Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: COVID-19

  • Prescribing Paxlovid, Fourth Doses and Additional Resources

    Dear Members,

    As COVID-19 hospitalizations and cases continue to rise across the province, the reality of this sixth wave of the pandemic is taking hold with this highly transmissible BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron. Ontario approved fourth doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for those eligible and has now made it possible for physicians and Nurse Practitioners to prescribe Paxlovid that can be dispensed in community pharmacies. As we head into what will be a difficult spring, please see below for some additional resources and updates you may find helpful.

    Prescribing Paxlovid
    An individual with a valid prescription for Paxlovid is eligible to receive publicly funded Paxlovid if they live, work, or study in Ontario or are here for an extended stay. They also need to meet the applicable clinical criteria outlined in the Ontario Health Guidance for providers on access to COVID-19 antiviral treatment.

    An individual is not required to have a valid Ontario health card or be an Ontario Drug Benefit Program recipient to receive publicly funded Paxlovid. Community pharmacies across the province are still onboarding to dispense Paxlovid and you can find which locations already have the antivirals on the Ministry site. Paxlovid is also available at all provincial Clinical Assessment Centres.

    Below are some resources you may find helpful:

    In their President’s Message yesterday, the Ontario College of Family Physicians highlighted key details to keep in mind with the rollout of Paxlovid prescribing, including additional clinical tools that would be helpful in determining patient eligibility for the antivirals.

    Rolling out fourth doses of COVID-19 vaccines
    On April 7th, the Ministry expanded eligibility for fourth doses (second booster dose) of the COVID-19 vaccine to include individuals aged 60 years and over as well as First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over. Additional considerations include:

    • A fourth dose should be offered to those who received their third dose (first booster dose) five months (140 days) prior. The minimum interval for the fourth dose (second booster dose) is three months (84 days).
    • To maximize the immune response of the vaccine after a COVID-19 infection, it is recommended that individuals wait three months (84 days) after they tested positive, or their symptoms started.
    • At this time, it is not recommended to administer a fifth dose (second booster dose) to immunocompromised people.

    As a reminder, if  you would like to administer vaccines in your clinic so please connect with your PHU operational lead for information if you haven’t yet done so.

    Events
    IPAC Strategies To Ensure A Safe Environment In Primary Care Clinics
    The Primary Care Collaborative has partnered with Public Health Ontario to provide an infection prevention and control (IPAC) information webinar to those working in clinical office settings. In this webinar, practical IPAC strategies for ensuring a safe environment for patients, clinicians, and staff will be reviewed and evidence-based resources will be introduced to support the ongoing development of a complete IPAC program for this practice setting. Such an IPAC program will be responsive to current concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as routine infection risks in the clinical office environment.
    Date & Time: Thursday April 14, 2022 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Speaker: Dr. Jeya Nadarajah, IPAC Physician, Science and Public Health, Public Health Ontario

    Please register here.

    COVID-19 Community of Practice: All About Paxlovid
    The next OCFP/UofT DFCM CoP will be all about Paxlovid.
    Date & Time: Friday, April 22, 2022 from 7:55 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.
    Speakers: Dr. Sohal Goyal, Family Physician, West Mississauga Medical, Dr. Kelly Grindrod, Pharmacist and Associate Professor, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy and Dr. Andrew Morris, Medical Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program, Sinai Health System/University Health Network.

    Please register here.

    Ontario Health Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP
    Ontario Health has a monthly series that will run every second Wednesday April to December. Its objectives are:

    • Provide updates on new guidance and initiatives affecting primary care.
    • View presentations and ask questions related to COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives within primary care.
    • Learn from and connect with your peers.

    Please register here.

    Alliance for Healthier Communities
    On April 5, 2022, the Alliance held a webinar on COVID-19 and indoor air quality – how community spaces can reduce transmission using ventilation, filtration, and ultra-violet disinfection. Click here to access the recording.

