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Tag: Health Promotion & CDPM

  • 2023 Conference Themes

    2023 Conference Themes

    Team-Based Care: Making it a reality for all

    text says Team Based Care: Making it a reality for all in white font on a blue streaked background, like hyperspace

     

    The AFHTO 2023 Conference program is built around 4 core themes.

    1. Using a population-based approach to provide care to the community
    2. Optimising teams’ capacity and creating efficiencies
    3. Organizing primary care to advance Ontario Health Teams
    4. Embedding mental health and home care in primary care

     

    ConFERENCE Theme Descriptions

    Download a printable PDF of the theme descriptions here.

     

    1. Using a population-based approach to provide care to the community

    Topics of interest include (but aren’t limited to):

    • Expanding access to teams for unattached patients
    • Partnerships to facilitate population-based health approaches
    • Utilising data to inform population-based planning
    • Collaborative governance / Governance at the OHT level

     

    2. Optimising teams’ capacity and creating efficiencies

    Topics of interest include (but aren’t limited to):

    • Triage in a world of virtual online booking
    • Focus on non-digital methods of integration including back-office integration, common clinical pathways, cross-team collaborations/regional approaches to care
    • Creating operational efficiencies through digital health tools
    • Interprofessional Health Providers and full scope of practice
    • Staff and provider wellness
    • Recruitment and retention

    3. Organizing primary care to advance Ontario Health Teams

    Topics of interest include (but aren’t limited to):

    • Building Primary Care Networks- success case studies
    • Integrating Primary Care Networks with OHTs
    • Jurisdictional review of organized primary care

    4. Embedding mental health and home care in primary care

    Topics of interest include (but aren’t limited to):

    • Increasing access to mental health and addictions support at the population level
    • Supporting Mental Health Promotion & Prevention (including support for Children and Youth)
    • Mental health pathways in Ontario Health Teams
    • Primary Care in the home
    • Increasing collaborations between providers

  • QI in Action eBulletin #129: Celiac Disease Awareness Month

    In this Issue:

    • Celiac Disease in Ontario
    • Celiac Canada Webinars
    • Celiac Resources
    • Food for thought
    • Past Webinars
    • Upcoming Events

    Celiac Disease in Ontario

    May is Celiac Disease Awareness month and we join Celiac Canada in helping to bring this initiative to the attention of team-based Primary Care. The Ontario Ministry of Health has announced it is extending a pilot program for free celiac disease diagnostic testing through community based labs. This extension is active until March 31, 2024 and includes first time diagnostic blood tests (IgA and tTg IgA) for patients. The Minister of Health has recently informed Celiac Canada that these tests will become permanently covered by OHIP following the pilot’s completion. 

    Celiac Canada aims to raise the index of suspicion with physicians as it takes an average of 10 years from symptom onset to celiac diagnosis for Canadian patients. The majority of patients with celiac disease remain undiagnosed.

    Celiac Canada Webinars 

    Celiac Resources

    Food for Thought

    Ontario has been the ONLY province in the country not to cover the blood screening test for CD.
    This is despite the tests being part of standard clinical practice around the world. Ontario patients have had to pay anywhere from $60-$150 for the test. For many families, this cost is unaffordable. Since celiac testing is not on the standard lab requisition form, it is often missed by doctors in their health screening.  This cost also impacts the ongoing disease management for currently diagnosed celiac disease patients who are required to monitor their bloodwork on an ongoing basis.

    New free celiac blood tests could benefit 128,000 Ontarians and save $1 billion
    News Provided by
    Celiac Canada 
    Mar 30, 2023, 11:00 ET

    The provincial government’s decision to make simple but crucial blood tests for celiac disease available at no cost to patients will improve the quality of life for as many as 128,000 Ontarians and potentially save Ontario’s health care system as much as $1 billion1, Celiac Canada said today.

    Past Webinars

    PHO Rounds: Health Conditions Attributable to Smoking and Alcohol by Public Health Unit in Ontario

    Every year in Ontario, smoking and alcohol consumption are responsible for thousands of deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits. A new report by Ontario Health and Public Health Ontario provides estimates of the prevalence of smoking and alcohol use in the province and includes detailed estimates of the number of harms caused by smoking and alcohol consumption. The report also provides estimates of the number of cancer, cardiovascular, diabetes, respiratory, communicable disease, neuropsychiatric, and injury harms. These are provided for all of Ontario and for each public health unit.

