Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Health Promotion & CDPM

  • Bits & Pieces: OHT partners & #AFHTO2020, updated symptom reference & more

    Bits & Pieces: OHT partners & #AFHTO2020, updated symptom reference & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Just over 2 wks to the conference- invite your OHT partners
    • Electronic Asthma Management System demo slides and video available
    • BEACON iCBT provincial program – resources & demonstration Sep. 24
    • Updated symptoms reference and more
    • Member access to conference recordings
    • Learning and improvement collaboratives for Ontario Health Teams
    • Ontario Health survey on equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism
    • New quality standard for problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder
    • Submit a nomination for 2020 Canada’s volunteer awards
    • Upcoming events regarding the OTF Resilient Communities Fund and more

    Just over 2 wks to the conference- invite your OHT partners

    The AFHTO 2020 conference is an invaluable opportunity for all OHT partners to gain greater insight into your contributions to healthcare, so invite them to take part.

    With sessions like:

    There’s so much for them to learn.

     Don’t forget to register before Oct.1-use the member access code to get your discounted rate (sent to your team’s leadership)!

    Electronic Asthma Management System demo

     

    Electronic Asthma Management System demo slides and video available

    On Sep. 15 we held a live demonstration of the Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) tool. Video and slides for that demonstration are now available.

     

     

    BEACON iCBT provincial program – resources & demonstration Sep. 24

    BEACON is accessible and effective online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, guided by a registered Mental Health professional, and now funded by the Government of Ontario during COVID-19. Over 80% of participants have experienced symptom reduction and two-thirds have experienced clinically significant improvement.

    If you have any questions about BEACON, please feel free to contact colin.andersen@mindbeacon.com

    We will have a demonstration of BEACON, along with Togetherall and Bounceback Sep. 24.

    Togetherall (previously known as Big White Wall) is endorsed and paid for by the Government of Ontario and Ministry of Health. Bounceback is an evidence-based, skill-building program grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association and is FREE to all Ontarians aged 15+.Register here.

    Updated symptoms reference and more

    Updates recently released include:

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

    Member access to conference recordings

    After our in-person conference, available presentation slides are typically posted for members. This year, to help cover associated costs, we’re taking a somewhat different approach.

    Members will get access to individual session recordings and/or slides for a nominal fee of $15 compared to non-members for $25.

    In addition, all AFHTO members will get free access to recordings of keynote sessions, previously unavailable with our in-person event. Free member access includes:

    • Helen Bevan
    • Matt Anderson
    • Minister Elliott
    • Dr. Jane Philpott
    • And poster pdfs

    Presenters who decline to participate need to do so by contacting conference@afhto.ca by this Friday, Sep. 25.

    Learning and improvement collaboratives for Ontario Health Teams

    RISE & OH(Q) have created chat rooms/CoPs per priority population, patients & caregivers and digital health. Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) learning and improvement collaboratives bring together those actively participating in the development of OHTs with experts drawn from across the province, including system leaders, people with lived experience, and researchers.

    Learn more about how you can participate.

    Ontario Health survey on equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism
    With a lens towards health equity, OH has also initiated a project to complete an equity assessment and develop an action plan to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to address anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism. Although FHT and NPLC contracts are currently not managed by OH, we encourage members to fill in the Survey on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism for Health Service Providers.

    This will help advance the vision of a more integrated health system that eliminates health disparities, addresses the social determinants of health, and delivers excellent and equitable access, experience, and outcomes for all Ontarians.

    New quality standard for problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder

    Ontario Health (Quality) has released a new quality standard for problematic alcohol use and alcohol use disorder.

    For more information contact OH-HQO_QualityStandards@ontariohealth.ca.

    Submit a nomination for 2020 Canada’s volunteer awards
    Nominate a not-for-profit organization, an individual, a group of volunteers, a social enterprise or a business that is making a difference in your community. Deadline Sep. 30.

    OTF Resilient Communities Fund Webinar with Optimus, Sep. 29, 2020
    Learn more about the supports your team can receive to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 through the Ontario Trillium Fund. Hosted by AFHTO.
    Register today!

    Youth and Cannabis Use Speaker Series: Part 2: Panel Discussion: Cannabis use amongst Diverse Youth, Sept. 29, 2020

    Explore considerations from experts working with diverse youth on considerations for health and service providers.
    Learn more here.

