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Tag: BIPOC

  • QI in Action eBulletin #126: The Health Equity Questionnaire

    QI in Action eBulletin #126: The Health Equity Questionnaire

    In this Issue:

    • The Health Equity Questionnaire: Standardized Entry of Social Determinants of Health into EMRs
    • Resources for social determinants of health
    • Food for thought
    • Updated Primary Care Data Reports for Ontario Health Teams
    • Help shape the future of virtual health care in Ontario
    • Phase I Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care for Primary Care evaluation survey
    • Virtual Care Guidance Statements Checklist for Clinicians and other resources
    • Upcoming Events

     

    The Health Equity Questionnaire: Standardized Entry of Social Determinants of Health into EMRs

    The Health Equity Questionnaire: Standardized Entry of Social Determinants of Health into EMRs. Below are a group of hands in different watercolours reaching upwards

    To provide the most equitable care for our patients we need to know their social determinants of health. Current EMR specifications don’t require that this information is included in the dataset for each patient and EMRs don’t provide a standardized way to enter it.

    The Health Equity Questionnaire (HEQ) has been developed to allow social determinants of health information to be entered into EMRs efficiently and in a standardized way, allowing it to be easily accessed, updated, and searched.

    Questions and data elements from an extensive set of existing tools were collected, prioritized, and distilled into a practical new format designed around provider workflows. Many stakeholders, including several EDI specialists, were consulted.

    At the time of a visit, clicking on the ‘HEQ’ button in the chart will bring up the Questionnaire form. The provider can then enter any information that may be relevant to the patient’s care and save it to the chart. Clicking the button again will bring up a new copy of the form which is pre-populated with any previously entered data and can be updated as needed. The form is designed to display all the information in an “at a glance” view which means that all the information is shown in one window without any clicking or scrolling.

    The questions can also be sent directly to the patient via secure messaging. They can then answer any of the questions that they’re comfortable with and their responses will be automatically entered directly into their charts. If an HEQ form is not already in the chart, then a new one will be created. If there is an existing form in the chart, then it will simply be updated with their responses.

    Care must be taken to ensure that the patient understands why the questions are being asked, that the information will be treated with the same confidentiality as the rest of their medical information, that it will only be used to provide them with the best care possible, and that they only need to provide whatever responses they’re comfortable with.

    A video demonstration of the tool is available here.

    The toolkit can be downloaded from the TELUS Health Practice Solutions Community Portal by navigating in Chatter to Groups, Active Groups and then the East Wellington Family Health Team group. Plans are in progress to migrate the toolkit to the other main EMRs as well.

    Questions and feedback are welcome and can be directed to Dr. Kevin Samson kevin.samson@ewfht.ca.

    Resources for social determinants of health
    Webinars and conference sessions

    Select Resources

    Food for Thought

    Updated Primary Care Data Reports for Ontario Health Teams
    INSPIRE PHC has posted the updated Primary Care Data Report for all of Ontario. These reports track key primary care health system indicators and guide attachment strategies in Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). The Primary Care Data Working Group produced reports specific to each OHT and are intended to provide a deeper understanding of the attributed population of each OHT. Find out more.

    Help shape the future of virtual health care in Ontario
    Help shape the future of virtual health care in Ontario! We are looking for patients and caregivers in Ontario to take a 15 to 20-minutes survey on the experiences and expectations with virtual care appointments as a patient or caregiver with a doctor, nurse, or another healthcare professional in a family practice. This study from the University of Toronto and the Bruyére Research Institute is led by Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft and Dr. Simone Dahrouge.

    To take the survey, please click one of the links below:

    As part of the recruitment efforts, primary care clinics will have the opportunity to receive a customized report based on the template regarding the experiences of their patients with virtual care. In addition, you can view the report last year on virtual care that was shared broadly to key decision makers. Should you be interested in participating or learning more, please contact Simon Lam, research coordinator, at sck.lam@utoronto.ca.

    Phase I Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care for Primary Care evaluation survey
    Ontario Health is conducting an evaluation of the ‘Phase I Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care for Primary Care’ developed in collaboration with an Expert Panel. You’re invited to complete this survey to capture your awareness of, access to and adoption of the Phase I Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care for Primary Care.   

    You may access the survey here.  

    The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete, and your responses will remain anonymous. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the survey, please do not hesitate to contact Mimosa Zhao by email at zhao@theevidencenetwork.com.

     

    Upcoming Events

    Sickle Cell Disease: A New Quality Standard for High-Quality Care in Ontario
    February 22, 2023, 12:00pm
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Sickle Cell Disease quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

    Media Messaging on Equity: How do we do better?
    March 6, 2023, 4:30 pm
    The third-annual Vohra Miller Lectures in Critical Public Health Issues in collaboration with the Institute for Pandemics puts a spotlight on the media’s handling of equity issues, including health equity, during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. What are the forces that shape media coverage of equity matters? What does the future of the media landscape hold and, what are the possibilities? Register here.