    Upcoming Events

    Check out some of the coming events

    OHT Engagement Learning Series – Session 6 of 7: Engagement Methods

    • May 16, 2023 11:30 am – 01:00 pm

    This series focuses on building connections and competencies for meaningful patient engagement. This session will be the 6th of a 7-part engagement learning series. In this session, you will get to experience various co-design strategies and use of different virtual platforms. Learn how to co-design in a way that avoids tokenism. Eliminate barriers to engagement, and tailor engagement methods to different individuals and groups.

    PHO Rounds: The 2023 Ontario HIV Testing Guidelines

    • Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm

    Intended audience: Public health physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, STBBI case managers, supervisors, Medical Officers of Health overseeing public health units, front-line physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners in public health sexual health clinics

    By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

    • Identify population groups that should be tested for HIV according to the new Ontario HIV testing guidelines
    • Describe scenarios and conditions where it is appropriate to test (and retest) people for HIV; and
    • List additional HIV prevention interventions and when to recommend them.

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #128 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

     

  • Bits & Pieces: Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap and more

    Bits & Pieces: Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Ontario charting the path to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030
    • Member stories
    • New digital tools with implementation support- heart failure; anxiety disorders and depression
    • Help advise which health care services and medical devices should be publicly funded
    • Refreshed Indigenous relationship and cultural awareness courses
    • Upcoming events including How can peer counsellors extend interprofessional teams, and more

    Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap Ontario

    Ontario charting the path to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030

    The Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap is guiding policy and practice action to end hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. This is a collaborative, multi-sector initiative led by hepatitis C experts and with contributions from government, clinicians, community and more. AFHTO has been one of the partners in its development.

    Expanding the number of primary care providers who can deliver hepatitis C care is essential to reach elimination. Hepatitis C care is easier than ever, however is still primarily delivered by specialists. As trusted, familiar providers, you can expand access to care, particularly among priority populations.

    Hepatitis C is among the most burdensome infectious diseases in Ontario. However, an effective cure, widespread testing and proven prevention strategies mean elimination is within reach. Visit on.endhepc.ca find out more.

    Member stories

    Cottage Country FHT – Gravenhurst council endorses expansion plans

    Grandview Medical Centre & Two Rivers FHTs – Pilot program underway for mental health and addictions treatment

    Norfolk FHT – Team moving to enhance services

    New digital tools with implementation support- heart failure; anxiety disorders and depression

    Evidence2Practice Ontario (E2P) makes it easier for primary care clinicians to access up-to-date, evidence-based information at point-of-care. Working with topic experts across Ontario, E2P is developing a suite of user-friendly digital tools that seamlessly integrate quality standards and best practices into EMRs.

    E2P is currently focused on three common conditions in primary care settings: heart failure (available now in TELUS PS Suite EMR); anxiety disorders and depression in adults (available in late April in OSCAR Pro and Accuro QHR EMRs); and pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes (coming this summer). They also provide complimentary MainPro+ accredited change management and academic detailing sessions (1-on-1 discussions with a clinical pharmacist). Clinicians can sign up via the E2P website.  

    E2P brings together multi-disciplinary, cross-sector expertise under the joint leadership of the Centre for Effective Practice, eHealth Centre of Excellence and North York General Hospital. It’s funded by the Ministry of Health as part of Ontario’s Digital First for Health Strategy, with support from Ontario Health.

    Help advise which health care services and medical devices should be publicly funded

    Ontario Health is seeking expressions of interest for the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee (OHTAC) and the Ontario Genetics Advisory Committee (OGAC), a standing sub-committee of OHTAC. This group of experts helps make evidence-based funding recommendations to the Ministry of Health regarding which health care services and medical devices should be publicly funded. Deadline April 19, 2023.

    Refreshed Indigenous relationship and cultural awareness courses

    Providing care that acknowledges, respects, and incorporates cultural and language considerations is an essential part of person-centred care. Ontario Health’s Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Awareness courses have undergone a major refresh and now contain current content with a more interactive look and feel.

    These courses have been designed to summarize 500 years of history into bite-sized chunks of information, providing you with knowledge about First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous peoples, including their governance structures, communities, and histories. All courses are free self-paced learning modules publicly available to all.

    Certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, you can register today and earn up to 19.5 Mainpro+ credits. 

    Surgical Site Infections Quality Standard Webinar, Apr. 13, 2023
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Surgical Site Infections quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

    QI Innovations: Better Data, Better Decisions, Better Outcomes, Apr. 18, 2023
    This year’s free QI Innovations conference is for mental health and addiction providers and system planners who are interested in data driven decision making and quality improvement. Register here.