    New and Updated Resources

    Last week, the Ontario government announced the launching of a suite of supports for Ukrainian families arriving under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel. The supports available include Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. Please find the news release here and additional information on coming to Ontario from Ukraine here.

    The Ministry has developed the guidance document Ukrainians Fleeing War: Early Assessment Considerations for Primary Care Providers. This document is intended to support primary health care providers in their early assessments and care of individuals arriving in Ontario who have been displaced due to the war in Ukraine.

    There is a lot going on and we know you are exhausted. Heading into these ongoing waves is a constant reminder that this virus has no timetable around an end date, and we need to continue to remain vigilant to reduce its spread. 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. Stay safe.
     
    Yours in Good Health,
    The AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: Apr. 14 IPAC webinar and more

    Bits & Pieces: Apr. 14 IPAC webinar and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Reminder – IPAC strategies to ensure a safe environment in primary care clinics Apr. 14
    • Election advocacy webinar slides and video available
    • Ontario expanding access to COVID-19 antivirals & PCR testing and more
    • Study to investigate barriers in the diagnosis and management of dementia in primary care – recruiting family physicians
    • NPAO Patient Choice Award
    • Harm Reduction Fundamentals: A Toolkit
    • Wellness Together Canada- mental health and substance use resources
    • Upcoming events including curbing unnecessary CT scans for concussions and more

     

     

    Reminder- IPAC strategies to ensure a safe environment in primary care clinics Apr. 14

    In partnership with the members of the Primary Care Collaborative, Public Health Ontario (PHO) will provide infection prevention and control (IPAC) information to those working in clinical office settings.

    In this webinar, practical IPAC strategies for ensuring a safe environment for patients, clinicians, and staff will be reviewed and evidence-based resources will be introduced to support the ongoing development of a complete IPAC program for this practice setting.

    The information presented in this webinar will be of interest to clinicians as well as those designated to lead IPAC activities in the clinical office setting.

    Register here.

    apr 2022 advocacy webinar screenshot titled 'why advocacy matters'

    Election advocacy webinar slides and video available

    It’s exciting to be speaking with teams about their current advocacy and the work being planned for the coming two months as we head towards the June 2 provincial election! The election is expected to start on May 4. As you all know, though, parties are in full election mode now.

    AFHTO held an advocacy webinar with our government relations firm, Enterprise Canada, last week to discuss advocacy and the tools we’ve developed to support you. Read more here.

    Remember to also keep us in loop about your advocacy activities and if you need any support contact us at advocacy@afhto.ca.

    Ontario expanding access to COVID-19 antivirals & PCR testing and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Study to investigate barriers in the diagnosis and management of dementia in primary care – recruiting family physicians

    The purpose of this online study is to improve our understanding of diagnostic and therapeutic practices in the management of patients with cognitive impairment and Alzheimer Disease (AD) by primary care physicians. The study is conducted by NeuroEconSolutions, a company that designs online studies to better understand patients’ and doctors’ preferences regarding specific diagnostic tests, procedures, and treatments. Dr. Marie-Chantal Ménard is the Principal Investigator of this study.

    If you have any questions regarding the research study itself, please feel free to contact Dr. Marie-Chantal Ménard at ADinPCP@gmail.com. Recruitment is rolling and needs to be completed before the end of May 2022. An Amazon gift card of $150 will be provided to all those that complete the study.

    NPAO Patient Choice Award

    Nominations for the Patient Choice Award are submitted by patients, based on their description of their nurse practitioner’s professional qualities, approach to patient care and specific stories of dedication and how the nurse practitioner has made a difference in their lives or the lives of others. Here’s a poster to promote the award in your clinics. Deadline is June 17, 2022.

    Harm Reduction Fundamentals: A Toolkit
    CATIE has launched Harm Reduction Fundamentals: A Toolkit for Service Providers  a bilingual educational resource that includes a collection of interactive multimedia resources on foundational harm reduction knowledge. Here is more information on the Toolkit and an FAQ.