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #125 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

  • The Primary Care Collaborative

    The Primary Care Collaborative

    Primary Care Collaborative logos

     

    COVID-19 shows the vital roles primary care providers play every day for community health and wellbeing and health system cooperation in Ontario

     

    Toronto, March 29, 2021 – During COVID-19, we see again and again across Ontario that communities – from people living in large urban centres to smaller cities to towns and rural areas – depend on their local family physicians, family health teams, community health centres, Indigenous primary health care teams, nurse practitioner-led clinics, and other primary care providers in a public health crisis. These providers and organizations are, quite literally, lifelines for the people they serve. The trusted relationships people have with their family doctors, nurse practitioners, healers, mental health professionals and other primary care providers are at the core of local COVID-19 responses, from testing and other direct COVID-19 care, to supports for food security and chronic disease management, to providing credible and culturally safe vaccination information, to knowing how to care for themselves and their loved ones. When the challenges have never been bigger, and the isolation unlike at any other time in our lives, your community providers are there.

    Today, we are announcing we’ve formed the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC), an alliance of comprehensive primary care organizations joined together by common purpose to build on the collaborative work of COVID-19 as we move towards recovery in a time of health system transformation.

    Together, our organizations represent more than 20,000 primary care providers and team members. As Ontario’s primary care providers continue to support their communities through trusted local relationships, partnerships with social services and other providers, and by working with decision makers, we’re committed to ensuring that health system policies and funding acknowledge primary care’s vital role and place in community health and wellbeing. Speaking with one voice, we will advance shared priorities in primary care such as expanded access to teams and better links to home care and mental health supports. The PCC knows that for health care integration and transformation to work for people – for those using the health system and those looking for services to stay well – primary care needs to be the foundation of Ontario’s health system. Robust and well-supported primary care is the heart of all world-class health systems, and people living in Ontario should expect no less. During COVID-19, this is a given. In recovery, when many echo effects of the pandemic will be felt for years to come, it will be of utmost importance.

    QUOTES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PRIMARY CARE COLLABORATIVE

    “The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council appreciates the importance of this collaborative opportunity to strengthen and unify the voice of primary care practitioners across the province. Primary care is the foundation for a high quality, sustainable and integrated system; evidence shows that jurisdictions with high performing primary care place it at the centre of health care delivery. The IPHCC is especially thankful to our partners in the PCC for recognizing that our community-driven Indigenous-governed interprofessional primary care models include Traditional healers and Cultural Service Providers. This is an integral part of promoting a wholistic approach to health and wellbeing for Indigenous people. Great things can happen when the right people come together, and I look forward to advancing our vision for a robust health care system that addresses not just the physical wellbeing of an individual but to the social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing of the whole community.” Caroline Lidstone-Jones, CEO, Indigenous Primary Health Care Council

    “The Alliance for Healthier Communities’ member centres provide community-based comprehensive primary health care across Ontario, and they are essential to addressing barriers to health and wellbeing that marginalized populations face. Health equity – that is, the idea that everyone deserves a chance to live their healthiest life, but that many people face barriers to doing so – is only achievable where trusted relationships can be built in and by the community. The Alliance is committed to working with our partners in the PCC to ensure the cornerstone of our health system – primary care – can continue to step up for the people in Ontario who face barriers. We have seen throughout the pandemic that we are stronger when we work together, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to build a better future.” Sarah Hobbs, CEO, Alliance for Healthier Communities

    “The Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association is proud to be working with this strong group of primary care association leaders. Often a person’s first point of contact with the health care system, primary care is integral for the health and wellbeing of not only patients, but also the communities in which they live. NPLCs have focused on whole person care since our inception, with nurse practitioner leadership at all levels of the organization. By coming together, this collaborative will provide a united voice for primary care and will allow for us to advocate for health care initiatives across the province.” Jennifer Clement, Past-President, Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association

    “Across the world, cost-effective and high-performing health systems share a common characteristic – they are based on a foundation of comprehensive primary care, which is supported through a team. Primary care is the first point of contact into the health system; jurisdictions that commit to robust investments in primary care are able to move quicker into achieving the Quintuple Aim, ensuring there is a lens towards equitable and accessible care, close to home. AFHTO is pleased to be working with our comprehensive primary care partners to ensure there is a unified voice for primary care, especially as we move towards the daunting task of post-pandemic recovery. We know that this work can only be achieved if we truly work together and we look forward to our ongoing collaboration.” Kavita Mehta, CEO, Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario

    “Ontarians turn to primary care more often than any other part of the health system. Providing high-quality care is truly a team sport. The Ontario College of Family Physicians is pleased to be working together with our primary care partners to create a unified voice – as family physicians, nurse practitioners, interprofessional healthcare providers and team-based primary care. This collaboration will only strengthen our ability to achieve comprehensive, continuous, coordinated and equitable health care for all patients and families across Ontario as envisioned by the Patient’s Medical Home.” Leanne Clarke, CEO, Ontario College of Family Physicians

    “Primary care is foundational to a high performing healthcare system, and the sector is stronger when it is united. This is why the Ontario Medical Association Section on General & Family Practice (SGFP) is so pleased to be part of this newly formed Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) with our partners that also support comprehensive primary care. SGFP represents the 15,000 family doctors in Ontario in advocacy and negotiations and is dedicated to building a united vision for a more integrated, equitable and unified sector. We know that there are many challenges ahead for the healthcare system, and this past year has underscored that incredible things can happen when strong leaders come together in shared purpose. By working collaboratively during much of this pandemic, the PCC has been successful in collectively advocating for and advancing solutions that have made a positive impact on the sector and the health and wellbeing of Ontarians. SGFP is looking forward to continuing to work with PCC to bring out the best in care for Ontarians and to support primary care to thrive in our province.” Dr. David Schieck, Ontario Medical Association, Section on General & Family Practice

    Return to: Primary Care Collaborative Updates

     

    Media contact for interview requests, comments or inquiries:

    Paula Myers,

    Manager, Membership and Communications

    Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario

    Email: paula.myers@afhto.ca

    Phone: (647) 234-8605 extension 1200

     

  • Joint Letter on Vaccine dose intervals for Indigenous populations

    To:    Premier Doug Ford
    Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minster of Health

    Cc:    Dr. Dirk Huyer, Coordinator, Provincial Outbreak Response
    Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs
    Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health (MOH)

    Re: Changes to dosing schedule for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution to Urban Indigenous populations

    March 26, 2021

    Dear Premier Ford and Minister Elliott,

    We write to you today, urgently, with regards to the announcement made on March 18, 2021 that, while on-reserve First Nations people will receive their second vaccine doses within 21-28 days, those living in urban areas will have to wait up to four months for their second doses.

    Indigenous adults were prioritized within the vaccine framework with good reason; due to historical health barriers linked to colonialism and continued pervasive anti-Indigenous racism, Indigenous people living everywhere in Ontario – on reserve and in urban areas – face health vulnerabilities that others living in Ontario do not. For those living in urban areas, this includes higher rates of homelessness and transient housing, overcrowded housing, and poor health status, among other factors. In addition, there are still many Indigenous people living in urban areas who have yet to receive their first shots. This sudden change to the priority of Indigenous people undercuts the confidence and trust in the vaccines themselves, and in the system that is distributing them, as well as the providers tasked with reaching marginalized Indigenous people. This is, simply put, unacceptable, and frankly avoidable.

    We are standing in solidarity with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council and asking that, at bare minimum, those Indigenous people living in urban areas who’ve already received their first doses of vaccines be grandfathered in, and permitted to receive their second doses within 21-28 days. This allows for continuity of care, and confidence in this process and the vaccine itself.

    Premier, Minister, there is already mistrust mounting in Indigenous communities because of this confusion. There are different approaches being taken across Public Health Units, further adding to the potential for miscommunication and misinterpreted guidance. These moments risk seeing the spread of COVID-19 into First Nations communities, and creating more challenges for all. Urban Indigenous vaccine strategies must be delivered consistently across the province to avoid these ambiguities and variances in the delivery of COVID-19 care for the Indigenous population.
     
    As many Alliance members serve urban Indigenous populations across the province, alongside the members of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council, we look forward to working with you to ensure that the clearest possible plan and strategies can be enabled to ensure the safety of all Indigenous communities in the province.

    Sincerely,

    Sarah Hobbs, CEO, Alliance for Healthier Communities
    Kavita Mehta, CEO, Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario Leanne Clarke, CEO, Ontario College of Family Physicians

    cc.:
    Shawn Batise, Deputy Minister, Indigenous Affairs
    Nadia Surani, Acting Director, Primary Care Branch, Ministry of Health

    See the pdf version here.

  • COVID-19 Vaccine Roll-out & Hesitancy in Indigenous Communities

    Vaccine Distribution Update

    Shared by Lambton Public Health

    Shared May 2021

    See this video of Kyle Stonefish, Community Health Supervisor for Walpole Island First Nation, who explains how COVID-19 has affected Indigenous communities in southwestern Ontario, and why everyone should seriously consider getting vaccinated. It also speaks to the need to continuing to engage in COVID-safe behavior after one’s vaccination. Viewers are welcome to share as you please.