    BETTER Prevention Practitioner Training, Oct. 1-2, 2020
    Healthcare professionals can learn how to better prevent and screen chronic diseases in primary care through this 2-day workshop held by the Better Program (Women’s College Hospital).
    More details can be found here.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference, Oct. 8-9, 2020

    Registration has opened for Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world, our 2020 virtual conference! Members receive a significant discount so contact your administrator for your member access code. Early bird deadline Oct. 1. Find out more here.

    Special Interest Two-Part Series Infant And Early Childhood Mental Health In Primary Care, Oct. 14 & 21, 2020

    Attend this 2-part series covering infant and early child mental health case studies, held by CHEO (CAMH).
    Find out more here.

    Annual Toronto Geriatrics Update Virtual Course, Oct. 30, 2020
    The UHN’s annual geriatrics CPD course is now being offered online. Join this one day course for lectures and breakout sessions on geriatric issues and syndromes during the pandemic.
    Learn more here.

    Hearing Your Voices: A Virtual Conference on Compassion and Technology for Patients, Family and Caregivers, Nov. 3 and 4, 2020
    Listen to the experiences of patients, families and caregivers during COVID-19 and make recommendations for a more compassionate healthcare system.
    Find out more here

  • Bits & Pieces: conference panels and on-demand sessions, Kids In Crisis Town Hall & more

    Bits & Pieces: conference panels and on-demand sessions, Kids In Crisis Town Hall & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • AFHTO 2020 Conference: panels and on-demand sessions
    • Kids In Crisis Town Hall, September 17
    • Reminder: COVID-19 ED Surveys end soon
    • Virtual mental health tools – Togetherall and Bounceback demonstrations, Sep. 24
    • Flu vaccine guidance and more
    • Recently published PHO resources
    • Two new quality standards on asthma
    • Reminder-engagement of patients with diabetes via virtual health apps survey
    • Upcoming events regarding the OTF Resilient Communities Fund and more

    Matt Anderson

    AFHTO 2020 Conference: panels and on-demand sessions

    On both days we’ll launch concurrent session panels  to kick off each theme.

    We’re also happy to announce we’ll release an on-demand webcast Q&A with Matthew Anderson, President and CEO, Ontario Health as part of our free Thursday morning programming.  

    Matt will speak to his vision for primary care and how interprofessional primary care teams fit in Ontario Health’s mandate.

    And we have even more on-demand sessions for you to enjoy, available to anyone who has registered for that day!*

     Register before Oct.1-use the member access code to get your discounted rate (sent to your team’s leadership)!

    *Does not apply to those who have solely registered for the free programming on Thursday morning.

    Kids In Crisis Town Hall, September 17

    Kids In Crisis Town Hall

    The Children’s Health Coalition, a growing collective of Ontario’s children’s health organizations, including AFHTO are sounding the alarm on the crisis facing children’s health care. We are warning the Ontario government that a generation of lives is at stake if we don’t act now.
     
    On behalf of the Children’s Health Coalition, we’d like to invite you to attend the Kids In Crisis Town Hall on September 17, 2020, at 7 p.m. ET. The telephone town hall will provide a forum for mental health professionals, pediatric physicians, front line providers and families to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 on our already strained children’s health care sector.

    Even before the pandemic began, 28,000 children in Ontario were on waiting lists for mental health services, 80,000 children are currently on a waitlist for rehabilitation services and over 30,000 pediatric procedures and appointments at children’s hospitals have been cancelled. The challenges brought on by COVID-19 have made a difficult situation even worse.  
     
    We are calling on the Ontario government immediately make substantive investments in children’s health care to alleviate the suffering of more than 160,000 children and families who are desperately waiting for mental health treatment, hospital surgeries and procedures, child development and rehabilitation services, and pediatric home care services.   

    Register today, and help us spread the word on Twitter and Facebook. We hope you can join us for this important conversation.

    Reminder: COVID-19 ED Surveys end soon

    AFHTO, in partnership with the University of Toronto and Queen’s University, wants to understand the initiatives your team has taken on to continue to provide comprehensive primary care during this pandemic. Surveys will end Sept 19th.
    Please fill out the survey here.

