Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Care for Specific Populations

  • 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.

  • Bits & Pieces: member stories, psychology month and more

    Bits & Pieces: member stories, psychology month and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Happy Psychology month
    • Reminder- our new research project; deadline Feb. 11
    • Vaccine priority for children and more
    • University of Toronto seeking Nurse Practitioner Preceptors
    • Nominate a volunteer for Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2021
    • Upcoming events including Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP and more

     

    Member stories

    Georgina NPLC– Nurse practitioner clinic set to open this August in Jackson’s Point

    Manitoulin Central FHT– Why two family doctors chose Manitoulin Island

    Rebecca Brown, Sauble FHT– new book “Shelter from our Secrets, Silence and Shame; how our stories can keep us stuck or set us free”

    As a mental health clinician, Rebecca Brown has been a safe place for many to seek shelter from their secrets, silence, and shame. Inspired to finally slow down, stop running from herself and share her own story, she found ways to seek and savour her own shelter. Available now on Amazon, Indigo and other book sellers.

    CPA pysch month poster 2022

     

     

    Happy Psychology month

    To all our psychologists, thank you for looking out for Ontarians’ mental health as we go through yet more twists and turns during the pandemic. Happy Psychology Month!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Reminder- our new research project; deadline Feb. 11

    AFHTO has partnered with Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft, on a study focused on understanding how and in what ways primary care contributes to vaccine distribution, challenges experienced by primary care in the transition to vaccine distribution, as well as generating recommendations about primary care’s ongoing and future roles in vaccine distribution, including COVID-19 boosters.

    This study will be in the format of focus groups with EDs, MDs, nurses, QIDSS and IHPs. Please share this survey with these team members to express interest to participate and to provide your availability for scheduling. Please note, each team member can fill out this survey individually.

    Please complete this survey by Friday, February 11, 2022.

    For any questions, please connect with Sandeep Gill: sandeep.gill@afhto.ca.

    Vaccine priority for children and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    University of Toronto seeking Nurse Practitioner Preceptors

    The University of Toronto is looking for Nurse Practitioner Preceptors for the Spring 2022 term (April 25 – June 24, 2022) for 200 hours of practicum experience for the last practicum of the program. Honorariums are provided (depending on organizational policies). Physician preceptors are welcome for Year 1 NP students for 75 hours during the same time period. Please email npplacements@utoronto.ca for more information or to confirm a student placement opportunity.

    Nominate a volunteer for Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2021

    Nominate someone who has made a significant contribution in improving the lives of others in their community through volunteering. In addition to receiving an award from the Government of Canada at a national ceremony, recipients are invited to choose a not-for-profit organization to receive a grant of $5,000 (regional awards) or $10,000 (national award). Deadline March 4, 2022.

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

    OHT data and analytics needs, Feb. 9, 2022
    RISE OHT support webinar. Register here.

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

    National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4) conference, Mar. 1-3, 2022
    The theme is The Past is Practice: intersectoral lessons learned from the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism. It’ll be held virtually and will be free of charge. Register here.

  • COVID-19 Outpatient Therapies, Vaccination Updates and Other Updates

    Dear members,

    January has been an incredibly difficult month, and we want to thank you and your teams for all that you have done, and continue to do, for your patients. Encouragingly, the latest update on COVID-19 projections from the Science Table indicates that while hospital and ICU admissions continues to be high, Ontario data shows that vaccination (including third doses) is providing strong protection against serious illness.

    The Ministry of Health issued a memo on the gradual resumption of selected clinical activities on February 1st, in addition to updated COVID-19 Directive #2 for Healthcare Providers and accompanying Q&A. The Ministry notes that latest modelling for hospitalizations and new admissions indicates that we have likely reached the peak of the current wave and will see a gradual decline in new hospitalizations in the coming weeks, and the revised Directive #2 allows the cautious and gradual resumption of diagnostic imaging, cancer screening and scheduled ambulatory clinics, and non-urgent and nonemergent surgeries as operationally feasible.

    See the Ministry of Health’s Provincial testing guidance and the implementation of antivirals in Ontario slide deck, released February 2nd, for an overview of Ontario’s COVID-19 testing strategy, expanded use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), antiviral pathway within 5 days of symptom onset, and other important information.

    Please find below for additional resources to aid your teams as we look forward with cautious optimism to the end of the Omicron wave.