     

    Shared by Akausivik Inuit FHT

    Revised March 10, 2021

    The Akausivik Inuit FHT continues to deliver dedicated health care to its Inuit community members in the Ottawa Area. This past week, AIFHT successfully increased the number of culturally safe COVID-19 vaccine doses administered, by 77.4%. 

     

    Vaccine Communications materials for Indigenous Communities

    Shared by Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority

    Shared March 10, 2021

    AFHTO members are welcome to use and distribute these comms materials shared by the Sioux Lookout First Nations Authority.

    Tips: 

    • Facebook is a great communication tool, as well as representatives from Tribal Councils to share information with the communities
    • Please personalize with your team’s logos and contact information where applicable

    Resources:

    In addition, here is a summary of the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs’ vaccine communications tips and initiatives (PDF). Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority is a part of the working group and some of their work is highlighted.

    Return to: COVID-19 Vaccination Information

  • Bits & Pieces: vaccine learnings webinar, 2021 conference and more

    Bits & Pieces: vaccine learnings webinar, 2021 conference and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Learnings from primary care: Vaccine roll-out across Ontario
    • Urgent reminder- Supply Ontario needs primary care voices
    • AFHTO 2021 Conference: tell us what YOU want, what you really, really want
    • Black Health Matters: Building a primary health care system that works
    • Prescribing nature: PaRx launches in Ontario
    • Updated provincial testing guidance, workflow, COVID-19 educational series x 2 and more
    • Member stories
    • Primary care virtual groups slides and video available
    • Humber College Healthcare Management student placements
    • Upcoming events including engaging caregivers, cybersecurity and more

    Learnings from primary care: Vaccine roll-out across Ontario

    Please join us this Friday, February 26, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. to hear from teams who have stepped up to provide leadership for vaccine distribution in their communities. They will speak to work that is underway; offer guidance and advice; speak to challenges faced and how they are resolving them; and answer questions you may have.
     

    Speakers:

    • Jill Berridge (ED, McMaster FHT)
    • Robin Mackie (ED, Delhi FHT)
    • Teri Arany (ED, Toronto Western FHT) and Camille Lemieux (Lead Physician, Toronto Western FHT)
    • Michèle Lajeunesse (Community Health Promotion Coordinator, Marathon FHT)

    Ministry of Health officials, including Daniel Warshafsky (Senior Medical Consultant, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health) and Nadia Surani (Director, Primary Health Care Branch), will be on a portion of the webcast to provide an update on vaccine roll-out and to take questions. Register now.

    Urgent reminder- Supply Ontario needs primary care voices

    Supply Ontario is a single integrated supply chain across the public sector that will leverage the province’s purchasing power to provide greater value and consistent access to high-quality products and services.

    They need your input to help identify opportunities to improve the value they can deliver for your organization and patients, through better supply chain processes. Deadline now March 9.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference: tell us what YOU want, what you really, really want

    It’s the last week of February and we’re starting to plan this year’s conference. We’re going virtual again and although we haven’t set a date yet, the earliest would be some time in October. Now that we’ve tried it once, we’d like to make the next better for you- more streamlined and focused on your needs.

    We need your help. What do you want to hear more about and how would you like it?Tell us in this really quick survey. Deadline now March 9

    Note: Yes, we made a Spice Girls reference. If you’d like a trip down memory lane or a dance break (we hear looking away from your screen occasionally is good for you) click here.

    Black Health Matters: Building a primary health care system that works

    BHM panel 2020

    In recognition of Black History Month, we offer this session from our 2020 conference (video link below). Anti-Black racism was already a pre-COVID pandemic, with its roots in history. What does this mean for primary care? For this session there was:

    • An overall focus on Black people’s experience with healthcare in Ontario
    • Context for this at the system/ policy level- including the ways in which seemingly neutral instruments and tools feed an anti-Black narrative
    • Replicable programs addressing these issues as carried out by Black health leaders
    • What primary care teams can do

    Watch the video

    Prescribing nature: PaRx launches in Ontario

    2 people walking through fall foliage

    Nature prescriptions were named one of the top 8 global wellness trends in 2019. And it’s no surprise—research shows that kids and adults who spend more time in nature are happier and healthier. Starting with a BC launch in November 2020 to significant media attention (The Globe & Mail, CBC), PaRx is breaking ground as Canada’s first national, evidence-based nature prescription program.  
     
    On February 22nd PaRx officially launched in Ontario. Featuring practical resources like quick tips and patient handouts, its goal is to make prescribing time in nature simple, fun and effective.

    As part of the Ontario launch, and out of gratitude to health-care workers, the BC Parks Foundation is offering free remote nature therapy sessions led by certified nature therapy guides to all prescribers in March so they can experience the stress-relieving benefits of nature themselves.
     
    Check out www.parkprescriptions.ca for more information on nature prescriptions and to register to become a prescriber.