    ONCA Compliance Webinar, Apr. 20, 2023
    Hosted by Mills & Mills LLP, this free webinar will address steps organizations can take and what to be mindful of as we approach the Oct 2024 deadline. Register here.

    Autistic people and the COVID-19 pandemic – what have we learned so far? Apr. 27, 2023
    Hosted by CAMH. Register here.

    How can peer counsellors extend interprofessional teams and enhance care? Apr. 28, 2023
    Part of the DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series, join a virtual fireside chat on incorporating peer counsellors into interprofessional care teams to enhance care. Register here.

    Eating Disorders Quality Standard Webinar, May 5, 2023
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Eating Disorders quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: 2023 Ontario budget and more

    Bits & Pieces: 2023 Ontario budget and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Overview of the 2023 Ontario government budget
    • Farewell to Abisola Otepola
    • PCC submission re Bill 60, Your Health Act, 2023
    • Reminder- CPS Full Access free trial ends April 1
    • Chronic noncancer pain management: Integration of a nurse-led program in primary care
    • Upcoming events including DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, and more

    Overview of the 2023 Ontario government budget

    Last Thursday the government released their 2023 Ontario Budget, Building a Strong Ontario. This budget was largely a reinforcement of “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care”. Introduced in February 2023, it focused on three pillars: The Right Care in the Right Place, Faster Access to Care, and Hiring More Health Care Workers.

    Most relevant, the provincial budget recommitted to connect Ontarians to additional primary care teams by investing $60 million over two years. We have confirmed this is the same $30 million that was announced in February, carried over 2 years resulting in a total investment of $60 million dollars. While this is a step in the right direction, we are disappointed there was not more of a commitment over the longer term.

    The health human resources crisis that currently exists was acknowledged through additional investments in nursing, medical school education and home care, but none were made for primary care nor any mention of dropping the appeal to retain Bill 124. However, much needed support in mental health and addictions was welcomed. Read full details on our site.

    Abisola Otepola

    Farewell to Abisola Otepola

    It is with genuinely mixed feelings we announce that Abisola Otepola will be leaving AFHTO for new opportunities.

    Abisola has been with AFHTO since last May as Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations. Many have you had the pleasure of working with her as she has led our efforts on the compensation review and IHP guidance document, details of which are to be released soon.

    We’re going to miss Abisola but know she will bring so much to her future endeavours. Please join us in giving her our sincerest best wishes. Her last day with AFHTO will be April 14 – any questions related to her work can be directed to info@afhto.ca.

    PCC submission re Bill 60, Your Health Act, 2023

    On Mar. 27, members of the PCC including AFHTO presented our submission to the Standing Committee on Social Policy on Bill 60, Your Health Act, 2023. “We are committed to working with the government on health policy that will uphold the principles necessary to provide Ontarians with the care they need. This submission highlights further clarification and recommendations regarding Bill 60 to ensure an equitable and sustainable approach to the delivery of care provided under this act.” Read the submission here.

    Reminder- CPS Full Access free trial ends April 1

    On Feb. 23, we sent an email, “Introducing our new benefit- discount on CPS Full Access”, to all member EDs and Admin Leads. If you spend time clarifying prescriptions, use CPS Full Access, a Canadian-developed platform that features up-to-date Canadian information such as:

    • Current drug shortages.
    • Health Canada–approved product names, indications, dosing and patient information.
    • Warnings, recalls and safety alerts.
    • Evidence-based therapeutic content and algorithms.
    • Drug tables with price ranges.  

    This is a reminder that the free trial expires April 1. After that, members can get a 40% discount. Login information for the trial is available on our site at the triad level only (i.e., accessible just to EDs/Admin Leads, lead clinicians and board members). This benefit is being offered on a trial basis for a year, at which time we will assess participation rates. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@afhto.ca.

    Chronic noncancer pain management: Integration of a nurse-led program in primary care

    Problem addressed Chronic noncancer pain is often excessively managed with medications (most notably opioids) instead of nonpharmacologic options or multidisciplinary care—the gold standards.

    Objective of program To offer an effective alternative to pharmacologic management of chronic noncancer pain in primary care.

    Learn more about the successful integration of this nurse-led program at Bruyère Academic FHT.

    DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Mar. 31, 2023
    Join a conversation with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of Wellesley Institute and Professor of Psychiatry at U of T, on how family doctors and primary care providers can better link their work in education, research, and quality improvement to the social determinants of health, and how to partner with organizations that serve communities to be more socially accountable in their work. Learn more here.

    Surgical Site Infections Quality Standard Webinar, Apr. 13, 2023
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Surgical Site Infections quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

    QI Innovations: Better Data, Better Decisions, Better Outcomes, Apr. 18, 2023
    This year’s free QI Innovations conference is for mental health and addiction providers and system planners who are interested in data driven decision making and quality improvement. Register here.

    Autistic people and the COVID-19 pandemic – what have we learned so far? Apr. 27, 2023
    Hosted by CAMH. Register here.

  • Chronic noncancer pain management: Integration of a nurse-led program in primary care

    Chronic noncancer pain management

    Integration of a nurse-led program in primary care
     

    Research article published in Canadian Family Physician March 2023, 69 (3) e52-e60

    Abstract

    Problem addressed Chronic noncancer pain is often excessively managed with medications (most notably opioids) instead of nonpharmacologic options or multidisciplinary care—the gold standards.

    Objective of program To offer an effective alternative to pharmacologic management of chronic noncancer pain in primary care.

    Program description Patients 18 years of age or older with chronic noncancer pain were referred by family physicians or nurse practitioners in a family health team (outpatient, multidisciplinary clinic) in Ottawa, Ont. A registered nurse used the Pain Explanation and Treatment Diagram with patients, taught self-management skills (related to habits [smoking, consumption of alcohol, diet], exercise, sleep, ergonomics, and psychosocial factors), and referred patients to relevant resources.

    Conclusion A nurse-led chronic pain program, initiated without extra funding, was successfully integrated into a primary care setting. Among the participating patients in the pilot project, outcomes related to pain intensity, pain interference with daily living, and opioid use were encouraging. This program could serve as a model for improving chronic noncancer pain management in primary care.

    Chronic noncancer pain affects approximately 1 in 5 Canadians and leads to substantial social and economic costs.1–5 In 2019 it was estimated that 7.6 million Canadians were affected, with an estimated sum of direct and indirect costs related to chronic pain of $38.2 billion to $40.3 billion.1 By 2030 these numbers are expected to increase to 9 million people affected and $52 billion to $55 billion in associated costs.1 For chronic pain management, nonpharmacologic options and multidisciplinary care are recommended as gold standards.6–8 Self-management is central to such programs, as it empowers patients to adopt behaviour, strategies, and skills to improve their quality of life.9–11 In Canada most multidisciplinary clinics for chronic pain are located in hospitals, and access can be limited by long wait times.12 Family physicians or nurse practitioners are at the front lines of managing chronic pain, yet they often lack either the time or resources they need to access a multidisciplinary team with expertise in chronic pain.13–15

    As an unfortunate result, care of patients with chronic pain often relies on prescription drugs, most notably opioids.16 Indeed, Canada has the second-highest rate of opioid prescribing per capita worldwide (after the United States) when measured as defined daily doses and the highest rate when reported as morphine equivalent (MEQ) dispensed,17,18 and opioid abuse and overdose have become serious public health concerns.19 While initiatives have aimed to address existing shortcomings in chronic pain management,17 there is still a clear need and opportunities to develop better approaches in primary care to serve these patients.

    Authors:

    • Metasebia Assefa, Research Project Coordinator, Children’s Aid Society
    • Isabelle LeClerc, Bruyère Academic FHT
    • Dr. Elizabeth Muggah, Bruyère Academic FHT
    • Prof. Raywat Deonandan, University of Ottawa
    • Charles Godbout, Bruyère Research Institute
    • Prof. Hillel M. Finestone, University of Ottawa

    Click here for the full article

  • Bits & Pieces: CIRA grants and more

    Bits & Pieces: CIRA grants and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • CIRA grant deadline April 12
    • Diagnosing and treating POTS in Long COVID patients and more
    • Reminder- Q & A with Fernando Tavares for EDs, Mar. 28
    • Perkopolis Day at Canada’s Wonderland
    • Relevant reports – networks of care in resource constrained settings & socioeconomic gradient in mortality

     
    • Feedback on supplemental screening as adjunct to mammography for breast cancer screening in people with dense breasts
    • Upcoming events including Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope – and What it Means for Appropriate Prescribing, and more

     

    CIRA grant deadline April 12
    AFHTO members and/or their partners may be eligible for Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) grants. Grants are available up to $100,000. You can learn more about eligibility, key dates and priority funding areas for 2023 on their site. You can also watch their information webinar here.