    Wellness Together Canada- mental health and substance use resources

    Wellness Together Canada is Canada’s first and only online platform offering immediate mental health and substance use support for people of all ages, in every province and territory, and in both official languages. Access free educational resources, e-courses and live counselling via phone, text, and video 24/7 and at no cost ever.

    They have developed a custom toolkit for primary care providers. It contains sample social media graphics, two posters with QR codes linking to resources, and an infographic to easily explain resources. Get it here.

    Curbing Unnecessary CT scans for Concussions, Apr. 13, 2022
    Join Choosing Wisely Talks for a discussion on reducing CT scans for concussions. Register here.

    IPAC Central West: IPAC Primary Care CoP, Apr. 20, 2022
    Hosted by Public Health Ontario, IPAC Implementation and Support Team. Register here.

    ECHO Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Apr. 22- Jul. 15, 2022
    A free pilot telementoring program for primary health-care providers. Find out more here.

    Quadruple Aim Measures for Ontario Health Teams, Apr. 26, 2022
    HSPN’s next OHT webinar. Register here. Past webinar materials here.

    Changing the Story: Improving Transitions from Youth to Adult Health Care, Apr. 27, 2022
    Ontario Health webinar in partnership with the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: IPAC & advocacy webinars and more

    Bits & Pieces: IPAC & advocacy webinars and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • IPAC strategies to ensure a safe environment in primary care clinics Apr. 14
    • We need you. Provincial election campaign training with Enterprise Canada, tomorrow, Apr. 6, 2022
    • Welcome to Raveen Bahniwal
    • Member stories
    • Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS slides and video available
    • Strategies for an equitable recovery and the latest on 4th doses, immunity and more
    • Change to Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP)’s guidelines
    • Upcoming events including diabetes care and more

     

    IPAC strategies to ensure a safe environment in primary care clinics Apr. 14

    In partnership with the members of the Primary Care Collaborative, Public Health Ontario (PHO) will provide infection prevention and control (IPAC) information to those working in clinical office settings.

    In this webinar, practical IPAC strategies for ensuring a safe environment for patients, clinicians, and staff will be reviewed and evidence-based resources will be introduced to support the ongoing development of a complete IPAC program for this practice setting.

    The information presented in this webinar will be of interest to clinicians as well as those designated to lead IPAC activities in the clinical office setting.

    Register here.

    We need you. Provincial election campaign training with Enterprise Canada, tomorrow, Apr. 6, 2022

    AFHTO Executive Committee and CEO meet with Minister Elliott on Zoom mar 2022

    The provincial election is just over two months away. Now is the time for local candidates to hear from you. Anyone on the team can join and we highly encourage you to do so! It’s going to take all of us to make an impact across Ontario.

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

    ravninder bahniwal headshot

     

    Welcome to Raveen Bahniwal
    We’re happy to introduce Raveen Bahniwal, our new Quality and Knowledge Translation Specialist.

    Ravninder (Raveen) completed her bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at McMaster University where she has experience in quantitative research, mainly running randomized controlled trials with the Exercise Metabolism Research Group. She received her master’s in public health from Western University where she worked on a research project within the Department of Family Medicine investigating the connection between artificial intelligence and primary care challenges.

    During the pandemic, Ravninder has been working as a Community Health Ambassador to provide wraparound COVID-19 supports to high-risk neighbourhoods and support community members in getting vaccinated for COVID-19. Welcome to the team!

    Member stories

    Parry Sound FHT– ‘It’s unbelievable’: Parry Sound FHT uses virtual reality to help seniors to explore the world

    Peninsula FHT– Physician buy-in a prescription for high vaccination rates

    Screenshot of Ontario Health and Primary Care webinar april 1

    Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS slides and video available

    On Friday, April 1 we had an update and conversation with Ontario Health on its role in supporting primary care, the work being led through the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence (MHA CoE), and the vision for OH’s Healthcare Navigation Service (HCNS). Slides and video are now available.