    COVID-19 Outpatient Therapies

    This template patient script from the OCFP, updating on available COVID-19 treatments, can be adapted for community-based practices. The OCFP has also updated their Considerations for Balancing Demands, including more info on caring for symptomatic and COVID +ve patients.

    Referral forms in Telus PS, Accuro and OSCAR
    The North York Family Health Team has kindly digitized the referral form and made it available for all Telus PS and Accuro users in the province. Special thanks to Suja Arackal, Data Manager at the North York FHT.

    • For Accuro users:
      • Both the forms (“Ontario COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody(mAb) EUA Treatment Referral” & “List of sites distributing Paxlovid”) are available in Accuro cloud.
      • Please follow this link for instructions on how to download a form from Accuro cloud.
    • For PSS users:
      • Please download the custom form “Ontario COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody(mAb) EUA Treatment Referral” and the handout “List of sites distributing Paxlovid” using this link.
      • Instructions on how to import a handout in PSS: Click here
      • Instructions on how to import a custom form in PSS: Click here

    Thank you to Lisa Hawkins, QIDSS with the Champlain Region FHTs and Dr. Kevin Lai in North York for their assistance in developing the form for OSCA users.

    • For OSCAR users:
      • There are two options for you to choose from depending on your EMR compatibility. Please click here for more details.

    You can also find the OCFP summary of the OH Guidance for Primary Care Providers – Access to Sotrovimab and Paxlovid for outpatient therapies for COVID-19 here.

    COVID-19 Vaccination

    All about RATs
    The provincial stock of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) is now in good supply and can be used for staff and patients. Primary care will see their backordered RATs from provincial stockpile in the next week or two and can also order additional tests from the provincial stockpile. ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca has a good fact sheet on “When should I use Rapid Antigen Test?” you can share with your patients. You can order the RATs here.

    *NEW: note that symptomatic household members of patient-facing healthcare workers (includes primary care) are now eligible for PCR testing.
     
    Long COVID

    COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centres
    A reminder that clinical assessment centres have been stood up to support assessment, diagnosis, and disposition planning for people whose symptoms cannot be safely self-monitored at home but are also not experiencing severe symptoms that would require emergency care.
    See:

     
    Events
    Ontario Health Community of Practice

    • Primary Care and COVID-19 Support Community of Practice January 12th Ontario Health CoP meeting recording can be accessed online. In this recording you will hear Dr. Chris Simpson speak about COVID Clinical Assessment Centres and Dr. Mangin provides updates to the COVID Monitoring pathways for primary care.
    • The next CoP meeting is on February 9th from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and will focus on further discussions on monitoring and Post COVID-19 Condition clinical guidance for primary care. Katie Hogue, NPLCA President, will speak to her experience up in Parry Sound. Register here.

    Ontario College of Family Physicians Community of Practice

    • The OCFP COVID-19 CoP February 4th session on Responding to the Omicron Surge – Part 2 can be accessed here. The slide deck from the session is also available here.  
    • The next CoP session will be Friday, February 18th from 7:55 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. and registration details coming soon.

    Ontario Medical Association and OCFP Town Hall

    • On February 3rd the OMA and OCFP hosted a Town Hall on COVID-19 and children with Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario’s chief medical officer of health, and other experts. Watch the recording here.

    In the next week we are expecting the updated Primary Care Guidance document which will provide updated guidance on how to manage in-person care with updated IPAC, screening and testing guidance. We will ensure we share that as soon as it is available.

    Once again thank you 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: Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety and more

    Bits & Pieces: Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety course
    • February 11 is 211 Day
    • Our New Research Project
    • Reminder- moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and opioid use disorder in primary care
    • Vaccine inventory update and more
    • 2022/23 collaborative quality improvement plan (cQIP) update
    • Upcoming events including CMOH Town Hall and more

     

    Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety course

    The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) has introduced Anishinaabe Mino’ayaawin: People in Good Health. This Indigenous cultural safety program will consist of several online courses for individuals working in health-based settings. Participants will learn to adopt and practice culturally safe strategies when providing care to Indigenous clients and patients. The first course, Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety, is an introductory course that is targeted to any individual working in health care – including any front-line staff, practitioners, volunteers, and students.

    This course will take users approximately three hours to complete. There is currently no cost to participate. Find out more here.

    If you haven’t yet done so, we encourage your team to make a commitment to learn and take action by reflecting and starting your own journey towards Truth and Reconciliation and this course is a good first step.

    February 11 is 211 Day

    You can help remind people the 211 service is available to connect them to programs and services in their community.

