Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Management/Operations

  • Immediate Need for Case and Contact Management

    Dear Executive Directors and Administrative Leads,

    This message is being sent out on behalf of the Ministry of Health, Population Health Initiatives with regards to their need to immediately support the provincial care and contact management strategy, especially in regions where the COVID-19 numbers are steadily increasing. If you have any team members who can be redeployed to do this virtual work (it can be done in any part of the province), please read through the ask and contact Elise at the email below. In addition, if you have any questions or would need additional supports to even consider this request please let us know ASAP and we will do our best to provide the supports and/or answers that you need.
    ***
    The Ministry of Health (MOH) has identified a need for individuals who can be temporarily redeployed to assist with case investigation and management as part of the province’s enhanced Case and Contact Management Strategy.

    This critical work is central to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, through reaching out to positive cases, investigating acquisition and determining close contacts. The ministry is looking for individuals available for temporary redeployment beginning October 2020.

    Individuals interested in providing support will complete virtual training modules developed by Public Health Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Case managers will conduct interviews of patients with confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19, with a focus on empathy and cultural competency. Interviews should include providing disease-specific information; assessing signs and symptoms, and underlying health conditions; discussion symptom onset to determine window period for contact elicitation and exposure risk for contacts; discussing activities to identify who may have been exposed; eliciting information on close contacts; and assessing support needs to maintain health and compliance during self-isolation. All work will be completed remotely.

    We are looking for primary care teams that can sufficiently maintain access to its programs and services but still have capacity to redeploy health professionals with experience in interviewing/counseling patients in a health care setting to assist with case investigation and management. Knowledge and experience in communicable diseases of public health interest, and in infection prevention and control practices in community settings, would be an asset. Individuals should have strong emotional intelligence and communication skills. Additional language skills would also be an asset.

    For any questions or to indicate interest in providing support for this work, please contact Elise.Belzil2@ontario.ca.

    ***
    Thank you for considering this request and again, if you have any questions please let us know.

    Additional Information:

     

  • Summer Highlights 2020: AFHTO Leadership Council

    The AFHTO Leadership Council met on September 9, 2020. Below are the highlights from the summer 2020 council meeting; updates on last week’s meetings with the Ministry, Minister’s Office, and Ontario Health; and links to useful resources for triad members.

    AFHTO “Summer in Review”

    COVID-19 and OHTs

    • The Fall Preparedness Guidance Document, which includes the Ministry/OH’s strategy for planning for the second wave of COVID-19 and the roll-out of the flu vaccine, is expected at the end of this week/early next week. The Ministry expects to receive the flu vaccines in late September, and the roll-out to the community through Public Health will start in mid-October. This includes high dose vaccines. With a larger demand for the flu vaccine expected this year, shipments will continue into November.
    • Guidance for Ontario Health Teams: Collaborative Decision-Making Arrangements for a Connected Health Care System was released by the Ministry of Health in July 2020. As noted in the document, all approved OHTs must establish and document a collaborative decision-making arrangement between members. Four agreement templates have been posted to assist OHTs. The templates and more information are here.
    • The OHT webinar with the Ministry on August 5, which includes discussion on CDMAs, can be watched here.
    • On September 3, 2020, the government suspended the September 4, 2020, reinstatement date for layoffs and constructive dismissals. The new date is January 2, 2021. This is when the time periods for temporary layoffs will start and constructive dismissal claims under the ESA will be permitted. More information is here.
    • AFHTO has heard loud and clear that many teams need better virtual connectivity, including access to a larger suite of integrated virtual care tools, increased access to better internet, and WiFi and digital equity for all. This is something we will continue to advocate for in collaboration with our primary care partners.

    Moving toward the next ministry contract

    • The FHT-Ministry contracts will expire in 2022, so now is the time to think about what policy or contractual requirements may need to be revisited to effect long-term positive change, taking into account learnings through COVID-19 and OHT developments.
    • The council discussed opportunities to modernize the FHT contract with a focus on contract objectives, population-based primary care, governance, and health equity.
    • This was just the start of this conversation. AFHTO will arrange discussions with physicians, executive directors, governors, and other leaders in primary care. Your input is critical. Please stay tuned!

