Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Management/Operations

  • Bits & Pieces: preventing caregiver burnout and more

    Bits & Pieces: preventing caregiver burnout and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24
    • Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8
    • MOH booster communications toolkit and more
    • TUTOR-PHC call for applications
    • Seeking input on how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis care
    • Upcoming events including ONCA A Year Later: the 100 Most Asked Questions and more

    Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24
    Primary care providers can play a key role in preventing burnout and enhancing caregiver well-being by initiating early interventions and connecting caregivers to support.

    Co-hosted by The Ontario Caregiver Organization and the Primary Care Collaborative, this webinar will include insights from a caregiver with lived experience, as well as examples of primary care initiatives across Ontario that are connecting caregivers to support. Register here.

    Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8

    Metered dose inhalers produce significant carbon emissions. Ironically, these contribute to changes to the climate that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Simple practice changes can help disrupt this cycle and lessen the health sector’s contributions to climate change.

    Learning outcomes:

    • Explore the carbon footprint of healthcare systems and how inhalers contribute to it
    • Examine two problems related to inhaler prescribing
    • Imagine practice change that results in immediate reduction in emissions: “high value, low carbon care”

    Register here.

    Graphic of purple vaccine vial, with another transparent vial behind it on a light blue background. below, text says

     

    MOH booster communications toolkit and more

    Recent updates include:

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

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

     

    TUTOR-PHC call for applications

    Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research – Primary Health Care (TUTOR-PHC), is a one-year, pan-Canadian interdisciplinary research capacity building program that has been training primary and integrated health care researchers, clinicians and decision-makers from family medicine, nursing, psychology, epidemiology, social work, occupational therapy, education, policy, and many other disciplines since 2003.  The deadline to apply is December 5, 2022.

    For more information, please go to the website or email the TUTOR-PHC Project Coordinator at tutor@uwo.ca.

    Seeking input on how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis care

    Per UHN:
    “Dr. Anna Gagliardi at University Health Network (UHN) is recruiting healthcare professionals for a one-time 20-minute phone interview for a research study about how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis (OA) care. During the interview, we will ask you for your perspectives, experiences, and recommendations regarding strategies to improve care for immigrant women affected by osteoarthritis.

    You are eligible for this study if you:
    — Are a family physician, nurse practitioner, or community pharmacist who works with patients with osteoarthritis
    OR
    — Are a healthcare executive, healthcare manager, or policymaker who oversees osteoarthritis services

    For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact the study coordinator, Madeline Theodorlis, by email: madeline.theodorlis@uhn.ca. Please note that information sent by email may be accessible by external parties and therefore not entirely secure. Many thanks for your consideration.”

    Hamilton FHT Green Initiative’s Cancer Screening, Nov. 2 or 10, 2022

    Led by Dr. Meghan Davis, Ontario Health’s Regional Primary Care Lead (Cancer Screening). Find out more here.

    ONCA A Year Later: the 100 Most Asked Questions, Nov. 10, 2022
    Hosted by Community Legal Education Ontario, who have compiled the most frequently asked questions into a database and want to share what they have learned. Register here.

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications. Register here.

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement – a focus on using the opioid prescribing indicators to drive improvements in patient care, Nov. 10, 2022
    Ontario Health is hosting a webinar for primary care providers on using the opioid prescribing indicators in the MyPractice: Primary Care report to drive improvements in patient care. This 1-credit-per-hour Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 1.0 Mainpro+Ⓡ credits. The program is part of a series that has been certified for up to 4 Mainpro+ credits. Register here.

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario’s online learning portal for person centred decision making
    The Modules are intended for Clinician Competency Training on Health Care Consent, Advance Care Planning, and Goals of Care conversations. Learners will move beyond advancing their knowledge and attitudes to develop clinical skills. Learn more here.

  • Mandatory Vaccines in the Workplace – Policy Update from Maria McDonald

    November 1, 2022

    Here is an update from Maria McDonald, McDonald HR Law, for employers on mandatory vaccines in the workplace. 