    211 is free, confidential, and available in 150+ languages. Community Navigators answer calls 24/7 and are trained to ask the right questions to fully understand an individual’s situation and find the right information, programs, or services for them.

    Promotional materials are available here.

    Our new research project

    AFHTO has partnered with Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft, on a study focused on understanding how and in what ways primary care contributes to vaccine distribution, challenges experienced by primary care in the transition to vaccine distribution, as well as generating recommendations about primary care’s ongoing and future roles in vaccine distribution, including COVID-19 boosters.

    This study will be in the format of focus groups with EDs, MDs, nurses, QIDSS and IHPs. Please share this survey with these team members to express interest to participate and to provide your availability for scheduling. Please note, each team member can fill out this survey individually.

    Please complete this survey by Friday, February 11, 2022. Please complete this survey by Friday February 11, 2022.

    For any questions, please connect with Sandeep Gill: sandeep.gill@afhto.ca.

    Reminder- moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and opioid use disorder in primary care

    AFHTO is supporting the OMA in collectively identifying 2-3 key priorities of mutual interest to strengthen primary care’s capacity to deliver mental health and addiction care and strengthen primary care’s ability to deliver supports to address the needs of people living with moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and people with opioid use problems.

    To support this work, we ask that Executive Directors/Administrative Leads of teams please fill out this quick survey. Please complete this survey by Friday, February 4, 2022.

    Vaccine inventory update and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    2022/23 collaborative quality improvement plan (cQIP) update

    Ontario Health sent out a memo regarding their expectations on cQIPs on Jan. 28:
    “While we’ve undertaken to coordinate and simplify the production of your quality plans, we recognize that some teams will simply not have the current capacity available to complete all the prescribed cQIP elements…As a result, we are committing to flexibility in the form and timing of your cQIP submission.” You can read the full memo for details- EN and FR.

    CMOH Town Hall – Keeping children safe during COVID-19, Feb. 3, 2022

    Join representatives from the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s office, including Dr. Kieran Moore, Public Health Ontario, and the Presidents of the OCFP and the OMA. Register here.

    Responding to the Omicron surge – Part 2, Feb. 4, 2022
    38th in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ for OCFP’s COVID-19 CoP for Family Physicians. Register here.

    Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP, Feb. 9, 2022
    With a focus on COVID@Home monitoring and Post COVID-19 Clinical Guidance for Primary Care. 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.

    National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4) conference, Mar. 1-3, 2022
    The theme is The Past is Practice: intersectoral lessons learned from the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism. It’ll be held virtually and will be free of charge. Register here.

  • COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centres, ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca and updated guidance documents

    COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centres, ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca and updated guidance documents

    Dear Members,

    With the recent news that Health Canada has authorized PAXLOVID for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at high risk of developing serious disease, there is some hope that treatment can be made available as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of the start of symptoms. Ontario is expecting 10,800 doses by the end of the month and while details around where they will be disseminated are still being worked out, it looks like the Clinical Assessment Centres (see below) may be the first point of access. As we wait for more information, we wanted to share some important guidance updates and resources to support you.
     
    COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centres
    To help further conserve needed capacity for people requiring emergency services, Ontario Health has requested that a number of COVID-19 assessment centres across the province expand their scope to include clinical services to support people with known or suspected COVID-19 infection who meet certain criteria. These clinical assessment centres build on the COVID, cough and flu clinics and other influenza-like illness clinics established in the fall. They will support assessment, diagnosis, and disposition planning for people whose symptoms cannot be safely self-monitored at home but are also not experiencing severe symptoms that would require emergency care.

    To support this pivot, please find attached:

    If you have any questions about clinical assessment centres in your region, reach out to the Vice President, Clinical Programs in your region:

    names, email addresses for Vice Presidents, Clinical Programs, OH

    * A reminder that if you have already existing pathways for referrals to your local clinical assessment centre (especially in Northern and rural settings), you should continue to use them.

    New patient resources at ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca
    The Department of Community and Family Medicine (DFCM) at the University of Toronto and the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) have created a new series of patient resources that teams can use to help patients make sense of the latest guidance around COVID/Omicron.