    Meetings with the Primary Health Care Branch, the Minister’s Office, and Ontario Health
    Last week, AFHTO had the opportunity to meet with the Ministry, the Minister’s Office, and Ontario Health. These were great opportunities to highlight, once again, the great work teams are doing to help with the COVID-19 response.

    Meeting with the Primary Health Care Branch, Ministry of Health
    We had our quarterly meeting with the Primary Health Care Branch last Friday and discussed a number of operational issues. Some highlights:

    • FHT contract: The FHT contract is expiring in March 2022 and work has started to reimagine what that contract could look like. As that work is just starting, the Ministry is not entertaining changes to the current FHT contract at the moment. However, for teams interested in integration, there is a formal process that your senior program consultant can walk you through.
    • Governance attestation review: Over the summer, the Ministry reviewed documents that were noted in the teams’ governance attestation, where many teams submitted copies of governance policies and procedures. The Ministry will be sharing results of that review in the fall, and we will be working with them to support teams with governance.
    • AOPs: While AOPs had a soft deadline of mid- to late-September, there is recognition that EDs are busy as we head into flu season and in preparation for a possible second wave. Talk to your senior program consultant if you need more time. If you are a new ED, you may find the webinar on how to complete an AOP and Schedule A helpful: click here for the recording.
    • Operational funding: Although there is not a pool of operational funding to support teams right now, there are COVID-19 related dollars coming from the federal government to the province. If you have operational requests as a result of COVID-19 that you need funded (e.g. upgrades of IT for virtual care, licenses for virtual care modalities, IPAC in your teams), you can include that in your AOP as a request for the next fiscal year.
    • Quarterly financial statements: It is obligatory that you submit your quarterly financial statements. It is crucial to report Q1 and Q2 accurately and to forecast for year-end to capture any COVID-related costs. The ministry will be using this data to understand the additional cost pressures facing teams, which will be the basis used for additional funding requests in the new fiscal year. To help with forecasting the impact of the pandemic on your year-end budget, you can adapt and use the COVID-19 Expense Forecast Checklist.
    • IPAC supports: Conversations have started to see how we can support the development of a robust IPAC suite of supports and tools for primary care. We are exploring what that could look like. We will keep teams posted.

    Meeting with the Minister’s Office

    • Along with the OCFP, NPAO, and SGFP, we met with the Minister’s Director of Policy and Director of Stakeholder Relations. It was a good opportunity to highlight how primary care stepped up during the COVID-19 response and the critical role our teams played in staffing assessment centres, providing virtual care, and continuing to provide in-person care despite challenges getting PPE.
    • As we move towards integration in Ontario Health Teams, we discussed the importance of making primary care the foundation of the health system integration agenda and the need to expand team-based care, so that every Ontarian can get the care they need.

    Meeting with Ontario Health

    • Along with our primary care colleagues, we had our quarterly meeting with Matt Anderson, CEO and President of Ontario Health.
    • As most of primary care is not under Ontario Health’s purview for planning, these meetings are critical in providing updates to OH about the challenges and opportunities in primary care that can be leveraged to support the transformation agenda – both within the agency and external in the health system.
    • Similar to the meeting with the Minister’s Office, it was an opportunity to highlight the sector’s work and the critical role primary care has played in the COVID-19 response.
    • A few highlights:
      • Ontario Health is undergoing significant transformation as it continues its massive integration of 20 organizations. On September 9, the CEO released Ontario Health’s Operating Model: Patient Perspective and Integrated Top-Line Organizational Structure, which speaks the changes that are underway.
      • 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.
      • For any teams that are interested in starting an assessment centre in their organization, please speak to your local OH regional representatives and start the paperwork to help increase testing capacity in your community. If you need assistance in being connected, please email us at info@afhto.ca so we can help.

    A reminder to register for the webinar on September 29 with Optimus. On the Ontario Trillium Fund Resilient Communities Fund webinar, you’ll learn about supports and funding grants you can get to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. Register today!

    And on a final note, don’t forget to check out the AFHTO website, which is updated regularly with COVID-19 tools and supports:

  • 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.