    Strategies for an equitable recovery and the latest on 4th doses, immunity and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Change to Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP)’s guidelines

    There will be a change to Ontario Cervical Screening Program (OCSP)’s Guidelines, specifically pertaining to recommendations for repeating cytology after an abnormal result. The OCSP now formally recommends that people with the following cervical screening results repeat their cytology test in 12 months instead of in 6 months:

    • A first time low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) result
    • An LSIL or ASCUS result followed by a normal result

    The OCSP originally released these evidence-based recommendations to support the gradual resumption of cervical screening services during COVID-19. Ontario Health is now formalizing the change to their screening recommendations. Please see the fulsome screening recommendation summary that can be found here. For evidence to support this recommendation, please see here.

    Ontario Health is working with Ontario labs that provide cervical screening testing to update the relevant cytology result reports, so they reflect this recommendation change.

    Please reach out to cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca, if you have any questions.

    The 3R’s – Relief, Recovery & Renewal: A Prescription for Self-Care, Apr. 6, 2022

    Hosted by Instincts at Work.Find out more here.

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

    ECHO Care of the Elderly: Long-Term Care, starting Apr. 12, 2022
    Hosted by Baycrest, in collaboration with North East Specialized Geriatric Centre and the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI), this free series runs on Tuesdays from April 12 – July 12, 2022. Apply here.

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

    IPAC Central West: IPAC Primary Care CoP, Apr. 20, 2022
    Hosted by Public Health Ontario, IPAC Implementation and Support Team. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: This Friday- Ontario Health and Primary Care and more

    Bits & Pieces: This Friday- Ontario Health and Primary Care and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • This Friday- Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS
    • Member stories
    • Reminder- Your Voice is Important: Election Campaign Training with Enterprise Canada, Apr. 6, 2022
    • Guidance documents including the new Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine and more
    • Ontario Health Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP
    • BORN Ontario Call for Interest: Indigenous Representation, Maternal Newborn Outcomes Committee
    • Upcoming events including OHT Year End Update and more

     

    This Friday- Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS, April 1

    AFHTO has arranged for an update and conversation with Ontario Health on its role in supporting primary care, the work being led through the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence (MHA CoE), and the vision for OH’s Healthcare Navigation Service (HCNS). Register here to hear from senior decision makers at OH talk about how they are planning to support primary care through the pandemic recovery.

    Member stories

    Bancroft Community and Prince Edward FHTs– Public Health recognizes community partners as COVID-19 clinics wind down

    Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority– Ontario expanding mental health services for Indian Residential School survivors

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

    AFHTO Executive Committee members and staff meet with the Liberal health squad to discuss our recommendations to support team-based primary care ahead of the provincial election.

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

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

    Guidance documents including the new Novavax Nuvaxovid vaccine and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Ontario Health Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP

    Ontario Health has a monthly series that will run every second Wednesday April to December. Its objectives are:

    • Provide updates on new guidance and initiatives affecting primary care.
    • View presentations and ask questions related to COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives within primary care.
    • Learn from and connect with your peers.

    Register here.

    BORN Ontario Call for Interest: Indigenous Representation, Maternal Newborn Outcomes Committee

    The Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario is looking for an Indigenous Health Professional interested in becoming a member of its Maternal Newborn Outcomes Committee (MNOC) to help inform and guide opportunities for BORN’s involvement in Indigenous health and related data governance. Apply by April 12.

    If you have questions, please email jbrownlee@bornontario.ca.

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

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

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

    OHT Year End Update, Apr. 8, 2022
    A special OHT Virtual Engagement Series to reflect on Ontario Health Teams’ (OHTs’) collective achievements to date and preview what’s ahead. Register here.

    ECHO Care of the Elderly: Long-Term Care, starting Apr. 12, 2022
    Hosted by Baycrest, in collaboration with North East Specialized Geriatric Centre and the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care (CLRI), this free series runs on Tuesdays from April 12 – July 12, 2022. Apply here.