    The resources include plain-language questions and answers about COVID management, testing, isolation and more. They offer patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how primary care providers can help. Find out more at ConfusedAboutCovid.ca or to access them individually here:

     
    Updated Guidance Documents
    Here are some updated guidance documents from the Ministry of Health over the last week:

    COVaxON

    • If you are having issues accessing COVaxON or need to register additional staff/volunteers you can contact OntarioMD directly for information and support: covaxon.support@ontariomd.com.
    • Just a reminder also that OMD runs ongoing training sessions on COVaxON – information and registration can be found here.
    • COVaxON accounts are automatically deactivated after 30 days of inactivity so please check in advance of your clinic to ensure that all necessary staff/volunteers are reactivated if some time has passed.

     Upcoming COVID-19 related webinars

    • Therapeutic Management of COVID-19, Thursday, Jan. 20, 12:00p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
      • The General Medicine Quality Improvement Network (GeMQIN) will discuss recent developments in treatment of COVID-19 in both the inpatient and outpatient setting. Register here.
    • COVID-19 Community of Practice for Family Physicians: Responding to the Omicron surge, Friday, Jan. 21, 2022, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
      • Join the OCFP and the DFCM in their 37th session of ‘Changing the way we work’. Register here.
    • Vax for the Future: Equity, Community and Trust. Community of Practice | La vaccination pour l’avenir : équité, communauté et confiance, Wednesday, Jan. 26, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
      • Join this Alliance-hosted virtual event showcasing best practices and lessons learned for improving vaccine confidence, featuring panellists from member centres (TAIBU CHC, Centre Francophone du Grand Toronto, Woolwich CHC, and Somerset West CHC). Register here.
    • Quality Rounds: The Reality of Virtual Care: Lessons From The Pandemic, Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 pm.
      • Over the last two years of the pandemic, the popularity and usage of virtual care has increased dramatically. Join Ontario Health as they hear from patients and providers on the enablers and barriers to delivering and using virtual care during the pandemic, as well as exploring the future opportunities of virtual care in Ontario. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Courtney Paxton at Courtney.Paxton@ontariohealth.ca.
    • Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP, Feb. 9, 2022, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 am.
      • With a focus on COVID@Home monitoring and Post COVID-19 Clinical Guidance for Primary Care. Hosted by Ontario Health. Click here to register.

    While the ‘all hands-on deck’ to immunize as many individuals over 50+ as possible over the two weeks in December may have ended, teams are being encouraged to please participate in vaccine efforts in your community if capacity exists, including providing COVID-19 vaccines to your patients in clinic and counselling individuals who have not yet received their vaccine.  

    If you are still struggling with getting vaccines in your teams or want to participate in your public health vaccine clinics but do not know where to get assistance, please contact your PHU operational contact.  If you’re having any issues, please let us know ASAP so we can work with the Ministry to provide a resolution.

    We are expecting an updated Primary Care Guidance document very soon which will provide updated guidance on how to manage in-person care with updated IPAC, screening and testing guidance. We will ensure we share that as soon as it is available.

    Once again thank you 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: 2022/23 cQIP webinar, FHT contract survey and more

    Bits & Pieces: 2022/23 cQIP webinar, FHT contract survey and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • 2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports webinar Jan. 18
    • FINAL REMINDER: FHT contract renewal survey
    • 2022 conference planning committee sign up-deadline now Jan. 19
    • Member stories
    • COVID resources and more
    • Nominations open for the Ontario Nursing now Awards
    • Naloxone in the workplace consultation
    • Twin Pregnancies: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing now OHIP funded
    • Upcoming events including Primary Care and COVID-19 QI Support CoP and more

    2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports webinar Jan. 18

    Looking for support with your 2022-23 collaborative Quality Improvement Plan? This webinar on Jan. 18 can help. Co-hosted with the Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic Association (NPLCA), the Alliance for Healthier Communities and Ontario Health, the webinar will focus on data attribution to OHTs, this year’s cQIP priorities and indicators, and cQIP supports and helpful resources.

    Register here. You may also wish to check out  the 2022/23 cQIP Guidance Document  and  2022/23 cQIP Technical Specifications documents.

    FINAL REMINDER: FHT contract renewal survey

    To EDs/Admin Leads, Lead Clinicians and Board Chairs

    Thanks again to all those who have completed the survey on the suggested considerations for the FHT contract renewal that appear in the Aspirations and Recommendations document, linked in the email “AFHTO Triad Consultation – FHT Contract Recommendations” sent Jan. 4.

    We recognize the turnaround time has been quick, but in preparation for our upcoming consultations, it would be fantastic if you could complete the survey by Wednesday, January 12th.

    2022 planning committee sign up-deadline now Jan. 19

    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.19, 2022 12 noon. Please also indicate your availability here.