    Virtual mental health tools – Togetherall and Bounceback demonstrations, Sep. 24

    Togetherall (previously known as Big White Wall) is endorsed and paid for by the Government of Ontario and Ministry of Health. Bounceback is an evidence-based, skill-building program grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) managed by the Canadian Mental Health Association and is FREE to all Ontarians aged 15+. Register here.

    Flu vaccine guidance and more

    Updates recently released include:

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

    Recently published PHO resources

    Two new quality standards on asthma

    Ontario Health (Quality) has released two new quality standards:

    For more information contact OH-HQO_QualityStandards@ontariohealth.ca.

    Reminder-engagement of patients with diabetes via virtual health apps survey

    A York University researcher is seeking input from family physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners. The aim of their research is to improve practice and policy about the potential of Virtual Health Apps use in primary care settings with a special focus on vulnerable and marginalized patient populations. To provide your input, please fill out this survey. Deadline today, Sep. 15.

    OTF Resilient Communities Fund Webinar with Optimus, Sep. 29, 2020
    Learn more about the supports your team can receive to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 through the Ontario Trillium Fund. Hosted by AFHTO.
    Register today!

    Digital Health and Virtual Care Day, Oct 1. 2020

    Join OMD’s virtual care day for providers and administrative staff. Experience the same educational experience as their EMR: Every Step conference. Learn more here.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference, Oct. 8-9, 2020

    Registration has opened for Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world, our 2020 virtual conference! Members receive a significant discount so contact your administrator for your member access code. Early bird deadline Oct. 1. Find out more here.

    Paediatric Advance Care Planning and the Uniqueness of Paediatric Palliative Care, Oct. 7 & 14, 2020

    This two-part webinar series is hosted by the HPCO and intended for healthcare providers.
    Learn more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: Updated primary care guidance, governing through COVID-19 & more

    Bits & Pieces: Updated primary care guidance, governing through COVID-19 & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Governing through COVID-19 and beyond slides and video available
    • AFHTO 2020 Conference: concurrent sessions and Minister Elliott
    • IHP Sessions: last call for leads
    • In a time of need: a grassroots initiative in response to PPE shortage in the COVID-19 pandemic
    • Updated primary care guidance, sick notes and more
    • GoodLife reopening- existing rates extended until November 14
    • Upcoming events regarding the Electronic Asthma Management System tool and more

    Governing through COVID-19

    Governing through COVID-19 and beyond slides and video available

    On August 25, we held a webinar on “Governing through COVID-19 and Beyond” to discuss governance at this time of uncertainty and change. It included guidance and advice to board members on resumption of services; what governors should know about OHTs; and where we can go from here to continue to strengthen organizational governance practices and prioritise board efforts.

    Slides and video are now available in our members only section. Please share with your board members.

    Additional tools that may be of interest include:

    Minister Christine Elliott

     

    AFHTO 2020 Conference: concurrent sessions and Minister Elliott

    Concurrent session descriptions are now available– we have diverse topics all relevant to Ontario primary care.

    We’re also happy to announce Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Hon. Christine Elliott will join us Thursday afternoon to provide remarks to our members and speak about the role of primary care in the pandemic response.  Register before Oct.1-use the member access code to get your discounted rate (sent to your team’s leadership)!

     

    IHP Sessions: last call for leads

    We now have leads for most of the popular break-out sessions at the AFHTO 2020 Conference

    but still need volunteers for the following professions:

    • Psychologists
    • Physician assistants
    • Administrative
    • Health promoters

     If you’re interested, please contact Beth MacKinnon today. The lead will receive a $20 discount on their conference fee.

    In a time of need: a grassroots initiative in response to PPE shortage in the COVID-19 pandemic

    Article in the July edition of Healthcare Quarterly about the initiative to address a critical shortage of personal protective equipment in the London–Middlesex region. It involved the London–Middlesex Primary Care Alliance, volunteer administrators, Thames Valley FHT and medical students. Read more here (log in needed for full article).

    Updated primary care guidance, sick notes and more

    Updates released within the last week include:

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

    GoodLife reopening- existing rates extended until November 14
    GoodLife rates for AFHTO members were due to increase at the end of May, but because of closures due to COVID, existing – annual (paid in full) rates of $519 and biweekly rates of $24- have been extended until November 14. Those with existing GoodLife memberships should have already received emails from GoodLife. Phasing updates by region are available on their site here.