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

    IPAC Central West: IPAC Primary Care CoP, Apr. 20, 2022
    Hosted by Public Health Ontario, IPAC Implementation and Support Team. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: member stories, farewell to Sandeep and more

    Bits & Pieces: member stories, farewell to Sandeep and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Farewell to Sandeep Gill
    • Seeking Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations- deadline Mar. 25
    • Reminder – Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS, April 1
    • Reminder- Your Voice is Important: Election Campaign Training with Enterprise Canada, Apr. 6, 2022
    • The second anniversary and more
    • Ontario government seeking input on Anti-Racism Strategic Plan
    • Launch of QIP Navigator for 2022/23- drop-in sessions available
    • Upcoming events regarding COVID Recovery and more

    Member stories

    City of Lakes FHT– has developed a new Strategic Plan for 2022-25- EN and FR

    Lakehead NPLC– Lakehead Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic plans to take on 1,600 more patients

    Haldimand FHT– Haldimand FHT receives over $900k from province. Press release here.

    These last two are part of the Ontario government investment of $6.2 million across 32 primary care teams. Further details are coming, but if you are one of these teams, please send us any press releases, articles, etc. so we can spread the good news.

    Sandeep perches on edge of desk with her hands in her lap wearing a suit

     

    Farewell to Sandeep Gill

    It is with genuinely mixed feelings we announce that Sandeep Gill will be leaving AFHTO for a new role in the acute sector.

    Sandeep has been with AFHTO for nearly three years, most recently as Manager, Quality and Knowledge Translation.  So many have you had the pleasure of working with her or attended the webinars she has organized over the last few years. She has also helped AFHTO grow its research portfolio by securing several research opportunities which have also led to a few publications.

    We’re going to miss Sandeep but know she will bring so much to her new team. Please join us in giving her our sincerest best wishes. Her last day with AFHTO will be Friday, April 8th – any questions related to her work can be directed to info@afhto.ca.

    If anyone is interested in joining our team in a similar role, you can find details here. Deadline April 1, 2022.

     

     

    Seeking Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations- deadline Mar. 25

    We’re growing! The Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations will monitor and respond to relevant government activity, analyze government legislation and regulations that impacts primary care, health system restructuring and team-based care ensuring that AFHTO and its member voices are considered in the development and implementation of policy and advocacy by aligning with AFHTO’s strategic directions and delivering messaging that is consistent with AFHTO and the primary care sector’s public policy agenda, by positioning comprehensive team-based primary care as the foundation of the health care system.

    Learn more and apply by Mar. 25, 2022, for this two year position.

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

    AFHTO has arranged for an update and conversation with Ontario Health on its role in supporting primary care, the work being led through the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence (MHA CoE), and the vision for OH’s Healthcare Navigation Service (HCNS). Register here to hear from senior decision makers at OH talk about how they are planning to support primary care through the pandemic recovery.

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

    AFHTO Executive Committee members and CEO meet with NDP MPP France Gélinas

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

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

    The second anniversary and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Ontario government seeking input on Anti-Racism Strategic Plan

    The Ontario government is seeking input as it launches a review of the province’s Anti-Racism Strategic Plan. You can find more details and submit feedback here (FR). Deadline May 4, 2022.

    Launch of QIP Navigator for 2022/23- drop-in sessions available

    The Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) online submission platform, QIP Navigator, has opened for 2022/23 QIP submissions. It will remain open until June 30, 2022. To support the process, Ontario Health will be hosting drop-in sessions on Zoom. Register here.

    If you have any questions, please contact QIP@ontariohealth.ca.

    COVID Recovery, Mar. 25, 2022

    41st in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ for OCFP’s COVID-19 CoP for Family Physicians. Register here.

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

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

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

    Cannabis and Older Adults
    Free, asynchronous, accredited eLearning modules by Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) (English version) are now available. The French modules will be available Spring 2022. Find out more here.

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

  • QI in Action eBulletin #116: Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution, QIPs 2022-2023

    In this Issue:

    • Understanding the Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution
    • Quality Improvement Plans 2022/23
    • COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Test Requisition Form
    • Did You Agree to Be Listed On Online Appointment Booking Platform Bleen?
    • Quality Standard on Transitions from Youth to Adult Health Care Services
    • Recognizing World Delirium Awareness Day
    • Developing A Practice Tool for Prescribing Cascades in Primary Care
    • Upcoming Webinars

     

    The Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution – Currently recruiting MDs and IHPs!