  • Provincial Pandemic PPE Transitional Support Program Announcement

    This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations.
     
    From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic primary, community and mental health care organizations have struggled with a reliable supply chain in accessing personal protective equipment (PPE). Further to that, costs have increased substantially and as sectors started to ramp up their in-person care, there have also been delays on when PPE is received.
     
    We have flagged this issue constantly with the Ministry and Ontario Health and earlier this year we sent an open letter to the Minister with our colleagues at the Ontario College of Family Physicians and the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario, encouraging the Ministry to streamline procurement and distribution of PPE so that primary care providers are not left on their own to find the supplies they need to provide safe care to their patients.
     
    We are pleased that the Ministry and Ontario Health have heard the concerns of the non-acute sectors and have now developed a provincial pandemic PPE transitional support program. This program is to support Primary Care, Community-based Physician Specialists and Community Health providers, providing them with enough PPE to meet their re-opening needs without the expectation that those providers first attempt to source PPE through their regular supply chain.
     
    There is no charge for accessing the PPE which will be distributed through the Ontario Health regions. At the moment there is no timeline of how long this program will be in effect, but it is available now to help organizations with their in-person fall/winter planning.
     
    Through this program, the following types of PPE can be requested:

    • Surgical Masks
    • Gloves
    • Gowns (one-time use)
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • Face Shields
    • Disinfectant Wipes

    For more information please see attached:

    If you have any questions, please contact your Regional PPE Lead:

    Region     Regional Supply Chain Leads

    Central Region   

    		 Debbie Roberts: Debbie.Roberts@lhins.on.ca
    Susan Gibb: Susan.Gibb@lhins.on.ca

    East Region   

    		 Paul McAuley: Paul.McAuley@3so.ca
    Leslie Motz: lmotz@lh.ca

    North Region    

    		 Matthew Saj: sajm@tbh.net
    Michael Giardetti: giardetm@tbh.net

    Toronto Region    

    		 Rob Burgess: Robert.Burgess@sunnybrook.ca
    Nancy Kraetschmer: Nancy.Kraetschmer@tc.lhins.on.ca
    West Region   Toby O’Hara:  hmmscovid19@hmms.on.ca
  • Bits & Pieces: COVID Alert app, governing through COVID-19 & more

    Bits & Pieces: COVID Alert app, governing through COVID-19 & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • The COVID Alert app is now available!
    • “Governing through COVID-19 and Beyond” – Register now for the next governance webinar!
    • Reminder-COVID-19 ED interviews end soon
    • AFHTO Letter to the OMA Negotiations Committee
    • AFHTO 2020 Conference: did you get your confirmation?
    • 211 Ontario – connecting patients to community programs and services, August 20
    • Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) – tool demonstration, Sep. 15
    • Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council – Deadline extended to this Friday, August 7!
    • New quality standards- chronic pain and early pregnancy complications and loss
    • Social work student practicums in FHTs
    • Upcoming events regarding OHT restart and more

    The COVID Alert app is now available!

    This new made-in-Ontario, privacy-first app lets you know if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. To do so, it relies on people voluntarily installing it and telling it if they test positive. The app can then send a message to other app users who have been in close contact with that person over the previous two weeks.

    Everyone is encouraged to download and use the app to help protect themselves and those in their community. We encourage you share this information with your colleagues, family, friends, neighbours, and patients. More information and resources to help you do so are 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. Interviews end August 14.

    Visit our site to fill out the Doodle poll to schedule your participation.

    “Governing through COVID-19 and Beyond” – Register now for the next governance webinar!

    Join us on Tuesday, August 25, from 12- 2 p.m. for a webinar on governance at this time of uncertainty and change. We will be joined by several speakers who will provide guidance and advice to board members on 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. There will be time for questions.

    While this webinar is targeted for boards, EDs and staff are welcome to join. Register today!