    Member stories
    Central Lambton FHT- addition of two physicians finally approved

    Elliot Lake FHT- mayor thanks Dr. Cathy Groh for her work in organizing and promoting the COVID-19 vaccination clinics

    Lakehead NPLC – offering free weekly vaccine clinics

    North Simcoe FHT- assessment centre hours expanded due to increased demand

    COVID resources and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Nominations open for the Ontario Nursing now Awards

    WeRPN, in partnership with RNAO and ONA, is seeking nominations for the Ontario Nursing now Awards. These awards will recognize an RPN, an RN, and an NP for their contributions to nursing practice and the health and well-being of Ontarians. The award winners will be announced during Nursing Week in May 2022.

    The nominators can be anyone- other healthcare providers, employers, members of the public, etc. Nominations close February 25, 2022.   

    Naloxone in the workplace consultation

    The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) is seeking feedback and information on the issue of opioid use in the workplace, with a particular focus on facilitating access to naloxone in the workplace to reduce the risk of workplace-related deaths caused by opioid overdoses. MLTSD is particularly interested in receiving feedback on whether opioid overdose and overdose management are issues in Ontario workplaces, and if they are issues, if they require changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to address the hazard they present in the workplace.

    A consultation paper has been posted to the Regulatory Registry. Feedback can be submitted on any or all the discussion questions. If there are additional issues, concerns or ideas about workplace opioid use and facilitating access to naloxone not addressed in this paper, please share those thoughts as well. The deadline is January 14, 2022.

    Twin Pregnancies: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing now OHIP funded

    Babies hugging

    Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is now funded by the Ministry for all twin pregnancies, regardless of gestational age, maternal age, or prior risk.  Any physician or NP can order OHIP-funded NIPT for their patients who are pregnant with twins and who wish to have a prenatal screening test. Concurrently, First Trimester Screening (FTS) has been discontinued in Ontario for twin pregnancies. For additional information please visit the Prenatal Screening Ontario website, or contact a PSO genetic counsellor by email at PSO@BORNOntario.ca or toll-free at 1-833-351-6490.

    Primary Care and COVID-19 Quality Improvement Support CoP, Jan. 12, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health, this week featuring Dr. Chris Simpson and Dr. Dee Mangin. Registration here.

    ECHO Programs at UHN, starting Jan. 13, 2021

    Liver -starting Jan. 17
    Concussion- starting Jan. 19
    Chronic Pain/Opioids- starting Jan.13
    Rheumatology- starting Jan. 14
    Register here.

    Vax for the Future: Equity, Community and Trust – Building Vaccine Confidence with Marginalized Populations, Jan. 26, 2022

    Hosted by the Alliance for Healthier Communities. Learn more and register here.

    Better Breathing Week, Jan. 24-28, 2022
    Hosted by the Lung Health Foundation, registration is open for this free event. Find out more here.

    Quality Rounds: The Reality of Virtual Care: Lessons from the Pandemic, Jan. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Find out more here.

    Immunizing Children With Confidence Vaccination Conversation, Jan. 27, 2022
    Hosted by Children’s Healthcare Canada. Register here.

  • A Challenging Start to 2022, More Resources and a Continued Call to Get More Shots in Arms

    Dear Members,

    2022 has not started off the way we had hoped with the rapid increase in Omicron cases and the shift back to online learning for our kids. As Ontario struggles through what looks to be the most challenging wave of this pandemic, we remain heartened and continually in awe of the dedication of our teams in ensuring you do everything you can do keep your patients and community safe.

    When there was a call by the province for an #AllHandsOnDeck pivot during the December holiday season, you didn’t hesitate and did everything you could to support getting as many people vaccinated as possible. In fact, during the week of December 20 to 26 we saw the number of vaccines being given in primary care double – during a time where people should be rightfully getting some much-needed rest and downtime with the family. You can read the Vaccine Implementation Primary Care Update analysis by the Ministry which details the vaccine distribution up to January 3, 2022.

    Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our quick survey at the end of the year when the call to action was put out – your quick response provided a positive narrative to government officials on just how much primary care has and continues to participate in all efforts of the pandemic response.

    For teams who are still struggling with getting vaccines or want to participate in your public health vaccine clinics but do not know where to get assistance, the Ministry has provided a list of the PHU operational contacts who you can connect with. If you’re having any issues, please let us know ASAP so we can work with the Ministry to provide a resolution.