    To take advantage of discounted rates, you need a membership ID assigned by AFHTO. Automatically assigned to those on the ‘Bits & Pieces’ mailing list, these are sent to GoodLife monthly near the end of the month. To get your ID or be put on the list for one, please email info@afhto.ca.

    As of November 15, annual (paid in full) rates will be $619 and biweekly rates $25.

    Treatable Rare Diseases In The Generalists Clinic, Sep. 10 & 17, 2020
    Join Sanofi Genzyme for this webinar on rare diseases such as Pompe disease and hATTR. Two dates are offered for your convenience. Find out more here.

    Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) – tool demonstration, Sep. 15

    The Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) is an evidence-based clinical decision support system developed to improve your ability to deliver best care for patients with asthma. Find out more here.

    OTF Resilient Communities Fund Webinar with Optimus, Sep. 29, 2020
    Learn more about the supports your team can receive to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19 through the Ontario Trillium Fund. Hosted by AFHTO.
    Register today!

    Keeping Pace: A Virtual Conference on Cyber Security in the Public Sector, Oct 1. 2020

    The Ontario Government is hosting its first-ever, full-day cyber-security conference. You will explore current and future cyber risks to Ontario’s broader public sector and more.
    Learn more here.

    Osgoode Professional Development, Oct. 5, 2020 – Apr 28, 2021

    AFHTO is partnering with York University’s OPD to provide members 10% off a variety of health law programs for professional development. For discount code and course offerings, click here.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference, Oct. 8-9, 2020

    Registration has opened for Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world, our 2020 virtual conference! Members receive a significant discount so contact your administrator for your member access code. Early bird deadline Oct. 1. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: OTF Resilient Communities Fund webinar, cancer screening & more

    Bits & Pieces: OTF Resilient Communities Fund webinar, cancer screening & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • OTF Resilient Communities Fund webinar Sep 29
    • Reminder- Electronic Asthma Management System tool demonstration, Sep. 15
    • IHP Sessions: six leads still needed
    • Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening and FIT requisition update
    • OMA pocket journal for contact tracing and more
    • Upcoming events including Care Of The Elderly and more

    OTF Resilient Communities Fund webinar Sep 29

    Grants available to help teams rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19:
    Join us September 29, 12:00-12:30 p.m. to find out how your team can tap into these funds.

    The Ontario government is investing $83 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to provide grants through this Resilient Communities Fund to help eligible non-profit organizations, including family health teams and primary care organizations, recover from COVID-19 and continue the delivery of vital programming in their communities.

    In this webinar, Andrea Spencer and Jason Huehn from Optimus SBR will provide an overview of the Resilient Communities Fund application process and requirements, discuss how your organization can benefit from the fund, and provide strategic advice on how to maximize your probability of success in securing funding. The next submission deadline is December 2. Register here.

    Reminder- Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) – tool demonstration, Sep. 15

    Significant gaps persist in asthma care across Ontario. The Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) is an evidence-based clinical decision support system developed to improve your ability to deliver best care for patients with asthma. Find out more here.

    IHP Sessions: six leads still needed

    We still need volunteers to lead the popular break-out sessions at the AFHTO 2020 Conference for the following professions:

    • Health promoters
    • Nurse practitioners
    • Physiotherapists
    • Psychologists
    • Nurses (RN/RPN)
    • Administrative
    • Physician assistants

     If you’re interested, please contact Beth MacKinnon today. The lead will receive a $20 discount on their conference fee.

    Breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening and FIT requisition update

    Summary Guidance for Primary Care Providers Resuming Cancer Screening_2020-08-25

    As of August 25, 2020, LifeLabs will start accepting new fecal immunochemical test (FIT) requisitions for groups at higher risk of colorectal cancer:

    • Average risk people over age 60 who have never been screened for colorectal cancer
    • Average risk people with previous unsatisfactory FIT results
    • Eligible average risk people awaiting organ transplant

    LifeLabs will continue to send out a limited number of FIT kits per day to allow for a gradual resumption of services across the healthcare system. As such, primary care providers can begin sending in new FIT requisitions when seeing patients in one of the higher risk groups identified above.  

    To ensure a coordinated resumption of services, Ontario Health strongly encourages Regional Cancer Programs, primary care providers and endoscopists to work together to ensure appropriate follow-up of patients with abnormal FIT results.