    Diagnosing and treating POTS in Long COVID patients and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    Reminder- Q & A with Fernando Tavares for EDs, Mar. 28

    Fernando Tavares will join us for another Q&A session to provide a brief update on the Annual Operating Plan (submission timelines + process), discuss further details on the FHT contract extension including updates to the Governance & Attestation document, and review details of the “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care” investment of $30 million to help bridge the gap in accessing interprofessional primary care. All EDs/Admin Leads are invited to attend the session on March 28th @ 12:00pm. Register here.

    Picture of people with their legs dangling as they sit at the top of a rollercoaster on a sunny day. The background shows trees and neighbourhoods. Text- early bird special .99

     

    Perkopolis Day at Canada’s Wonderland

    Perkopolis Day at Canada’s Wonderland is April 29th. This is an exclusive opportunity to spend a day enjoying Wonderland before the park opens. If your team isn’t registered under the AFHTO account yet, please email info@afhto.ca. Early bird deadline is March 31st. Find out more.

     

    Relevant reports – networks of care in resource constrained settings & socioeconomic gradient in mortality

    Feedback on supplemental screening as adjunct to mammography for breast cancer screening in people with dense breasts

    Ontario Health invites you to share your thoughts about a health technology assessment and draft funding recommendation Supplemental Screening as an Adjunct to Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening in People With Dense Breasts. Open for feedback until April 6, 2023. Learn more here.

    Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope – and What it Means for Appropriate Prescribing, Mar. 22, 2023

    In several provinces, the scope of pharmacist prescribing has expanded, enabling them to assess and prescribe treatments for common syndromes. With other provinces and territories expected to adopt similar approaches, how do we support pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals in promoting resource stewardship and appropriate prescribing practices? Hosted by Choose Wisely Toronto. Find out more here.

    Journey with depression: Experiences accessing treatment and services, Mar. 23, 2023
    Virtual town hall hosted by ODPRN Citizens’ Panel with Dr. Noah Ivers. Find out more here.

    Together We Care 2023, Mar. 27- 29, 2023
    Together We Care is the largest and most comprehensive learning and networking experience for professionals in long-term care and retirement living. Find out more here.

    Engaging primary care – from the inside out, Mar. 24, 2023
    Part of the OHT Impact Fellows- Knowledge Translation Lunch and Learn Series. Register here.

    DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Mar. 31, 2023
    Join a conversation with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of Wellesley Institute and Professor of Psychiatry at U of T, on how family doctors and primary care providers can better link their work in education, research, and quality improvement to the social determinants of health, and how to partner with organizations that serve communities to be more socially accountable in their work. Learn more here.

    Primary care data reports for OHTs, Mar. 29, 2023

    Hosted by INSPIRE-PHC. Primary Care Data Reports for all OHTs are available here. Join here.

  • QI in Action eBulletin #127: Nutrition Month

    QI in Action eBulletin #127: Nutrition Month

    In this Issue:

     

    • Nutrition month resources
    • Food for thought
    • NEW- Eating Disorders Quality Standard
    • NEW- Surgical Site Infections Quality Standard
    • Share your experience and inform future prenatal care innovations
    • Upcoming Events

    Nutrition month resources
    This month we join our Registered Dietitians in celebrating the impact of good nutrition on our patients’ health outcomes. Examples successfully integrating this focus in primary care teams include:

    Webinars and conference sessions

    Posters

    Select Resources

    Food for Thought

    NEW- Eating Disorders Quality Standard
    Ontario Health’s Eating Disorders quality standard consists of nine quality statements that describe what high quality care looks like for people with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder. It applies to all care settings and the accompanying patient guide and caregiver guide can help inform conversations between health care providers and people with an eating disorder and their families and caregivers. Find out more.

    NEW- Surgical Site Infections Quality Standard
    Ontario Health’s latest quality standard consists of seven quality statements highlighting key areas for improvement to prevent surgical site infections for people having surgery that requires an incision. Its accompanying patient guide can help inform conversations between health care providers and people having surgery. Find out more.

    Share your experience and inform future prenatal care innovations

    Share your experience with us and inform future prenatal care innovations

     

    BORN and Prenatal Screening Ontario are funded by the Ministry of Health with mandates focused on improving the health outcomes of individuals during and after pregnancy. Prenatal Screening Ontario, who currently oversees aneuploidy screening, is expanding its reach to offer high-quality prenatal screening for conditions amenable to populated-based screening to better inform care and prenatal management.