    A lot of information was released during the last few weeks so below are some important information you may find helpful – please note that we anticipate an updated Primary Care Guidance Document to be released in the next few weeks.

    Ministry of Health guidance documents

    Just a reminder that any updates to the Ministry Guidance Documents can be found here.

    Updated Directive #1 and PPE
    On December 15, Public Health Ontario issued an Interim IPAC Recommendations for Use of Personal Protective Equipment for Care of Individuals with Suspect or Confirmed COVID 19 which provides a summary of PPE recommendations.

    Given the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant, the Chief Medical Officer of Health (CMOH) has issued a revised Directive #1 for Health Care Providers and Health Care Entities (December 21, 2021) instructing the move to wear a well-fitted surgical/procedure mask, or a KN95 respirator, or a non fit-tested N95 respirator (or equivalent) if not yet fit-tested. For questions you may have around Directive #1 read this Q&A document (December 24, 2021) which goes into more details.

    Primary care teams can order N95s via the Ontario Health Critical Personal Protective Equipment portal – from the dropdown menu, select “N95 Mask for Regular Supply”. The requirement for fit testing has been removed for ordering the 1870+ N95 masks for primary care but not for other models. If you have any questions about the provincial stockpile, please direct questions to COVID19SupplyChain@ontariohealth.ca.

    Prioritizing Pregnant Individuals for Booster Shots
    On January 4, 2022, the CMOH issued a memo prioritizing of booster vaccines in pregnant individuals. With the recent hospitalizations of infants with COVID, it’s important now more than ever to ensure that pregnant individuals get their booster doses to prevent risk of severe outcomes with Omicron. If you’re looking for information around pregnancy and COVID vaccination, please visit:

    Other Important Information

    Events

    • OCFP COVID-19 Community of Practice for Family Physicians: Managing COVID-19 in the Community– Friday, January 21, 2022, 8:00-9:00am EST. Details to be announced soon here.
    • Ontario Health Primary Care and COVID-19 Quality Improvement Support CoP: January 12 meeting registration here.
    • Vax for the Future: Equity, Community and Trust – Building Vaccine Confidence with Marginalized Populations – Wednesday, January 26 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Join the Alliance for Healthier Communities for a webinar on innovative, equitable approaches to overcoming vaccine hesitancy in marginalized populations. They will be showcasing best practices and lessons learned for improving vaccine confidence.  Learn more including registration here.
    • Children’s Healthcare Canada Immunizing Children With Confidence Vaccination Conversation on January 27 – registration here.

    As always, we thank you so much for all that you do and continue to do, especially during these tough times. Please stay safe and if you have any questions or need additional support that we can provide, please email us at info@afhto.ca.

    Yours in good health,
    The AFHTO Team  

  • 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.

  • QI in Action eBulletin #112: Ontario Structured Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder Survey, COVID-19 Guidance Updated, & more

    QI in Action eBulletin #112: Ontario Structured Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder Survey, COVID-19 Guidance Updated, & more

    In this Issue:

    • Ontario Structured Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder Survey
    • COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting – UPDATED
    • Ontario Health Updates: Upcoming events and programs related to quality standards (QS)
    • Participate in Research
    • Upcoming Webinars

    Ontario Structured Psychotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorder Survey

    The Ontario Structured Psychotherapy program (OSP) has been designed and implemented for people with mild to moderate anxiety and depression. Screening for substance use including Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) does occur, however people are not disclosing concerns around their alcohol consumption in initial screenings. Clients often disclose concerns related to alcohol consumption after a few sessions which leaves some clinicians unable to adequately meet their clients needs.

    Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO), along with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence (MHA CoE), has convened an advisory committee to recommend next steps for an OSP program for clients with mild to moderate AUD. This survey is intended to gather information that would support the committee in making recommendations to support the development of the program.
     
    The survey will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete and will be open until November 12, 2021. Please note, this survey was initially designed for people working in the mental health and addiction sector. Not all question will be relevant to all providers, so feel free to only complete sections that are relevant to your care setting.

    If you have any questions or further comments, please contact karen.cook@amho.ca.

    COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting

    Ministry of Health has released a version 9.0 for the COVID-19 guidance for primary care providers in a community setting on October 19, 2021. Sections that are updated are on In-Person, Screening, Testing, and Occupational Health and Safety. Please keep an eye on the Ministry of Health (MOH) COVID-19 website for regularly updated versions.