    Reminder regarding breast cancer and cervical screening
    Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) is recommending that routine breast and cervical screening tests be resumed in a gradual manner. For reference, a summary of Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)’s guidance for resuming breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening is here.  

    Detailed tip sheets have been developed for healthcare providers to guide the resumption of these services, please email cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca if you would like a copy.

    If you have any questions about resuming cancer screening, please contact cancerinfo@ontariohealth.ca.

    OMA pocket journal for contact tracing and more

    Updates released within the last week include:

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

    Approaches to Health Care Consent, Advance Care Planning & Goals of Care Conversations, August 27- September 17, 2020

    Four-part webinar series from Hospice Palliative Care Ontario for front line workers, health care/service providers and first responders. Find out more and register here.

    ECHO Care Of The Elderly, Sep. 9 to Dec 16, 2020
    Join CAMH on Wednesdays to brush up on your capacity to care for the frail and complex aging individuals.
    Apply here.

    Strengthening Families Together Virtual Series, Sept. 10- Oct. 1, 2020

    Share this webinar series by IAmMentalHealth with any caregivers to those with schizophrenia or a psychosis related illness. Learn more here.

    Osgoode Professional Development, Oct. 5, 2020 – Apr 28, 2021

    AFHTO is partnering with York University’s OPD to provide members 10% off a variety of health law programs for professional development. For discount code and course offerings, click here.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference, Oct. 8-9, 2020

    Registration has opened for Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world, our 2020 virtual conference! Members receive a significant discount so contact your administrator for your member access code. Early bird deadline Oct. 1. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: ED mentorship, $83 million in grants, IHP sessions & more

    Bits & Pieces: ED mentorship, $83 million in grants, IHP sessions & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Reminder- ED Mentorship Program
    • Ontario Trillium Foundation redirecting $83 million in grants
    • IHP session leads needed for AFHTO 2020 conference
    • Primary care patient/client virtual care experience survey
    • New Chief Executive Officer for Indigenous Primary Health Care Council
    • Reminder-COVID-19 ED interviews end soon
    • Updated COVID case definition, symptoms, guidance and more
    • Hospice Palliative Care Ontario tools mailed to teams
    • Invitation for primary care sites to collaborate on a research study on chronic low back pain
    • Upcoming events regarding 211 Ontario – connecting patients to community programs and services and more

     

    Reminder- ED Mentorship Program

    We are looking for EDs from different regions and working/funding models to join our ED Mentorship Program as mentors!
     
    Mentoring is about supporting people to develop their leadership skills. It’s a relationship based on trust that is designed to help a mentee take on increasing initiative, build confidence, and excel as leaders. New EDs can learn from others who have experience and who are willing to help them in developing their skills and expanding their knowledge.

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

    Ontario Trillium Foundation redirecting $83 million in grants

    The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) will be redirecting $83 million from its Capital and Grow granting streams to support Ontario nonprofits through the Resilient Communities Fund. This is to support rebuilding the capacity of eligible non-profit organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19. Relevant details include:

    • Two intake deadlines: September 2 and December 2, 2020
    • Grants are for one year, starting from $5,000 to $150,000

    AFHTO members and partners may be eligible to apply. Find out if you’re eligible here.

    IHP session leads needed for AFHTO 2020 conference

    Planning is on track for the AFHTO 2020 Conference and this includes the sessions for interprofessional healthcare providers! There will be a virtual group session on Wednesday, October 7, from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., and it will be followed by the IHP break-out sessions from 1:30 to 2:30.

    We’re looking for volunteers to lead the popular break-out sessions by coordinating topics, presenters, and a moderator. Leads are needed for the following professions: dietitians, health promoters, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, administrative staff, physician assistants, and chiropodists.

    These one-hour sessions between peers need a lead to happen. If you’re interested, please contact Beth MacKinnon by Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The lead will receive a $20 discount on their conference fee.

    Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey

    Primary care patient/client virtual care experience survey

    The rapid adoption of virtual care during the pandemic not only addresses the current needs but it will most likely shape the future of primary care delivery, beyond the pandemic. As a result, we formed a working group with a number of patients, primary care, health system and health research organizations to create the Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey.

    This is to help fill informational gaps to inform future planning and further support the implementation of virtual care in primary care. Different tools, guides and templates are available to help. This is a public survey which non-members can use as well, so feel free to share with your peers. Visit our site to find out more.