    They want to hear about your experiences caring for pregnant individuals. Interviewees will receive a $50 gift card as a token of their appreciation. Sign up here.

     

    Upcoming Events

    Surgical Site Infections: A New Quality Standard for High-Quality Care in Ontario
    Apr 13, 2023, 12:00pm
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Surgical Site Infections quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

    Eating Disorders: A New Quality Standard for High-Quality Care in Ontario
    May 5, 2023, 12:00pm
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Eating Disorders quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

    QI Innovations: Better Data, Better Decisions, Better Outcomes
    April 18, 2023
    This year’s free QI Innovations conference is for mental health and addiction providers and system planners who are interested in data driven decision making and quality improvement. Register here.

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #126 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

     

  • Bits & Pieces: federal health minister visits Summerville and more

    Bits & Pieces: federal health minister visits Summerville and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Update on the supply of Infant Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and more
    • Seeking input for the development of a patient and provider-informed cataract surgery care model
    • Pediatric psychopharmacology: a three-part series
    • Farewell card for Kavita
    • Upcoming events including Making Collaborative Governance Sustainable – A Developmental Life-Cycle Approach and more

     

    Member stories

    Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health and Hon. Kamal Kera, MP, Brampton West sit in front row with Summerville FHT staff sitting beside and standing behind them

    Summerville FHT – Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health and Hon. Kamal Kera, MP, Brampton West visited Summerville FHT Feb. 27 “to discuss the growing importance of family health teams in providing primary care across Ontario.”

    Algonquin FHT– Huntsville Health Care Clinic expanding to general primary care for unattached patients on February 28

    North Simcoe FHT – Funding for local COVID-19, cold, flu clinic to cease in March

    Update on the supply of Infant Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    Seeking input for the development of a patient and provider-informed cataract surgery care model

    The Prism Eye Institute Research Department at the University of Toronto is conducting a research study aimed at developing a new model of care for cataract surgery in Canada. They believe family physicians’ experience and expertise of in caring for and referring patients for cataract surgery will be invaluable to their research. The study aims to gather information on the barriers that patients with cataracts face when accessing care, as well as any facilitating or limiting factors that affect patient access to care. As there is currently a lack of information on this topic and no standardized method for prioritizing patients for cataract surgery, your input would be greatly appreciated. For more information, here is the informed consent form.

    Pediatric psychopharmacology: a three-part series

    ECHO Ontario CYMH is offering a 3-part Special Interest Series on Pediatric Psychopharmacology in March 2023. Details are still being finalized but they will focus on research and practical advice about using the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications for children and youth.

    Part 1 – Depression and Anxiety – Mar. 15
    Part 2- Autism or Neurodevelopmental Disorders (TBC) – Mar. 22

    They’re also asking for your help to narrow down the topic selection for Part 3. Please click on this link and identify your preferred topic by Friday, March 3, 2023. Register here.

    Farewell card for Kavita
    If you would like to join us in wishing our current CEO Kavita Mehta farewell with your own best wishes, please leave your message to her on this e-card before her last day on Friday, March 10, 2023: https://ellacard.com/sign/6166bcff-87e1-4bd2-bcb6-fdae8226a1a7.

    OHT supports events, Mar. 3-29, 2023

    Hosted by RISE:

    Epilepsy in Children and Youth: Advanced Program, Mar. 6- May 1, 2023
    Hosted by Project ECHO, this program explores a range of complex topics such as drug resistant epilepsy, polypharmacy, genetics, ketogenic diet, and more. This program is intended for clinicians who are seeking to further their competencies in epileptology. Register here.

    Together We Care 2023, Mar. 27- 29, 2023
    Together We Care is the largest and most comprehensive learning and networking experience for professionals in long-term care and retirement living. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: member stories and more

    Bits & Pieces: member stories and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Canada’s national nature prescription program, PaRx, celebrates two years in Ontario
    • New Long COVID resources from the OCFP and more
    • New resource for social prescribing
    • Project on women and hypertension
    • 2023 OCFP award nominations now open
    • Evidence of value- financial counselling during baby checkups
    • Farewell card for Kavita
    • Upcoming events including Sickle Cell Disease: A New Quality Standard for High-Quality Care in Ontario and more

    Member stories

    City Of Kawartha Lakes FHT – City Of Kawartha Lakes Family Health Team To Receive Almost $110,000 Additional Base Funding For This Year

    “MPP Laurie Scott made the announcement today. Scott says the provincial government is providing $8.1 million in new annualized base funding to enhance access to primary care in key regions of the province. This funding will support various interprofessional primary care organizations, including 18 Family Health Teams (FHTs), 2 Community Health Centres (CHCs) and 2 Nurse Practitioner Led-Clinics (NPLCs), to continue the delivery of high-quality care that Ontarians know and deserve.”