     

    AFHTO Letter to the OMA Negotiations Committee

    Last week AFHTO provided feedback to the OMA Negotiations Committee on the upcoming Physician Services Agreement based on dialogue with some of our physician leaders. Recommendations include:

    1. Increased access to capitated models of PEMs while also increasing access to team-based care
    2. Permanent billing codes for virtual care and investments in electronic medical record integration
    3. Investment and recognition of clinical leadership while also supporting the organization of primary care

    To learn more, read the full letter.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference logo-cropped

    AFHTO 2020 Conference: did you get your confirmation?

    If you are part of a group that has prepared a submission, please ensure your group contact has received the email with the subject: “Thank you for your AFHTO 2020 Conference Submission!” (Please have them check their junk mail as well.)

    If your contact person has NOT received this confirmation, please contact info@afhto.ca by tomorrow, August 5.

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

    Co-hosted by AFHTO, this webinar shows how 211 can assist primary care teams. This webinar 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.

    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.

    Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council – Deadline extended to this Friday, August 7!

    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 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! We have extended the deadline to apply to this Friday, August 7.

    We are eagerly looking to collaborate with the next IHP leaders to further interprofessional team-based primary care in Ontario. Please consider applying to join us.

    More information on the council is here. If you have any questions, please contact Beth MacKinnon at beth.mackinnon@afhto.ca.

    New quality standards- chronic pain and early pregnancy complications and loss
    Ontario Health (Quality) has released two new quality standards:

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

    Resumption of services guidance, FAQ and more

    Resources released within the past week include:

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

    Social work student practicums in FHTs

    The role of social work in Family Health Teams (FHT) in Ontario is critical for the success of patient outcomes. FHTs provide a rich environment for social work students to prepare for their professional careers. University of Toronto is reaching out to ask if you would consider including a social work practicum at your FHT.

    In addition to the regular benefits, there is increased flexibility this year:

    • Practicums can be virtual or in-person
    • Virtual practicums have the benefit of taking place anywhere in Ontario.
    • Time requirements for the 2020-21 academic year can range between 337.5 hours (48.2 days) and 518 hours (74 days).
    • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday remain practicum days. Flexibility is possible, depending on the individual start dates (see note below).  Student orientation may dictate a confirmed start date.
    • Other benefits to field instructors can be found here

    They completely understand that any commitment made will be contingent on capacity to provide supervision in these unusual times. If you wish to learn more about social work practicums, please email Eileen McKee at e.mckee@utoronto.ca or Rachelle Ashcroft at rachelle.ashcroft@utoronto.ca or please see their website for more information.

    If you are able to contribute to the education of an MSW student between now and April 2021, please contact practicum.fsw@utoronto.ca.

     

    Ontario Health Implementation Restart, August 6, 2020

    On August 6, Miller Thomson LLP is holding a complimentary webinar that will cover the recap status of OHTs, update on the new application process, requirements for collaborative decision making and action items for OHTs for each stage of development. Learn more and register here.

    Addressing Caregiver Burnout: Finding and Accessing Supports, August 5 – 19, 2020

    Join the HPCO in this 3-part series while they address burnout by healthcare providers and caregivers. Learn more here.

    Child And Youth Mental Health Morning Rounds And Lunch & Learns, August 11-27, 2020

    The CHEO is holding 4 sessions covering depression in adolescents, anxiety in toddlers and younger children, parent-child relationships and anxiety in adolescents. Find out more here.

    ECHO Concussion Series, September 9 – December 16, 2020

    Don’t miss this free 15-part series this fall on diagnosing and managing your concussion patients. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: Members’ stories including parking lot injections, infection prevention and control checklist & more

    Bits & Pieces: Members’ stories including parking lot injections, infection prevention and control checklist & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Congratulations to members in five new OHTs
    • Members’ stories including parking lot injections
    • Recommendations to the Primary Care Working Group
    • Infection prevention and control checklist
    • AFHTO 2020 Conference submissions due tomorrow
    • Improving the Ontario Disability Support Program application process for health care professionals
    • Seeking physician input on screening or diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    • COVID-19 section
    • Upcoming events regarding pandemic pregnancy and more

    Congratulations to members in five new OHTs

    Congratulations to the five new Ontario Health Teams and to our member teams that are engaged and participating in the development of OHTs. And further congratulations to all OHTs, receiving funding of $25.25 million for virtual care and other direct support. See the full list of members here.