    Ontario Health Updates: Upcoming events and programs related to quality standards (QS)
    Content below developed by Ontario Health (Health Quality Ontario)

    RGP Toronto Implementation Coaching Series for Delirium Care

    Delirium quality standard

    Join us this fall for a practical coaching series on how you can use the implementation guide for the Delirium quality standard to change care in your workplace! Come on your own or bring a team.

    This will be a dynamic, interactive coaching series where all levels of implementers are welcome—no preparation required. Whether you are just getting started, are started but stalled, or on a roll, this series is for you!

    Part 1: Assemble a Team | October 28, 2021 • 12:00–1:00 p.m. ET
    In this session you will learn how to create an elevator pitch, provide a case for change, and decide how you will engage various stakeholders. REGISTER HERE

    Part 2: Prioritize a Change Idea | November 25, 2021 • 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
    In this session you will learn practical methods to set priorities in diverse groups and how to set up two-way communication mechanisms. REGISTER

     Part 3: Create a Plan | December 16, 2021 • 12:00-1:00 p.m. ET
    In this session you will learn how to create a practical action plan, address barriers, and leverage facilitators so that your change sticks. REGISTER

    Mainpro+® Self-Study Program | Understanding Quality Standards in Primary Care | Coming October 2021
    Ontario Health is excited to announce a new opportunity for family physicians to earn Mainpro+® credits by reading the quality standards relevant to primary care. This one-credit-per-hour Self-Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 48.75 credits. To learn more, or to enroll in the program, contact: UnderstandQS@ontariohealth.ca.

    Participate in Research!

    Your opinion matters: Help us develop educational materials for lipid management.

    Researchers at The Knowledge Translation (KT) Program at St. Michael’s Hospital and Women’s College Hospital are collaborating on a study called the “CANHEART Improving Cholesterol Management Study” to improve lipid management and cardiovascular health in Ontario.

    The Community Heart Outcomes Improvement and Cholesterol Education Study (CHOICES) is an Ontario research study being conducted in certain health regions in Ontario with higher than average rates of cardiovascular disease. The study is being funded as part of Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR) and by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CHOICES will involve implementing a ‘toolbox’ for cholesterol management to inform and empower people when it comes to the appropriate management of their cholesterol and cardiovascular health. The tools within this ‘toolbox’, such as cholesterol tip sheets, educational videos, and online decision aids, will be widely distributed in the high-risk health regions, to allow people to work with their primary care physician and share in the decision-making process together.

    Currently, we are looking to recruit primary care physicians Ontario wide to review and provide feedback on an online decision aid tool aimed to improve cholesterol management among patients. Participants will be compensated with a $100.00 honorarium for their time.  If you are interested in reviewing the tool and participating in a 30 – 45-minute confidential telephone interview, please contact Research Assistant, Suvabna Theivendrampillai at Suvabna.Theivendrampillai@unityhealth.to

    Are you a Family Physician delivering virtual care?

    A study on digital health and compassionate care led by Dr. Laura Desveaux from Women’s College Hospital is exploring how technology influences interactions in primary care. Family physicians who have experience delivering virtual care (e.g., video visits, asynchronous messaging, and remote monitoring) with their patients are being invited to participate in a 30–45-minute interview over Zoom. The interview will explore your experiences with technology, how you have adapted your practice, and what is needed moving forward. A $75 e-gift card will be provided in recognition of your time. To participate or discuss further, please contact the project lead, Kelly Wu (kelly.wu@wchospital.ca).

    Upcoming Webinars:

    • Delirium Awareness: Untapped Potential for Patient Care and System Transformation, Oct. 27, 2021
      • Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario hosts a webinar with clinical experts to share perspectives in the identification and response to delirium. The session will discuss how care can be transformed by utilizing the delirium quality standard to implement institutional delirium awareness, screening, and monitoring. Register here.
    • Practical Approaches To Polypharmacy: The Gentle Art Of Deprescribing, Nov 3, 2021
      • In this webinar we will explore approaches to the issues and problems around polypharmacy and deprescribing in primary care patients. We will discuss approaches to the integration of patients’ goals and priorities with evidence. In the second part of the webinar, we will demonstrate the TAPER tool (Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction), an integrated pathway designed for use in a primary care team-based approach as routine “prevention” in primary care patients with polypharmacy. Register here.
    • Parenting Resilient Children, Nov. 4, 2021
    • CFI@PRI’s first “Rooted in Change: The Centre for Family Initiatives at Pine River Institute Masterclass.” Dr. Brad Reedy of Evoke Therapy Programs will present a formula for increasing resiliency in our children. Topics will include parental anxiety, definitions of Self for parents and children, and how common myths in parenting need to be reconsidered. Register here.