    If your team is receiving new base funding as well and you’re able to share details, please contact us so we can promote it.

    Peterborough FHT – Peterborough Newcomer Health Clinic helps immigrants and refugees transition to Canada’s health care system

    Parx 2022 roundup. Text reads- PaRx was nominated for an Earthshot Prize. Nature prescriptions were officially endorsed by the Canadian Medical Association. 200,000,000+ people learned about nature prescriptions and health

     

    Canada’s national nature prescription program, PaRx, celebrates two years in Ontario

    Research shows how important nature contact is for health, including reduced rates of anxiety, depression, respiratory and cardiovascular disease. To help connect Canadians to the health benefits of nature, the BC Parks Foundation launched PaRx in 2020, starting in British Columbia, then expanding to every province across the country including Ontario in February 2021. From physiotherapists and physicians to nurses and counsellors, over 10,000 prescribers are registered across the country. Learn more about their progress here.

    You can visit www.parkprescriptions.ca for more information on nature prescriptions and to register to become a prescriber.

     

     

     

    New Long COVID resources from the OCFP and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    New resource for social prescribing

    The CEP has launched a new resource for social prescribing, which includes practical tips, talking points and tangible next steps to integrate social prescribing into your practice. It supports primary care clinicians to provide more holistic, patient-centred care and connect those in need to a wide range of non-clinical services in the community, ultimately improving health outcomes. 

    women & high blood pressure eligibility criteria

     

    Project on women and hypertension

    “Management of high blood pressure seems simple in that there is strong evidence of its reduction on hospitalizations and mortality. However, hypertension control is not improving but declining. There is a disconnect between the evidence-based guidelines available and primary care practice. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into the barriers and enablers for family physicians, practice nurses/nurse practitioners, and women living with high blood pressure.”

    Hypertension Canada is focusing on the point of care and treatment process when a woman with high blood pressure attends a family physician clinic. They’re seeking:

    • Women who self-identify as over 40yrs old living with high blood pressure.
    • Family physicians, nurse practitioners, or practice nurses working in primary care.

    This would involve a one-time 30-60min interview (virtual or by phone), a small thank you gift will be provided. For more information contact, Dr Kaitlyn Watson, kewatson@ualberta.ca and (780) 492 3454.

    2023 OCFP award nominations now open

    Help shine a spotlight on the outstanding work and accomplishments of family doctors by nominating a colleague for an OCFP Award. Find out more here.

    Evidence of value- financial counselling during baby checkups

    “When you expand the team that’s providing care for families in early childhood, you can make the well-child experience more meaningful. And when people find things more meaningful, they come”. Read ‘How financial counseling at the pediatrician’s office can help families thrive’-NPR.

    Farewell card for Kavita
    If you would like to join us in wishing our current CEO Kavita Mehta farewell with your own best wishes, please leave your message to her on this e-card before her last day on Friday, March 10, 2023: https://ellacard.com/sign/6166bcff-87e1-4bd2-bcb6-fdae8226a1a7.

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

    Long COVID, Feb. 24, 2022
    57th in the series “Changing the way we work” on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 7:55-9:15 am, hosted by UofT and OCFP. Register here.

    Strategies to Increase Client and Family Engagement, Feb. 27, 2023
    Hosted by RNAO and presented by Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). Register here.

    Sensemaking Population Health Management in Ontario Health Teams: A Diabetes Example, Feb. 28, 2023
    HSPN OHT webinar hosted by Dr. Walter Wodchis, Principal Investigator at HSPN,
    Co-Founder IFIC Canada and Professor at IHPME. Register here.