     

    New Chief Executive Officer for Indigenous Primary Health Care Council

     

    New Chief Executive Officer for Indigenous Primary Health Care Council

    Congratulations to Caroline Lidstone-Jones who has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) effective September 1, 2020. Learn more here.

     

     

     

    Reminder: COVID-19 ED interviews end soon

    AFHTO, in partnership with the University of Toronto and Queen’s University, wants to understand the initiatives your team has taken on to continue to provide comprehensive primary care during this pandemic. Visit our site to fill out the Doodle poll to schedule your participation.

    Updated COVID case definition, symptoms, guidance and more

    Several documents have been updated and shared to the Ministry’s website as of Aug. 6 including:

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

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario tools mailed to teams

    Advance Care Planning, Goals of Care and health care decision making conversations are becoming more prevalent and more important than ever, with the aging population and COVID-19. Tools to help you and your patients have been mailed to your team either in March or July. You can use them in your waiting room and directly with your patients. Everything you, your patients and families need can also be found at SpeakUpOntario.ca   

    HPCO would like your feedback on whether you are getting more requests from patients to talk about health care decision making, if you found these resources useful, or if you’re looking to receive more resources. Please feel free to reach out to them at nav.dhillon@hpco.ca.

    Invitation for primary care sites to collaborate on a research study on chronic low back pain

    A PhD student at Queen’s University is looking for primary care sites to collaborate on his research on team-based primary care for the management of chronic low back pain. He is looking for them to participate in a virtual focus group (via Zoom) to understand their experiences. There is also the opportunity to assist with patient recruitment to participate in telephone interviews to understand their experiences with access. If you would like to learn more, please email Kyle at kyle.vader@queensu.ca and he can provide you with more information about how to get involved in this research.

    211 Ontario – connecting patients to community programs and services, August 20

    This webinar shows how 211 can assist primary care teams. It will provide some baseline information about 211’s Accredited enquiry service and Standards driven resource database of benefit to patients when trying to access services in the community – particularly services during COVID-19, such as mental health services, food and other basic needs. Register here.

    Governing through COVID-19 and Beyond, August 25, 2020

    Webinar on governance at this time of   uncertainty and change. Topics include resumption of services; what governors  should know about Ontario Health Teams; and where we  can go from here to continue to strengthen organizational governance practices and prioritize board efforts. Register today!

    The Lung Health Foundation Events

    Medicinal Cannabis – Treating Symptoms of Lung Cancer, August 17, 2020
    Learn more about the endocannabinoid system and apply to your practice. Find out more here.

    Medicinal Cannabis in Chronic Pain, August 24, 2020
    Enhance your knowledge by better understanding how to access medical cannabis. Learn more here.

    Child and Youth Mental Health Webinar Series for Primary Care Providers – Supporting Families With Screentime During COVID, August 19 & 26, 2020

    The CHEO is holding a 2-part webinar series that will cover on-demand topics around the use of technology by youth. Find out more here.

    ECHO Ontario Mental Health – Fall Programs, September 2020 – June 2021
    Join Project ECHO for any of their 6 mental health programs being offered this fall. Topics include addictions, DBT, Trans healthcare, OCD and IDD. View the offerings here.

    Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) – tool demonstration, Sep. 15

    The Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) is an evidence-based clinical decision support system developed to improve your ability to deliver best care for patients with asthma.

    The system can be used by any provider and is fully integrated with OSCAR EMR and Telus PS EMR. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: create YOUR virtual conference, cancer screening guidance & more

    Bits & Pieces: create YOUR virtual conference, cancer screening guidance & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Create YOUR virtual conference-deadline July 15
    • Guidance on resuming cancer screening and other updates
    • COVID-19 tip sheet-management of CT and MRI for recovery planning
    • Survey about COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines
    • Self-help booklet series for people with intellectual disabilities
    • Respiratory Health Forum – call for presentations
    • Upcoming events regarding virtual care and more

     

    Create YOUR virtual conference-deadline July 15

    AFHTO 2020 Conference logo-cropped

    Primary care has risen to the challenge of COVID-19, but the ground is still shifting, and the future is uncertain.