    1. Employers do not have to legally justify vaccination requirements for new hires. It is the employer’s prerogative to require vaccination against COVID as a condition of hire. An employer can refuse to hire based on vaccination status without any legal ramification, subject to the limited medical and religious exemptions under the Ontario Human Rights Code. However, the employer will have to consider non-legal factors such as:

    • Recruitment and staffing pressures. 
    • What current staff will think and feel if the new hires don’t have to be vaccinated (especially if current employees were subject to a mandatory vaccination policy in 2021)

    2. The legal and operational issue for employers is will they force employees to get booster doses for the fall/winter of 202/2023. There is no need to forecast beyond that, as we have no idea where we will be in spring of 2023.

    3. There are reasons/arguments for and against mandatory booster doses:

    a) COVID-19 continues to be a significant concern (the following are Ontario numbers as of October 15, 2022)

    • The number of reported cases are approximately 10,000 per week (and we know this is under reported)
    • There are still 450 to 500 hospitalizations per week
    • The number of weekly deaths are at approximately 70 

    b) Vaccinations reduce hospitalizations and deaths

    • The rates of hospitalizations and deaths are highest among those who are not vaccinated.
    • Booster doses have proven to be effective in reducing hospitalization and deaths among those who have been vaccinated.
    • However, this has to be kept in perspective:
      • The majority of hospitalizations are people 60+ years old
        • age 60 to 79 = 160
        • age 80+ = 230
        • Total 190 out of 464 hospitalizations
    • The majority of deaths are also 60+ years old 
      • age 60 to 79  = 22 deaths
      • age 80+ =  47 deaths
      • total 69 out of 72 deaths
    • The people most impacted are likely 70+. As such, employees under 70 (the majority of employees) are not the most impacted by COVID. 

    c) The evidence that vaccination curbs or reduces transmission is not clear and has not been established. As such, employers cannot justify mandatory booster doses based on reduced transmission 

    d) Employers require mandatory booster doses based on:

    •  the science that booster doses will help keep their staff safe and reduce likelihood of hospitalizations and deaths.
    •  The MOH recommendation that All Ontarians aged 12 and over are encouraged to stay up to date with their vaccinations and get a bivalent booster dose at a recommended interval of six months after their last dose, as evidence shows that vaccine protection decreases over time.  https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-vaccines. 

    4. State of the law in Ontario

    • There is support for mandatory booster doses in a recent arbitration decision out of British Columbia. The union argued the mandatory vaccination policy (which did not require boosters) should not be enforced any further because:
      •    The science does not support that vaccines reduce transmission
      •    There are anti-viral drugs to reduce the impact of COVID
      •    PPE measures etc. are a less intrusive way to keep people safe

    • The arbitrator accepted the evidence that vaccines do not reduce transmission. But it nonetheless upheld the mandatory vaccination policy on the basis that:
      •    Vaccines keep employees safe from COVID 
      •    The policy was following the recommendation of public health

    • We don’t know if this decision will be followed in Ontario.
    • In the case described above, the employer had never terminated an employee. They instead put employees on an unpaid leave of absence.

    5. Considerations for employers 

    • There are certainly rational justifications for employers to implement mandatory boosters.
    • The justifications will be personal employee safety and an available workforce.
    • The policy cannot be justified on reduced transmission (at least right now, subject to new evidence).
    • The mood and morale of their current workforce – do they need such a policy to keep people? Will it cause current employees to leave? 
    • Their staffing and recruitment issues. Are they desperate for new hires and will a mandatory booster policy help or hinder this?

    Just as with the original vaccination policies, we do not know if a court will allow an employer to terminate with cause (and no payment of termination payments) for failure to get a booster because there is no case law on this. Even if there was, each case would have to be determined on its own facts, so even if an employer does implement a mandatory policy, termination for cause is still going to be a legal risk.
     

  • Ministry Communications Toolkit, OCFP Resources and Science Table Brief on Primary Care Webinar

    Dear Members,

    As we move into another fall season where we are seeing hospital emergency department surges due to an increase in respiratory viral illnesses in Ontario, it’s even more critical to ensure everyone gets their flu shot and stays up to date on their COVID19 booster shots. Flu shots for the general public should be available as of November 1st through primary care offices and pharmacies – if you are having issues with accessing your vaccines, please connect with your PHU to facilitate distribution. As we prepare for what may be a difficult fall, we wanted to share with you some resources and tools you may find helpful.