    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 of 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, NPs, nurses, QIDSS and IHPs.

    • We are actively recruiting MDs. If you are a physician interested in participating, please complete this poll.
    • We are also currently recruiting IHPs. If you are an IHP interested in participating, please complete this poll.

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

    Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) 2022/23
    Content below developed by Ontario Health (Health Quality Ontario)

    For the past two years, Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) submissions have been on pause while organizations did the necessary work to manage the COVID-19 pandemic in their communities and regions. It has been a difficult time. While we know focused commitment to quality is vital, we also know that our system is facing unprecedented health human resource challenges and instability related to the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, we want to clearly convey to you our expectations regarding your Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for 2022/23: This year submission of your QIP to Ontario Health will be considered voluntary.  Please e-mail QIP@OntarioHealth.ca if you have any questions.  As always, the team is here to support you.

    This year’s QIPs will focus on a small number of quality issues that are important to the health care system—issues that have been particularly impacted by COVID-19 and need our attention to help support health system recovery. The small number of priority indicators in this year’s QIPs have been developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Long-Term Care, other teams across Ontario Health, and organizational leaders like yourselves. Organizations may also choose to integrate other local issues that are of importance to their communities.  

    Priority indicators by sector are provided in the Appendix below. Supporting documents, including a QIP guidance document, technical specifications for the indicators, and a snapshot of quality priorities in brief for 2022/23, are also available. QIP Navigator, our online QIP development and submission platform, has been updated in preparation for voluntary submission. As usual, organizations can download pre-populated templates from QIP Navigator to support their QIP development process.  

    Individual organizations who choose to submit their QIPs to Ontario Health are encouraged to do so by April 1, 2022. However, in consideration of the current pressures on the health care system, there will be flexibility with timing of submissions and QIP Navigator will be kept open until June 30, 2022.  

    This is the first year that organizations that are part of an OHT will work to submit their organizational-level QIP while also contributing to their OHT’s cQIP. For that reason, and because organizations are continuing to respond to COVID-19, we have limited the number of focus areas for both the cQIP and the organizational-level QIP. Organizations that wish to reflect their cQIP work in their QIP may also include the cQIP indicators in their organizational QIP.

    Annual Planning Materials:

    Please see below for further clarifications by the Ministry of Health, on behalf of Fernando Tavares, A/ Program Manager Primary Health Care Branch

    In follow up to the enclosed distribution from Ontario Health regarding the submission of this year’s Quality Improvement Plans.  We wanted to confirm that the Ministry is supportive of Ontario Health’s plan to make this year’s submission voluntary and confirm that teams are not contractually required to submit this report for 2022-23.

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

    Further Supports:

    COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Test Requisition Form
    Please find the Public Health Ontario COVID-19 and Respiratory Form Virus Test Requisition Form adapted to Telus PSS and OSCAR EMRs here.

    If your team has this form implemented within Accuro, please reach out to Sandeep Gill: Sandeep.gill@afhto.ca.

    Did You Agree to Be Listed on Online Appointment Booking Platform Bleen?
    Recently it has come to our attention that many AFHTO member organizations are listed as clinics for patients to book an appointment online on the Bleen platform. We strongly advise you to review the list of clinics here to see if your team is on the list, as this solution is not aligned to the service standard.

    For any associated privacy concerns, please reach out to the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC). If your team did not agree to be listed on this website and would like to be removed, please directly reach out to Bleen via phone: 1-866-943-9480 and via an online form here. We have brought this issue to Ontario Health’s attention, and they are working with OntarioMD and the Ministry to bring a resolution to the issue.