    Interprofessional teams need to cross newly opened chasms to ensure they continue to provide patients and communities the care they require, all while they renew team dynamics to strengthen the foundation on which patient care rests.

    In short, we need to rebuild primary care for this new world.

    Join a working group for our AFHTO 2020 Conference, Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world.

    We’re setting up groups for each of the five concurrent streams and for the Bright Lights Awards program. Sign up by July 15, 2020.

    Guidance on resuming cancer screening and other updates

    Resources and updates released within the last week include:

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

    COVID-19 tip sheet-management of CT and MRI for recovery planning

    Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) has developed a tip sheet to additional guidance specific to diagnostic imaging services for oncology – mainly computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – and provides practical considerations for organizations, radiologists, diagnostic imaging administration and referring physicians during COVID-19 recovery. Please review and share as appropriate with your colleagues who perform or support diagnostic imaging services.

    Self-help booklet series for people with intellectual disabilities

    CAMH has adapted COVID-19 Guided Self-help Booklet Series from The University of Glasgow. The series is for people with intellectual disabilities and can be used with the support of family members, friends, staff, and health care professionals. Find out more here.

    Survey about COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines

    Western University researchers are assessing the impact of the COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines on Ontario adults’ lifestyle-related health behaviours, wellbeing, and chronic disease development. This could provide future health promotion programs with relevant information to guide program planning.

    It takes about 15 minutes to fill out a survey. Participants could win a $100 grocery store gift card.

    Respiratory Health Forum – call for presentations

    The Respiratory Health Forum planning committee is looking for interested people and sites who would like to showcase their programs, innovations and/or outcomes.  
     
    For details on how to and to submit your Expression of Interest application, please visit their site. The deadline for submission is July 16, 2020.

    Choosing Wisely in Virtual Care as we Emerge from the COVID-19 Pandemic, July 8, 2020

    Join the Choosing Wisely Canada community in their virtual gatherings to discuss the shift to virtual care and its future in the healthcare system. Find out more here.

    COVID-19 and IDD: Mental Health Research and Practice, July 14, 2020

    Join the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine and the Surrey Place’s expert panels discuss IDD. Discover resources and listen to research around the effects on adults with intellectual developmental disabilities during the pandemic.
    Find out more here.

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

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

    HPCO CoPs, Ongoing

    HPCO hosts Community of Practice meetings virtually relating to the following fields:

    • Health Care Consent, Advance Care Planning
    • Rural Hospice Palliative Care
    • Compassionate Communities.

    Find out more here.

  • 2020 Conference Themes

    2020 Conference Themes

    Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world
    (more…)

  • Bits & Pieces: Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council, member renewal & more

    Bits & Pieces: Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council, member renewal & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council!
    • Reminder – member renewal deadline July 31, 2020
    • Which FHT physician has over 39,000 views on YouTube?
    • More resources for reopening and other updates
    • Nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors close this Friday
    • Pandemic pay update
    • Thomas Edison and weight loss
    • Upcoming events regarding integrated mental and physical health and more

     

     

    Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council!

    Are you interested in advising AFHTO on the top issues facing IHPs in team-based care? Would you like to be a leader in working with IHPs in primary care to advocate for and to speak to the critical role of teams? Would you like to share and spread knowledge and learnings?

    If yes, AFHTO invites you to apply to join the IHP Advisory Council. Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is Friday, July 31. More information is here.

    Reminder – member renewal deadline July 31, 2020

    Thank you to all the teams that have renewed their membership to date. This is a reminder the renewal deadline is July 31, 2020. If you have not received a confirmation email titled “Team Name: Membership Renewal Confirmation M-20-invoice number”, we have not received your payment as of June 24. Please send your cheque or pay electronically to avoid losing access to your membership benefits.

    Dr. Sean Blaine of STAR FHT - “Matter of Masks: A family physician speaks out about mask complacency

     

    Which FHT physician has over 39,000 views on YouTube?

    That would be Dr. Sean Blaine of STAR FHT  for “Matter of Masks: A family physician speaks out about mask complacency.” That’s not the only one he’s done either.

    Read about it in this CBC article.

     

     

     

    More resources for reopening and other updates

    Resources and updates released recently include:

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

    Nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors close this Friday

    Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO Board of Directors? The governance committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone who works within an AFHTO member organization to apply. Priority for the directors to be elected will be given to candidates who are:

    • Interprofessional health care providers (IHPs), especially those working in mental health and addiction;
    • Board members, especially community members in the position of Chair of the Board; or
    • Experienced in finance, including accreditation as a financial professional (e.g. CA, CPA, CMA).