    Congratulations as well to members in the 17 teams invited to complete a full application.

    Additional articles:

    Members’ stories including parking lot injections

    Mount Forest FHT: Mount Forest FHT receives grant to reach Mennonite, Amish populations

    West Carleton FHT: A parking-lot injection clinic: An adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic

    Recommendations to the Primary Care Working Group

    After consulting physician leaders, AFHTO provided recommendations to the OMA Primary Care Working Group. These recommendations are applicable to physicians affiliated with FHTs, but many could apply to any physician that works in a patient enrolment model (PEM) in Ontario.

    To learn more about these including our recommendations on access and quality issues, walk-in clinics and more, please visit our site.

    Infection prevention and control checklist

    Per Directive #2 and the ministry’s Operational Requirements for Health Sector Restart, it’s recommended that each healthcare entity develop an organizational risk assessment (ORA). The CPSO has developed an IPAC checklist to guide individuals in conducting ORAs in Independent Health Facilities and Out of Hospital Premises during this pandemic.

    Teams should complete an ORA that assesses the efficacy of control measures that are in place to mitigate the transmission of infections, and this is a good resource to help you do so. It can also be used for self-assessment and to guide policies, procedures, preparedness, and response planning.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference logo-cropped

     

    AFHTO 2020 Conference submissions due tomorrow

    The deadline for both abstracts and Bright Lights nominations is tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. Submit to highlight all the work you’ve done for your communities.

     

    Improving the Ontario Disability Support Program application process for health care professionals

    The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is looking to improve your experience by:

    • allowing you to complete DDP forms online
    • making billing easier
    • providing timely and informative notifications regarding the status of your open applications

    They need your feedback to make sure they introduce service improvements that truly work for you in the form of a short survey. At the end of the survey, you may choose to provide your contact information if you want to participate in a compensated discussion and design session about your experiences with ODSP applications. Please fill out the survey and help them improve the ODSP application experience.

    Seeking physician input on screening or diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Physicians are often the main contact point for young children, thus are critical for screening or diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Queen’s University researchers invite you to complete one online survey that will focus on physician knowledge, clinical practice, and service gaps in the local medical community. It is anticipated that this research will allow them to identify patterns of community practice and inform future education and training. All information collected will be strictly anonymous.

    COVID-19 section

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

    Pandemic Pregnancy: Interim Schedule and Safety Considerations for Prenatal Visits During COVID-19, July 29, 2020

    Join the Choosing Wisely Canada community in their virtual gatherings to discuss an interim schedule for prenatal care to reduce unnecessary in-person contact. Find out more here.

    Compassionate Communities, Community Care & Connection during the COVID-19 Pandemic: HPCO Webinar Series, August 4 – 18, 2020

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario is hosting a compassionate Care webinar series for healthcare providers and more. Find out more here.

    Addressing Caregiver Burnout: Finding and Accessing Supports, August 5 – 19, 2020

    Join the HPCO in this 3-part series while they address burnout by healthcare providers and caregivers. Learn more here.

    Child And Youth Mental Health Morning Rounds And Lunch & Learns, August 11-27, 2020

    The CHEO is holding 4 sessions covering depression in adolescents, anxiety in toddlers and younger children, parent-child relationships and anxiety in adolescents. Find out more here.

    ECHO Concussion Series, September 9 – December 16, 2020

    Don’t miss this free 15-part series this fall on diagnosing and managing your concussion patients. Find out more here.

  • Update from the Primary Health Care Branch, transitions to a new normal, PPE, virtual care, and HR updates

    This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations.

    Dear triad members,

    To help us keep in touch this summer, we had a province-wide ED check-in call with ministry officials on July 22. Here is the follow-up information promised on the call. There were many questions and much discussion, so if you weren’t on the call, you can listen to the recording here.

    AFHTO maintains a strong relationship and works regularly with officials to ensure our members’ voices are heard, and we appreciate the time they give us to speak with you directly. Thank you to Allison Costello (Director, OHT Implementation and Supports Branch), Darlene Wong (A/Senior Manager, Interprofessional Programs Unit, PHCB), and Fernando Tavares (A/Program Manager, Interprofessional Programs Unit, PHCB) for being on the call.