    Member stories

    Guelph FHT – 98 doctors write letter encouraging community to get vaccinated

    Markham FHT – AFHTO president and Markham FHT Lead MD Dr. Allan Grill on vaccine rollout to 80+ with CP24 and Global News

    Six Nations of the Grand River FHT- Six Nations band members can soon preregister for COVID-19 vaccine

    Updated provincial testing guidance, workflow, COVID-19 educational series x 2 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Transitiong to virtual title slide screenshot

    Primary care virtual groups slides and video available

    On Feb. 17 we hosted the webinar Primary Care Virtual Groups – Transitioning a CBT Program & Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Program to Virtual with Arnprior and District FHT and Scarborough Academic FHT. Video and slides are now available. 

     

     

    Humber College Healthcare Management student placements

    The Honours Degree, Healthcare Management Bachelor of Commerce program takes the best of business management practices – business law, marketing, microeconomics, financial management, and business research methods- then add the edges: an in-depth study of healthcare issues and systems. Key courses including Population Health, Health Data and Analysis, Health Economics Health Policy and Evaluation and Healthcare Financial Management.    
     
    This program equips third year students with the skills required to contribute to your organization with good understanding of the best management practices through the Healthcare Management lens. Additional key courses include Health Informatics, Healthcare Strategy and Markets, Healthcare Systems and Health Services Organization and Management. See their flyer.

    Engaging and supporting caregivers in primary care teams: working together to improve outcomes and enhance the patient, caregiver, and family experience, Feb. 25, 2021

    Cohosted with Ontario Caregiver Organization, this webinar will highlight resources and opportunities for teams to support and engage caregivers.

    Register today.

    Saegis Cybersecurity Clinic Update 2021, Mar. 4, 2021
    Cohosted with Saegis, this webinar discusses the top security threats facing your team and explores best practices to decrease the risk of breaches in the clinic setting. Learn more here.

    Atopic dermatitis seminar for healthcare professionals, Mar. 1, 2021

    The Eczema Society of Canada and University of Ottawa is hosting this webinar aimed towards primary care providers.
    Find out more here.

    Personal Resilience for Hospice Palliative Care, Mar. 3, 2021
    Learn how to enhance personal resilience during even the most challenging times.
    Find out more here.

    Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health, Mar. 4, 2021
    The aim of this conference is to bridge this gap and provide information and resources to better equip Nurse Practitioners providing care to Gender Diverse individuals. The highlight is hearing the patient perspective. Find out more.

  • February 17th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out

    Dear Members,

    We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Action Council (*PC-VAC). Last week’s key messages that we shared with vaccine decision-makers can be found here.

    We are mindful that the news regarding vaccines is evolving daily, and we will have to continue to be prepared for changes and uncertainties in the coming months as a sector. Along with our partners in primary care, we are committed to sharing regular updates, usually weekly, except on weeks where there are no significant new developments to share.

    Earlier this week, the Ministry of Health released updated sequencing of Phase One priority populations for vaccination which sets out the provincial direction for the vaccination program over the coming weeks.

    Engaging Primary Care in Vaccine Rollout – a Practical Guide for Public Health

    Key messages:

    • Public health leadership is committed to strong primary care partnerships in all phases and in all regions. These relationships are key enablers of an effective, efficient, and equitable rollout.
    • To ensure successful partnership with primary care, 1) invite primary care professionals and teams in planning and co-design, 2) involve them in feedback and rollout, and 3) inform them of local opportunities, uncertainties, and changes.
    • The enclosed partnership checklist can inform and validate existing strategies from health leaders involved in local COVID-19 vaccine planning in engaging primary care.

    Collaborating with Others:

    • Over the last two weeks, the collaborative of primary care organizations met with General (retired) Rick Hillier, Chair, COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Taskforce, who emphasized the importance of an ongoing partnership with primary care provincially and locally.
    • We were pleased to see the addition of Dr. Kieran Moore, the Medical Officer of Health for Kingston, Frontenac and Lennox & Addington Public Health, join the Ontario Ministers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force. Dr. Moore is a passionate advocate for public health, and as a trained family physician he will ensure that the primary care voice is added to the conversation. PC-VAC is now meeting weekly with Dr. Moore, in addition to Dr. Isaac Bogoch, to provide updates on issues arising from the field.
    • Health and primary care leaders from throughout the country led a virtual roundtable with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. During the roundtable, the Prime Minister and other participants affirmed what we know to be true: family doctors and primary care professionals are “most knowledgeable and most trusted” and “a core part of getting everyone vaccinated.”
    • Listen to the Evan Solomon Show speak to Dr. Isaac Bogoch about the importance of family physicians and primary care providers in the COVID vaccine rollout. Leveraging the existing relationships primary care has with their patients, based in trust, will accelerate vaccination in the community.