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #111 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

  • Bits & Pieces: Influenza-like Illness (ILI) provincial guidance and more

    Bits & Pieces: Influenza-like Illness (ILI) provincial guidance and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Influenza-like Illness (ILI) provincial guidance memo for primary care
    • Reminder- rheumatology in primary care, tomorrow, Oct. 14
    • Introduction to ONCA, Nov. 17
    • Just one week to early bird deadline, fireside chat & platform update
    • Key update on COVID-19 testing and primary care and more
    • Reminder- Tapering and Stopping Opioids, Oct. 19
    • META: PHI provincial RAAM network
    • Upcoming events regarding managing mental health in the workplace and more

     

     

    Influenza-like Illness (ILI) provincial guidance memo for primary care

    The final approved guidance for primary care on navigating patients with ILI symptoms is now available. This guidance is purposely high-level to allow for adaption and implementation at a regional and local level.

    The memo refers to connecting with regional leadership a few times, so below is the list of clinical regional VPs.

    Region and Clinical VPs
    Toronto- Rose Cook
    West- Dr. Jennifer Everson
    East- Dr. David Zelt
    Central – Dr. Mira Backo-Shannon  
    North – Dr. Paul Preston

    Reminder- rheumatology in primary care, tomorrow, Oct. 14

    We’ve updated the name of our Oct. 14 webinar to more accurately reflect the content. This presentation provides an overarching schema of rheumatic diseases, with a focus on types and patterns of articular involvement, and extraarticular and serologic correlates. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to apply this schema when approaching common rheumatic disease presentations. Find out more and register here.

    Introduction to ONCA, Nov. 17

    Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) will be proclaimed on October 19, 2021. Nonprofits now have 3 years to update their bylaws and letters patent to comply with the ONCA.

    We invite members to join Benjamin Miller from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) for an education session on what is new in the ONCA, and steps nonprofits can take to set themselves up for success in transitioning to the new requirements under the Act. Register here.

    AFHTO 2021 small logo

    Just one week to early bird deadline, fireside chat & platform update

    • Members get a significant discount on the registration fee, which increases after Oct. 20!
    • And don’t forget to register for our fireside chat– our speakers are Dennis Matthews and Katie Heelis, who will provide insight on the upcoming 2022 provincial election from the Conservative and Liberal perspective respectively.
    • The platform we’re using this year is PheedLoop. Please check with your IT to ensure you’ll have a good connection. Connectivity issues are a lot less likely this year, but it’s good to double-check. You’ll also get early access to the platform the week before the conference.

    Key update on COVID-19 testing and primary care and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Reminder- Tapering and Stopping Opioids, Oct. 19

    There is evidence that chronic opioid therapy has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and increasing the risk of serious complications like opioid use disorder, unintentional overdose, and death. Tapering opioids can be challenging to the prescriber and to the patient, and there is not a lot of guidance on how to do it safely, comfortably, and effectively. In this webinar, Dr. Furlan will summarize the 10 years of experience of the pain clinic at Toronto Rehab UHN where she works with an interprofessional team to help patients come off long term opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain. Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship (UHN). Register here.

    META: PHI provincial RAAM network

    META: PHI supports clinicians across care settings in delivering high-quality care to people who use substances. In 2020, META: PHI was tasked by the Ministry of Health to provide oversight to the province’s network of 74 rapid access addiction medicine (RAAM) clinics as the provincial clinical practice hub for RAAMs. RAAM clinics offer low-barrier, walk-in addiction medicine services, including time-limited pharmacotherapy and brief counselling, without an appointment or formal referral. Information and clinical resources can be found at www.metaphi.ca. You can find their presentation to the Primary Care Collaborative here.

    Managing Mental Health in the Workplace during COVID-19, Oct. 19, 2021
    Free virtual day of learning for frontline workers and managers hosted by Ontario Psychological Association and City of Toronto. Register here.

    Testing for COVID-19 and “last mile” vaccination, Oct. 22, 2021
    The 30th in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ for the COVID-19 COP for Family Physicians. Register here.

    It’s election time- member consultation forum, Nov. 16, 2021

    The 2022 provincial election is fast approaching, and we need to hear from you! Click here for more information and to register!

    AFHTO 2021 Conference, Oct. 27-28, 2021
    Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild. Members get a significant discount on the registration fee. Find out more here.