    Together We Care 2023, Mar. 27- 29, 2023
    Together We Care is the largest and most comprehensive learning and networking experience for professionals in long-term care and retirement living. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: interim CEO announced and more

    Bits & Pieces: interim CEO announced and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Interim CEO announced
    • Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory
    • New one-and-done therapy can help curb severe COVID-19 infection and more
    • Open grant: optimizing team-based primary care
    • Updated information about accessing the provincial PPE/testing supplies stockpile
    • Health Connect Ontario is now Health811
    • Seeking older adults with multiple chronic conditions
    • Help address social isolation and loneliness in older adults
    • Upcoming events including Long COVID and more

     

     

    Interim CEO announced

    From President and Board Chair, Sara Dalo:

    “I am pleased to share that the AFHTO Board has appointed Bryn Hamilton to become AFHTO’s interim CEO, effective March 27, 2023. Many of you already know Bryn as AFHTO’s Director of Governance and Integration, supporting our membership through her focus on primary care integration, strengthening Board governance practices and supporting health system integration. Bryn has been with AFHTO since 2014 and is well versed in the needs of the members and the health system transformation currently underway. We invite you to join us in welcoming Bryn in her new role!”

    Visit our site to find out more about the recruitment process and sign Kavita’s farewell e-card.

    Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory

    IHPs in AFHTO member teams are encouraged to sign up to AFHTO’s IHP Directory! This directory will help improve AFHTO’s communication to IHPs, and it will support IHP networking, information sharing, and collaboration.

    After you sign up, you will be emailed a link to a spreadsheet with the names, professions, team names, and work emails of all IHPs who have signed up for open communication. You may sort by profession to see the names of those in the same discipline as you.

    AFHTO will be checking the directory and emailing links to new registrants every 1-2 weeks. We look forward to improved communication from AFHTO to IHPs, and across IHPs in AFHTO-member teams!

    New one-and-done therapy can help curb severe COVID-19 infection and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    Open grant: optimizing team-based primary care

    The Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine (FAFM) has launched an open call for proposals supporting primary care practitioners and teams in augmenting and optimizing interprofessional team-based care in their practices. Funding up to $200,000 CAD is available. Deadline Feb. 20, 2023.

    Updated information about accessing the provincial PPE/testing supplies stockpile

    From the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (MPBSD):
    “In November 2022, we informed you that the current Remedy ordering platform will be sunset by April 1, 2023, and replaced with a new system. We have now received information on the new system (the centralized PPE Supply Portal), including instructions on how each primary care practice will need to set up an account to access the new system.” This document outlines the steps required to onboard primary care teams to the PPE Supply Portal and a link to the registration form. Registration deadline is Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

    Health Connect Ontario is now Health811

    Health Connect Ontario has changed its name to Health811.

    The focus and function is still the same – it remains a resource Ontarians can access 24/7 to receive health advice, speak with a registered nurse, get assistance finding local health supports and to find trusted health information. Health811 can be accessed by calling 811 (TTY: 1-866-797-0007) or by going online at Ontario.ca/Health811 or Ontario.ca/Sante811. Read the memo (EN and FR) for more information.

    Seeking older adults with multiple chronic conditions

    older adults with multiple chronic conditions recruitment poster linked in the blurb

    A PhD student from Ontario Tech University, Julie Vizza, is looking for participants to take part in a study entitled, “Experiences with medication management in interprofessional care models: A study of older adults with multiple chronic conditions”. It will examine the experiences of older adults who have been prescribed multiple medications to manage multiple chronic conditions and who are followed by a FHT in Ontario.

    Its purpose is to understand the impact of managing multiple medications and how individuals conceptualize their medication management care team. The results will offer important ideas on how care can be improved to better support patients in managing their medications.

    Eligible participants are currently being followed by a FHT in Ontario. See the poster for additional criteria. If you know of any older adults that may be interested in sharing their experiences or to learn more about the study, please contact: julie.vizza@ontariotechu.net.

     

    Help address social isolation and loneliness in older adults
    The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health has begun a new project on Social Isolation and Loneliness. It’s intended to lead in the development and promotion of Canadian guidelines for health and social service providers to identify and address isolation and loneliness among older adults. The survey’s focus is to learn more about the attitudes, experiences, knowledge, and ideas of people working directly with older adults, regarding the topic of social isolation and loneliness. It should take roughly 10-15 minutes to complete. Find out more here.

    OHT Engagement Learning Series – Session 3 of 7: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Feb. 21, 2023
    Hosted by Institute for Better Health and Trillium Health Partners. Register here.

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

    Long COVID, Feb. 24, 2022
    57th in the series “Changing the way we work” on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 7:55-9:15 am, hosted by UofT and OCFP. Register here.

    Strategies to Increase Client and Family Engagement, Feb. 27, 2023
    Hosted by RNAO and presented by Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). Register here.