    COVAXON

    • As we had mentioned in our last update, the Ministry of Health has introduced an electronic central repository to input the vaccine information for individuals and manage site inventory called COVAXON. This web-based application will allow for ease in checking people in for their vaccination appointment, capture the consent and personal data information, as well as which health unit region they are in and their vaccination clinic site. While clinics will be required to submit names of the staff (along with user names and email addresses) to request access to the system, the mechanism to apply is not yet finalized however we will advise once we know the information. Please note however that once you get an email from the system, you must reply within 24 hours in order to complete the authentication process.
    • Access for primary care users will fall within phase two and three of the vaccine rollout and training webinars will be available prior to the on-boarding schedule to ensure that everyone is prepared. While it likely won’t be fully integrated into your EMR, we understand COVAXON system will be able to send reports of your vaccinated patients to your EMR.  
    • More on COVAXON will be shared when it becomes available.

    New Resources:

    Reminder of resources from previous weeks

    We look forward to continually updating you on the provincial vaccination strategy. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or ideas.

    Yours in good health,

    The AFHTO Team

    *Ontario Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Action Council:

    • Alliance for Healthier Communities
    • Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario
    • Indigenous Primary Health Care Council
    • Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association/Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario
    • Ontario College of Family Physicians
    • Ontario Medical Association Section on General and Family Practice
    • Ontario’s Academic Chairs of Family Medicine
  • Bits & Pieces: apply for Indigenous and expanded midwifery programs, join our ED mentorship program & more

    Bits & Pieces: apply for Indigenous and expanded midwifery programs, join our ED mentorship program & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Apply for Indigenous Midwifery Programs and Expanded Midwifery Care Models- webinar July 16
    • Join our ED Mentorship Program!
    • AFHTO 2020 Conference: call for submissions, including Bright Lights
    • Guidance on managing type 2 diabetes and other updates
    • Possible discounts for Microsoft 365 and UpToDate
    • Prenatal screening and COVID-19
    • Nominate an outstanding physician for the CPSO Council Award
    • thehealthline.ca, CEP and primary care
    • Upcoming events regarding in-person visits and more

    Apply for Indigenous Midwifery Programs and Expanded Midwifery Care Models- webinar July 16

    The Ministry of Health (ministry) and the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) are inviting applications for two programs – Indigenous Midwifery Programs and Expanded Midwifery Care Models. Both include team-based care options. See the memo here.

    The Primary Health Care Branch is hosting a webinar on July 16, 2020. To participate, please send an email to midwifery@ontario.ca by 4pm tomorrow, July 15, 2020 noting contact information for interested participants and the ministry will reach out to those individuals with the webinar details.

    Join our ED Mentorship Program!
    Are you a leader with 3+ years of experience in a team-based primary care model? Are you interested in supporting new EDs in settling into their job? We are looking for EDs from different regions and working/funding models to join our ED Mentorship Program as mentors!
     
    Mentoring is about supporting people to develop more effectively. It’s a relationship based on trust that is designed to help a mentee take on increasing initiative, build confidence, and excel as leaders. New EDs can learn from others who have experience and who are willing to help them in developing their skills and expanding their knowledge.

    If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please complete this survey and we will be in touch.  More information is here.

    Podcast mic

    AFHTO 2020 Conference: call for submissions, including Bright Lights

    It’s time to highlight primary care. Present your ideas and initiatives at the AFHTO 2020 Conference

    This year’s conference will be a streamlined but with even more variety in presentation format.

    Podcasts. Webcasts. Rapid Fire sessions. We want your insight, from system and policy-level discussions to patient-focused inquiries into the ways teams can better serve their communities in a pandemic and beyond. Find out more here. Deadline July 29.

    You can also:

    • Shine a light on your team’s achievements. Nominate an outstanding team or individual for a “Bright Lights” Award by July 29. Awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2020 Conference Awards ceremony, on October 8, 2020. Read more here.
    • And Join a working group  by July 15 for a $20 discount on the registration fee (now available)

    Guidance on resuming cancer screening and other updates

    Resources and updates released recently include:

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

    Possible discounts for Microsoft 365 and UpToDate

    As mentioned in last week’s email to the leadership triad, AFHTO is looking at possible discounts for two platforms for teams:

    • Microsoft Teams is becoming a preferred platform for virtual meetings, including with the ministry and Ontario Health. Microsoft Teams comes with the purchase of Microsoft 365. If there is enough interest in licenses, we will ask about a reduced rate for bulk purchasing of Microsoft 365.
    • UpToDate is a computer and mobile device-based clinical reference tool. AFHTO has been speaking with UpToDate and there is potential for a discounted rate for teams; however, it depends on uptake. Please let us know if you are interested. If there is enough interest, we will arrange a contract with UpToDate.
    • If you are interested in Microsoft 365 and/or UpToDate, please complete this survey by Friday, July 17.