    Update from the from the Ministry

    • The OHT Implementation and Supports Branch provided an update and said there would soon be more information on OHTs. The following day, on July 23, five new OHTs were announced and 17 were invited to full application. Congratulations to teams who are now an OHT candidate!
    • On July 23, the government also announced that they will be providing financial support to the 29 OHTs of up to $25.25 million. Of this funding, $9.5 million will be dedicated to virtual care; with the remaining $15.75 million, each OHT will receive up to $375,000. More information is here.
    • The Primary Health Care Branch (PHCB) confirmed there will be no additional operational funding available for FHT and NPLC budgets. However, it will be crucial for teams to report Q1 and Q2 accurately and to forecast for year-end to capture any COVID-related costs. The ministry will be using this data to understand the additional cost pressures facing teams, which will then be the basis used for additional funding requests. To help with forecasting the impact of the pandemic on your year-end budget, you can adapt and use the COVID-19 Expense Forecast Checklist.
    • A reminder that the 2020-21 Annual Operating Plan Submission package, released July 2, is due mid-September, although this due date is not firm. There is a webinar with the ministry on our site on how to complete AOP and Schedule A that may be helpful – please click here for the recording.

    Transitioning to a new normal

    PPE

      Virtual care

    Human Resources

    • AFHTO is arranging a webcast for late August that will provide guidance to boards on governance through COVID-19 and beyond. Stay tuned for registration details!
    • The ministry has rolled out pandemic pay to hospitals, long-term care homes, and retirements homes, and they are working on Ontario Health and municipalities. Teams that are leading FHT-run assessment centres should connect with their OH contact  at MOH.PPInquiries@ontario.ca to seek clarity on receiving their pandemic pay.
    • R&R funding was disbursed in April, and teams should be working on reallocating the increases. For guidance, please see the Recruitment and Retention Planning Document and the Compensation Guidance Document for more information. This is the last of the four-year commitment to R&R increases, and we will be looking at future compensation advocacy when the timing is right.

    Reminders!

    • HR webinar: The third webinar for executive directors on Managing HR through COVID-19 with Maria McDonald of McDonald HR Law is this Wednesday, July 29, at 11 AM. Registration will close end-of-day tomorrow, so please register now if you haven’t yet! This webinar’s for EDs only unless an ED requests otherwise.
    • Membership: The deadline for renewing AFHTO memberships is this Friday, July 31. Please contact Paula Myers with any questions. We hope we have proven of value to you this past year, and we will strive to continue to do so throughout the changes we are all experiencing.
    • ED interviews: AFHTO is working with our research partners to showcase how primary care has stepped up – and will continue to step up – to support Ontarians and to ensure a sustainable and equitable healthcare system. Thank you to all the EDs who have already had interviews with our researchers, and a reminder to other EDs to please schedule your interview

     

    As discussed on the call, here is a link to Shared Service Agreements that teams can use between organizations and with unaffiliated physicians. These are templates provided by Cottage Country FHT and would require legal review before finalisation for any teams.

    Keep checking out our COVID-19 section that we regularly update with news, tools, and resources, including the daily situation reports and regular memos from the ministry’s command table.

    We will be in touch late August or early September about resuming monthly regional ED calls in the fall if teams feel they would still be of value.

    Please contact us any time. We’re here to support you.

    Sincerely,

    Your AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 ED interviews, IHP advisory council & more

    Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 ED interviews, IHP advisory council & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • COVID-19 ED interviews
    • Reminder- applications for IHP Advisory Council close July 31
    • Perkopolis
    • Implications of the Psychotherapy Act- survey
    • Reminder – member renewal deadline July 31, 2020
    • COVID-19 section
    • Upcoming events regarding youth cannabis use and more

    COVID-19 ED interviews

    ED covid interviews

    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. Showcasing your team’s work and how you stepped up will be crucial for AFHTO’s advocacy for the future of team-based primary care in Ontario.

