareness of the delivery of mental healthcare to pregnant and postpartum people in Ontario. Register here.

    Getting Kids Back to Being Kids: COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children 5-11, Nov. 26, 2021
    Hosted by OCFP, the session will begin with Dr Kieran Moore and Dr Daniel Warshafsky sharing current information regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in children ages 5-11, and the provincial roll-out plans. They will be followed by a panel of professionals who will provide an overview of implementation through a variety of lenses, and answer questions. Register here.

    Virtual Partnership Conference, Dec. 1, 2021
    Hosted by Canada Health Infoway. Register here.

    2022 Legal Issues for Primary Care Team Webinars, Jan. 6- Dec. 1, 2022
    Led by Kate Dewhirst, with early bird pricing until Nov. 30, 2021. Learn more here.