    We also encourage you to take this opportunity for patient education if you receive any appointment requests through this platform and advise patients on approved appointment booking practices for your team. If you are interested in exploring funding opportunities for online booking, please click here. For any questions, please connect with Sandeep Gill: sandeep.gill@afhto.ca.

    Content below developed by Ontario Health (Health Quality Ontario)

    New! Quality Standard on Transitions From Youth to Adult Health Care Services
    In February 2022, Ontario Health released the Transitions From Youth to Adult Health Care Services quality standard, developed in partnership with the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health.
    When young people transition from youth to adult health care, they are at increased risk for negative health outcomes as they adapt to new services, people, and processes.

    The quality standard is an evidence-based resource that outlines what high-quality care looks like during this critical time. It can be used to help young people, families, and caregivers know what to ask for in their care; to help health care professionals know what care they should be offering; and to help health care organizations measure, assess, and improve their performance in caring for patients.   

    Please share this quality standard within your network and stay tuned for information on an upcoming webinar on this topic. For more information, contact qualitystandards@ontariohealth.ca.

    Recognizing World Delirium Awareness Day
    Delirium is often a complication of respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, in older adults. It is a sudden change in how someone thinks, acts, or understands what’s happening to them. See the quality standard addressing what quality care looks like for delirium and accompanied patient guide, from Ontario Health and Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario and more resources here.

    Developing A Practice Tool for Prescribing Cascades in Primary Care

    Are you an Ontario physician, nurse practitioner or pharmacist who provides primary care as part of an interprofessional team?

    Are you interested in reducing medication-related harm?

    A University of Toronto research team wants to learn from clinicians working in interprofessional teams about your experiences and thoughts on interventions that may help to address prescribing cascades.

    What is a prescribing cascade?
    Prescribing cascades occur when a new medication is prescribed to treat the side effects of another medication. These often arise when prescribers attribute patients’ new signs or symptoms to a medical condition rather than a medication side effect. Prescribing cascades are important sources of potentially unnecessary medication use.

    What is being asked of me?
    –    Complete a brief questionnaire (< 10 minutes) and then participate in a up to 1.5-hour discussion group or interview to share your perspectives. You will be invited to participate in a second discussion group or interview (also up to 1.5-hours) if interested.
    –    A $100 gift card will be provided for each discussion group or interview that is attended.

    Do you have questions or want to get involved?
    Please email the team at rx.cascades@utoronto.ca or contact them at (416) 978-4838. This study has been reviewed by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board (#42135).

    Upcoming Webinars

    Stories from the Ivory Tower, Mar 22, 2022, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
    Register here

    In March 2022, HSPN is presenting stories from the ivory tower of university-based evaluation of Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). Evaluators from the HSPN have spent the better part of the past year observing the development of OHTs with an aim to understand:

    1. What factors contribute to the successful implementation and sustainability of OHTs?
    2. What adaptations are OHTs making to improve function/performance/outcomes?
    3. What are the barriers to OHTs’ successful implementation?

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement – a focus on using the cancer screening indicators to drive improvements in patient care, Thursday March 31st, 2022, 12–1 p.m.

    Ontario Health is hosting a webinar for primary care providers on using the cancer screening indicators in the MyPractice: Primary Care report to drive improvements in patient care. This is the third of an ongoing accredited series that will focus on using data from the MyPractice: Primary Care report for quality improvement. This 1-credit-per-hour Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 1.0 Mainpro+Ⓡ credits. The program is part of a series that has been certified for up to 4 Mainpro+ credits.
    Register here

    AFHTO Webinar – Ontario Health And Primary Care, MHA CoE And HCNS
    Friday, April 1, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM
    Register here

    AFHTO has arranged a members’ update and conversation on primary care with Ontario Health, the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence (MHA CoE), and Healthcare Navigation Service (HCNS). Five speakers will be joining us on Friday, April 1, from 11 AM to 12:30 PM.

    We will be joined by the following speakers:

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

    Members are encouraged to join the webinar and are welcome to submit questions by March 21. However, the floor will also be open for Q&As with all speakers, and any we do not get to during the webinar will be followed up on.