    An email with the subject ‘Help AFHTO highlight your teams’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic’ was sent to EDs on July 8. Fill out the Doodle linked in that email to schedule your participation by this Friday, July 24.

    Reminder- applications for IHP Advisory Council close July 31

    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 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! The council was established in 2018, and several two-year terms are now open. Any IHP who is part of a member team is welcome to apply. All applications will be reviewed by the AFHTO team, and new council members will be notified in the week of August 24. More detail is in the terms of reference, which can be seen on the IHP Advisory Council page on AFHTO’s website.

    As the summer IHP Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for the following week on Wednesday, September 2, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, we suggest anyone applying hold that time now.

    If you have any questions, please contact Beth MacKinnon at beth.mackinnon@afhto.ca.

    July perks

     

    Perkopolis

    AFHTO members are eligible to sign up to get access to over 5000 perks through Perkopolis. Get discounts on shopping, attractions and more. EDs, if your team doesn’t have access yet, please email info@ahto.ca. 

     

     

     

     

     

    Implications of the Psychotherapy Act– survey
    University of Guelph researchers are looking for registered social workers, psychotherapists, medical practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists, and psychologists in Ontario to participate in a 15-20-minute survey exploring practitioners’ responses and experience of the Psychotherapy Act, which was enforced in January 2020.

    Specifically, the research looks at how the Act is being taken up by regulated professionals and how it is impacting their relationship to their profession, other colleges, and institutions. Participating provides you a chance to anonymously voice your opinion and reflect on your experiences of the new legislation.

    Questions? Contact: Leslie at lvesely@uoguelph.ca or Dr. Olga Smoliak, at osmoliak@uoguelph.ca

    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 your leadership triad received the email ‘Avoid losing access- your AFHTO membership expires on July 31’ on July 10, and you have not sent a cheque or paid electronically, you will lose access to all benefits after this date, including a discounted rate to the AFHTO conference!

    COVID-19 section

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

    Youth cannabis use following legalization, July 22, 2020

    CAMH’s new Cannabis Knowledge Exchange Hub is hosting a webinar that will help you understand the prevalence of cannabis use among youth and review the changes in pre/post legalization. Find out more here.

    Person-Centered Decision-Making Workshops, August 1 – February 15

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario is hosting a PCDM workshop available virtually for the next 7 months, free of charge.
    Find out more here.

    Child And Youth Mental Health Morning Rounds And Lunch & Learns, August 11-27, 2020

    The CHEO is holding 4 sessions covering depression in adolescents, anxiety in toddlers and younger children, parent-child relationships and anxiety in adolescents. Find out more here.

    Liver Disease in Primary Care: Approach to Fatty Liver, September 10, 2020

    Hosted by CAMH, join this didactic lecture by their interprofessional team and real de-identified patient cases presentations. Find out more here.

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

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

    Your Weekly News & Updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Podcast mic

    AFHTO 2020 Conference: call for submissions, including Bright Lights

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

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

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

    You can also:

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

    Guidance on resuming cancer screening and other updates

    Resources and updates released recently include:

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

    Possible discounts for Microsoft 365 and UpToDate

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

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

    Prenatal screening and COVID-19

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

    Visit Prenatal Screening Ontario’s website for more information.

    thehealthline.ca, CEP and primary care

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

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

    Nominate an outstanding physician for the CPSO Council Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    NPAO Annual Conference, September 24 – 25, 2020

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

  • Update from the Primary Health Care Branch, transitions to a new normal, PPE, virtual care, and HR updates

    This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations.

    Dear triad members,

    We held our fifth round of regional ED calls on June 29 and 30. We’ve been holding these calls since March, and we will be pausing them for the summer as people break and prepare for the fall. We will look at resuming regular calls in September. To ensure we keep in touch, we will be arranging a province-wide ED call with ministry officials for the end of July or early August. Stay tuned for details!

    A third webinar for executive directors on Managing HR through COVID-19 with Maria McDonald of McDonald HR Law has been confirmed for July 29. Please see the HR section of this communique for registration details.

    Below is information on the topics discussed on the recent calls and on supports that we heard would be helpful.