    Deadline is July 3, 2020. Find out more here.

    Pandemic pay update

    Last week we sent an update to EDs and Administrative Leads regarding the implementation of pandemic pay. While eligibility has not changed from public announcements, we received a Ministry memo afterwards that may provide further clarification. It is available on our site for those with triad-level access.

    Thomas Edison and weight loss

    Enjoy this article in the spring issue of The Diabetes Communicator co-authored by Central Lambton FHT’s RD Emily Opthof and psychiatrist Dr. David J. Robinson.

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

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

    HPCO CoPs, Ongoing

    HPCO hosts Community of Practice meetings virtually relating to the following fields:

    • Health Care Consent, Advance Care Planning
    • Rural Hospice Palliative Care
    • Compassionate Communities.

    Find out more here.

  • Thomas Edison and Weight Loss

    Article published in the Spring 2020 issue of The Diabetes Communicator

    By David J. Robinson, MD, FRCPC; Emily Opthof, RD, B.Sc.FN

    Canadian Mental Health Association, London; Central Lambton Family Health Team, Petrolia, Ont.

    Thomas Edison, the revered American inventor, defined genius as 98 per cent (%) to 99% perspiration and 1% to
    2% inspiration (1). A tireless investigator, Edison considered sleep to be “a waste of time”. Edison took naps on a cot
    in his laboratory and reportedly didn’t sleep for more than four hours per night. He passed away from complications of
    type 2 diabetes in 1931 at the age of 84, having limited himself at that point in his life to a diet of milk and cigars.

    Whether Edison’s sleep habits were a factor in his diabetes is unknown, but his legacy is an inspiration for many, and his inventions brought sweeping changes to North American society in the 20th century. His development of the incandescent light bulb into a safe and reliable means of household illumination has, however, been blamed for permanently altering our biological clocks and interfering with sleep.

    Sleep deprivation is one of many potential factors leading to weight gain. Edison would have been intrigued that one of his inventions might have had deleterious effects and would have been inspired to find a solution. Can we use similar scientific curiosity to investigate potential ways that he might have found to help manage diabetes with weight loss?

    Read the full article here.

  • QI in Action eBulletin #98: Team-Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19

    In this Issue:

    • Team Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19 Webinar

    • Virtual Visits: Beginning to End Q&A Document

    • QI Resources

    Team-Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19 Webinar

    Team-Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19 Webinar

    On June 11, 2020 (12-1pm EST) AFHTO, in collaboration with 3 primary care teams, will be hosting a webinar to share initiatives teams are currently doing to help support patients in their communities during COVID-19. Learn from these teams about how they created virtual care communities, helped long-term care homes, engaged with patients via social media and much more! Teams that will be presenting are South East Toronto FHT, Brockton Area and Kincardine FHTs, Arnprior & District FHT, North Renfrew FHT, West Champlain FHT, Madawaska Valley FHT and Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre.

    COVID-19 Member initiatives table

    Register here for the webinar!

     

    We have also created a table highlighting the great work teams are doing! Help us grow this list by emailing improve@afhto.ca to share what your team is doing.

    Let’s make this into a webinar series! Email us at improve@afhto.ca to share what your team is doing. You may be featured in an upcoming webinar!

     

     

     

    Virtual Visits Q&A Document – One on One & Group Visits

    Virtual Visits Q&A Document

    On Wednesday, May 20 we held a discussion around virtual visits (one on one & group) with our expert panel. Panelists went through multiple components of how to conduct a virtual visit and a Q&A portion.

    The recording, slide deck and Q&A document for the webinar are available here. As a follow up AFHTO and the panelists have created a Q&A document for a few questions that were not covered such as:

    • How are providers conducting phone call visits remotely?
    • Is it necessary to repeat consent at every virtual visit?
    • How do you obtain consent for group programs?
    • What Mental Health Programs are being run virtually and open to the public?
    • What platforms are teams using for secure messaging?

     

     

    QI Resources
    Below are measurement and quality-related tools, resources, slides, and videos. You can flag these emails or bookmark the related posts, so they will be easy to find for future reference.

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #97 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.