    This webinar is open to all members.

    Diabetes Care: Tools and Resources to Support Mental Health Needs, Friday April 8, 2022, 12:30–1:30 p.m.
    Ontario Health is hosting a webinar for endocrinologists, primary care providers, and diabetes educators on screening for mental health needs among people with diabetes, and new, provincially-funded resources available to support them. This is the first of an ongoing series that will highlight Ontario Health’s three diabetes quality standards. Register here.

    Moderator: Dr. David Kaplan

    Panelists:  

    • Marcia Ross, Lived Experience Advisor
    •  Nina Hoyt, Nurse Practitioner, Health Sciences North
    • Dr. Geetha Mukerji, Endocrinologist, Women’s College Hospital
    • Leslie Johnson, Regional Director Mental Health and Addictions, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences

    The links to the diabetes quality standards can be accessed here: Type 1 Diabetes, Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, and Diabetes in Pregnancy.

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #115 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

  • Bits & Pieces: Happy Nutrition Month and more

    Bits & Pieces: Happy Nutrition Month and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Happy Nutrition Month
    • Where do we go from here? Understanding the impact of preventive screening backlogs video
    • Implications for primary care with the lifting of COVID measures and more
    • Transitions from youth to adult health care services quality standard
    • OCFP Awards – call for nominations extended to Mar. 20
    • Upcoming events including Ontario Health and Primary Care, MHA CoE, and HCNS, and more

    Unlock the potential of food Ingredients fora healthier tomorrow

     

     

    Happy Nutrition Month

    March is Nutrition Month, and today is Dietitian’s Day. We appreciate our teams’ registered dietitians, their ongoing commitment to teamwork and helping patients create a healthier future. #YourFutureIsHealthy

     

     

     

    Where do we go from here? Understanding the impact of preventive screening backlogs video

    On March 9 Choosing Wisely hosted a talk focused on the impact of screening delays in primary care related to the pandemic as part of their monthly conversation series. You can watch the recording with Drs. David Kaplan and Guylène Thériault here.

    Implications for primary care with the lifting of COVID measures and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Transitions from youth to adult health care services quality standard

    Ontario Health (Quality) has released the Transitions From Youth to Adult Health Care Services Quality Standard, developed in partnership with the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH). If you have any questions, please contact qualitystandards@ontariohealth.ca.

    OCFP Awards – call for nominations extended to Mar. 20
    Nominate your colleagues for an OCFP award. Multiple categories ae open, including regional Family Physician of the Year. New for 2022 – Ontario family physicians can self nominate in any OCFP Award category. Deadline now Mar. 20, 2022.

    Vaccine Hesitancy for People who are Pregnant, Lactating or Planning to Become Pregnant, Mar. 17, 2022

    Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) is collaborating with the Canadian Vaccination Evidence Resource and Exchange Centre (CANVax) for this webinar. Register here.

    COVID Recovery, Mar. 25, 2022

    41st in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ for OCFP’s COVID-19 CoP for Family Physicians. Register here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Dear Members,

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

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

    Living with and Managing COVID-19

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

    CMOH Directives & Letters of Instructions:

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

    Case and Contact Management and Isolation:

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

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

    N95 Respirators

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

    Additional Ministry Updated Information

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

    Events and Webinars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Yours in Good Health,

    The AFHTO Team

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

    Bits & Pieces: Ontario Health and Primary Care and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

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

     

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

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

    We will be joined by the following speakers:

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

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

    Register here.

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

    Social Work Week

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

     

    Revocation of directive #6 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    2022/23 Annual Memo – Quality Improvement Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Bits & Pieces: resilient communities fund and more

    Bits & Pieces: resilient communities fund and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

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

    OTF Resilient Communities Fund deadline April 6

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

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

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

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

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

     

    Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month

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

     

    Recommended drugs for adults with COVID-19 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Cannabis and older adults asynchronous learning- 11 individually accredited modules

    Cannabis and older adults – coming soon

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

    OCFP Awards – call for nominations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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