    Prenatal screening and COVID-19

    Temporary prenatal screening changes have been in effect since April 6, 2020. These changes have now been extended and will continue through to December 31, 2020.

    Visit Prenatal Screening Ontario’s website for more information.

    thehealthline.ca, CEP and primary care

    Thehealthline.ca has partnered with the Centre for Effective Practice to support primary care professionals with rapidly updated information that reflects current on-the-ground status for more than 15,000 priority health and social services.

    You can find updated service records integrated into the comprehensive provincial system navigation directory here.

    Nominate an outstanding physician for the CPSO Council Award

    The College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSO) is now accepting nominations for the 2021 Council Award.  The Council Award honours outstanding Ontario physicians who have demonstrated excellence and embody society’s vision of an “ideal physician”.  Details about the selection criteria are outlined on their website. Deadline Sep. 28, 2020.

    Ramping Up In-Person Office Visits in Primary Care in the Aftermath of COVID-19, July 15, 2020

    Join the Choosing Wisely Canada community with Dr. Tara Kiran, Family Physician at St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Team and Fidani Chair of Improvement and Innovation, University of Toronto. Dr. Kiran will share insights from her recent CMAJ article on how to weigh the benefits and risks of virtual and in-person care for patients and providers as we ramp up in-office primary care services. Find out more here.

    Having Difficult Conversations: webinar series, July 23 – August 13, 2020

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario and Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association are hosting a new 4-part webinar series, entitled Having Difficult Conversations: Tips & Strategies in the Context of COVID-19.
    Find out more here.

    Integrated Mental and Physical Health, June 5- August 28, 2020

    Hosted by CAMH, University of Toronto and Project ECHO. Find out more here.

    NPAO Annual Conference, September 24 – 25, 2020

    This year, the NPAO annual conference will be held digitally to connect NPs so they can hear updates in clinical practice to improve the delivery of healthcare in Ontario.
    Learn more here.

  • Increased access to primary care in Kapuskasing area

    TimminsToday article published on May 4, 2018 TimminsToday staff NEWS RELEASE NORTH EAST LOCAL HEALTH INTEGRATION NETWORK People will have greater access to high-quality health care closer to home thanks to a new team of health care professionals coming to Kapuskasing and a new Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team that will serve Indigenous Northerners. On Thursday, the North East Local Health Integration Network (NE LHIN) along with local partners announced:

    • A new Family Health Team for Kapuskasing ($755,600)
    • The creation of an Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team ($2.3 million) based in Cochrane which will serve Indigenous Northerners, including in Kapuskasing and area.

    The new Family Health Team will connect people in Kapuskasing with a range of health care professionals, such as nurse practitioners, social workers, and physiotherapists to address a broad range of healthcare needs, including mental health and chronic disease management. The family health team will also complement and extend services presently provided by primary care physicians with the Riverbend Family Health Organization The creation of the Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team is in keeping with the North East LHIN’s Aboriginal Health Reconciliation Action Plan, published in 2016, to increase access to care for Northerners. Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Teams are Indigenous community-led, primary health care organizations. They provide a combination of traditional healing, primary care, cultural programs, health promotion programs, community development initiatives, and social support services. Team-based health care clinics help empower patients and their families and encourage them to be active participants in living healthy lives. Ontario is creating new and expanded primary care programs and services in order to respond to the health and social service needs of communities across the province, including Franco-Ontarians, newcomers and seniors. For many years, Kapuskasing has had challenges securing access to primary care health providers. The NE LHIN worked closely with local physicians, health service providers and other key stakeholders in the community to address the challenge. The LHIN also assisted the Kapuskasing Interprofessional Primary Care Committee with the development and submission of the business case for establishing the Family Health Team. The development of a Family Health Team will help to improve primary care service capacity and delivery in Kapuskasing. The Centre de santé communautaire de Kapuskasing et region, Riverbend Family Health Organization and Sensenbrenner Hospital worked collaboratively to increase access to specific interdisciplinary services to residents in the area. This partnership has increased access to the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN), clinical nutrition counselling, blood pressure monitoring, and clinical pharmacy consultations, amongst other services. Quotes “Our government is committed to ensuring everyone in Ontario has access to high-quality primary care, closer to home. The support of interprofessional primary care teams in the community is an important and significant step toward achieving this goal.” – Dr. Helena Jaczek, minister of Health and Long-Term Care “The North East LHIN is pleased to have worked collaboratively with health service providers and community members in Kapuskasing to develop a successful business case for the new family health team. This new team will support on-going efforts to recruit and retain primary care providers in the community. The addition of a new Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team will also improve access to care for Indigenous people living in the area and is in keeping with the North East LHIN’s Aboriginal Health Care Reconciliation Action Plan.” – Jeremy Stevenson, CEO, North East LHIN “We are thrilled by the news that Kapuskasing will be gaining a new Family Health Team. This new resource will be a great support to both patients and current primary care physicians in the community, and we appreciate the work of the North East LHIN and area partners to make this happen.” – Dr. Julie Boucher, lead physician with the Riverbend Family Health Organization Quick facts