    Update from the Primary Health Care Branch

    • The 2020-21 Annual Operating Plan Submission package was released on July 2 with a due date of mid-September. In recognition of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry is being flexible with the timeline and is not imposing a specific due date. A few years ago, AFHTO held a webinar with the ministry on how to complete AOP and Schedule A that newer EDs may find helpful – please click here for this archived recording.
    • It is going to be crucial for teams to report Q1 and Q2 accurately and to forecast for year-end as best they can to capture any COVID-related costs, such as PPE and IT. The ministry will be using this data to understand the additional cost pressures facing teams. This will be the basis used for additional funding requests. To help with forecasting the impact of the pandemic on your budget, you can adapt and use the COVID-19 Expense Forecast Checklist.
    • The FHT contract is set to expire in 2022. We hope to start work in the fall with the ministry to scope out opportunity for change and improvement through modifications to the contract.
    • AFHTO is also hoping to meet with the anti-racism directorate at the ministry to explore ways AFHTO and teams can help further address anti-racism and social determinants of health.

    Transitioning to a new normal

    PPE

    • PPE supply remains a concern. Many teams indicated they have a 1- to 3-month supply, but many others also indicated only a 1- to 3-week supply. Most teams expressed concern about PPE quantity for increasing in-person visits and a possible second wave in the fall.
    • Primary care is now included and recognized as a priority sector in the in OH’s ethical framework document used to guide distribution of the provincial PPE supply. However, the process for acquiring PPE through the regional tables appears to be inconsistent across the province, and even within regions. OH North has initiated a primary care PPE start-up allocation, and primary care entities in OH West have been successfully receiving PPE supplies regionally; however, access seems to vary across sub-regions.
    • Teams are encouraged to connect with their Regional Table Leads for PPE and Critical Supplies to access this inventory if regular supply chains are unavailable.  
    • AFHTO will continue to advocate for a consistent and sustainable long-term approach based on regional coordination.
    • We encourage teams to check out the resources posted on our site.

      Virtual care

    Human Resources

    • On June 24, AFHTO circulated a Temporary Pandemic Pay update and confirmed that eligibility of workers does include primary care team members who are redeployed to the COVID-19 assessment centres and other eligible workplaces (i.e. hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes).
    • The ministry will be rolling out pandemic pay funds through existing TPAs shortly. Teams that are leading FHT-run assessment centres should connect with their OH contact  at MOH.PPInquiries@ontario.ca to seek clarity on receiving their pandemic pay.
    • There will be two webcasts this summer:
      • There will be a webinar for EDs on Wednesday, July 29, at 11 AM with Maria McDonald, McDonald HR Law, to discuss ongoing topics of concern around employer obligations, including matters related to staff challenges with childcare and mental health. A portion of the webinar will be to address pre-submitted questions. You can register for the webinar and submit your questions here. Webinar registration will require approval, which EDs will receive from AFHTO within 24-48 hours of registration. Registration will close end of day Tuesday, July 28.
      • AFHTO is organising a webinar that will provide guidance to boards on governance throughout COVID-19 and beyond. This will include guidance on the role of the board in resumption of services, what governors should know about the direction of OHTs, and where to go from here. Stay tuned for details!
    • A reminder that R&R funding was disbursed in April, and teams should be working on reallocating the increases. For guidance, please see the Recruitment and Retention Planning Document and the Compensation Guidance Document.

    AFHTO is working with partners to showcase how primary care has stepped up – and will continue to step up – to support Ontarians and to ensure a sustainable and equitable healthcare system. We have received ethics approval from the Office of Research and Innovation at the University of Toronto to proceed with our research project entitled COVID-19: Understanding how primary care teams stepped up to help support their communities and patients.

    We ask all EDs to spare up to 30 minutes for an interview with one of the researchers who is working with us on this project. We will send a poll out shortly to schedule a time for a call. The calls will happen throughout July and August.

    Keep checking out our COVID-19 section that we regularly update with news, tools, and resources, including the daily situation reports and regular memos from the ministry’s command table.

    Please contact us any time. We’re here to support you.

    Sincerely,

    Your AFHTO Team