    • Kapuskasing Family Health Team will receive $755,600 to support the establishment of interprofessional primary care as part of Ontario’s commitment to expand access to interprofessional primary care across the province.
    • The Shkgamik-Kwe Aboriginal Health Access Centre will receive $2,280,000 to support the establishment of the Indigenous Interprofessional Primary Care Team, which will serve Indigenous Northerners from communities from Cochrane to Constance Lake.
    • There are currently 294 interprofessional care teams across Ontario delivering care to more than four million people.

    Learn more

    Click here to access the TimminsToday article

  • MOHLTC Inviting Applications for New Midwifery Programs

    The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Association of Ontario Midwives are inviting applications for two new programs that have been introduced with a special focus on access, choice, and addressing health inequities:

    • Indigenous Midwifery Programs are designed to enhance culturally safe midwifery care and traditional services for expectant families in Indigenous communities.
    • Expanded Midwifery Care Models (EMCM)are intended o enable community based midwifery services to be delivered in a variety of settings where the existing midwifery practice group (MPG) model and funding arrangement aren’t appropriate. These settings could include interprofessional primary care teams.

    Interested parties can contact the Ministry at midwifery@ontario.ca to request the application and supporting guidance documents. For those unable to apply this year, there will be an annual application process. Relevant Links

  • Member news: AFHTO board nominations, EOI for Indigenous teams and more

    Below are relevant updates and items for AFHTO members, some with fast-approaching deadlines:

    AFHTO News
    AFHTO 2017 Conference registration now live: Members receive a 50% discount on registration. Contact your administrator for your access code. Learn more here.  Interested in serving on the AFHTO board of directors? Nominations are open until Thursday, July 6, 2017.

    News Relevant to Primary Care
    Expression of Interest to establish an Indigenous IPC Team: application process now launched by the Ministry. Indigenous member teams are invited to apply. Deadline August 21, 2017. Patients First – latest updates available here, including news on the latest CCAC transfers to LHINs and the “Achieving Excellence Together” Conference.
    Funding and remuneration of interdisciplinary primary care teams in Canada: a conceptual framework and application – BMC Health Services Research article Medical Assistance in Dying Statute Law Amendment Act, 2017: slides from the Ministry’s May 16 webinar now available.

    Resources, Reports and Requests for Input
    Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) seeking input from teams in Northeastern Ontario: o Now working with the Réseau du mieux-être francophone du Nord de l’Ontario (Réseau) to identify physicians, NPs, receptionists and IHPs providing services in both official languages. Legal information for patients: Steps to Justice is a new website from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) providing information on common legal problems in family, housing, employment, social assistance, criminal, and other areas of law.
    o By answering a quick 5 minutes questionnaire by phone, you will contribute to the goal of capturing the present picture of French-language services being offered in Northeastern Ontario. The findings will be used by both NOSM and the Réseau to direct their efforts in improving the access to primary care services and human resources planning. If you are a family physician or a nurse practitioner and would like to participate, please contact Doniya Quenneville, project lead, at (705) 674-9381 ext. 203 or 1-866-489-7484 or by email at dquenneville@rmefno.ca. Deadline is August 1st, 2017. Rainbow Health Ontario seeking input from health and mental health providers working with children and youth: 5- minute survey to assess capacity in addressing the needs of gender-diverse child and youth clients/patients. If you have any questions, please contact Ilene Hyman i.hyman@utoronto.ca. Deadline July 15, 2017. Standards for Post-Concussion Care: recently released by Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation (ONF)
    Engaging Patients in Patient Safety – a Canadian Guide: developed by Canadian Patient Safety Institute in collaboration with Health Quality Ontario and various partners.  

    Conferences and Events
    Protecting Personal Health Information, June 26, 2017: webinar co-presented by AFHTO and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario  Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) workshops: o Mood Disorders: Advanced Strategies for Primary Care Physicians, Sep. 22, 2017
    Strategies for Building and Maintaining an Effective Board in Primary Care, July 11, 2017: first webinar in a series of webcast and online learning modules from AFHTO’s partnership with Governance Centre for Excellence. o Women’s Health Intrauterine Contraception: Theory to Practice, Sep. 23, 2017  
    NPAO Conference, Sep. 21 – 23 2017: and NPAO Patient Choice Award – deadline June 23, 2017.