    From the Ministry of Health
    The Ministry has developed a toolkit of communication resources with key messages and materials to help ensure Ontarians have a clear understanding of the COVID-19 booster dose recommendations and the importance of why and when they should receive a booster dose. Booster doses are recommended to everyone aged five and over to help restore protection that may have decreased since their last dose:

     

    • Individuals aged five and over who are not considered high risk for severe COVID-19 illness are recommended to receive a booster dose six months since their last dose.
    • It’s strongly recommended that the following individuals get a booster dose after three months:

    The toolkit includes:

    The Ministry has shared the most recent slide deck from October 14, 2022, which contains the provincial dashboard on COVID vaccination by age groups and priority populations. Note that Page 4 contains a Flow Diagram for COVID-19 Booster Vaccination – When Should you get a Booster Dose that may be helpful when counseling patients.  

    The Ministry also shared the Indigenous Vaccination Dashboard which lays out the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to Indigenous adults, including Operation Remote Immunity. This includes First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban populations 5+. The IPHCC has done tremendous work in addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccination in the Indigenous communities using culturally safe learnings and approaches. Members are encouraged to read through the work done to date and to utilize the rich resources that are available for use.

    Other updated Ministry of Health resources you may find helpful:

    •  COVID-19 vaccine guidance (MOH, October 13) (EN, FR)
      • Monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech Primary Series for 6 months –4 years
      • Updated recommendations for those who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding (alignment with NACI)
      • Bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech booster for 12 years and older (available this week in Ontario)
      • “There is no preference between bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech and bivalent Moderna for booster doses in individuals 18 years of age and older”
    • Storage and handling of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines (MOH, updated October 13) (EN)
    • COVID-19 vaccine consent and notice form (MOH, updated October 6) (EN, FR)
    • COVID-19 guidance: Long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other congregate living settings for public health units (MOH, updated October 6) (EN, FR)
    • COVID-19 provincial testing guidance (MOH, updated October 6) (EN, FR)

    Other Helpful Tools and Resources from the OCFP

    The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) has developed several tools that you may find helpful when managing patients with respiratory symptoms in your clinics:

    From Ontario Health
    As noted in our October 6th communique to EDs and admin leads, Ontario Health had sent out a memo on October 3 on Evusheld, a therapy against COVID-19. The memo was for healthcare providers and outlines what Evusheld is, who can receive Evusheld, and how to access it for eligible patients. It also includes a link to a revised toolkit for providers who may be prescribing or administering Evusheld.

    If you have not seen it, the memo with all the resource links can be found here – EN FR.  The memo also references the following resources:

    • Information about Evusheld (tixagevimab and cilgavimab): Reference for health care providers who may be prescribing or administering Evusheld EN
    • Patient handout on Evusheld EN FR

    Events and Webinars

    Breakfast Webinar: Highlights and Implications of the Ontario Science Table’s Brief on Primary Care
    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy:

    Join on November 30th at 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. to hear from key primary care leaders as they share some of the more significant findings and implications. Panelists include:

    • Dr. Imaan Bayoumi: Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences at Queens University, Family Physician, Member of the Ontario Science Table
    • Dr. Danielle Martin: Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, Family Physician at Women’s College Hospital, Member of the Ontario Science Table
    • Dr. Noah Ivers: Family Physician at Women’s College Hospital, Scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute, Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, Member of the Ontario Science Table
    • Dr. Jennifer Rayner: Director of Research and Evaluation at the Alliance for Healthier Communities, Adjunct Research Professor at Western University, Contributor to the Ontario Science Table Briefs on Primary Care

    IPAC for Non-clinical Staff (PH Ontario)
    This course is designed specifically for people who don’t have formal health care training and work in a congregate living environment. It will provide learners with the IPAC knowledge they need to keep themselves, their patients, and their co-workers safe from infections in workplaces like shelters, group homes, residential treatment centres and other facilities. Participants will learn how to conduct a risk assessment, perform proper hand hygiene, when and how to use personal protective equipment safely, the basics of administrative and environmental infection control measures, and best practices for outbreak management. Click here to learn more.

    Thank you again for all you are doing to keep your patients and the community safe. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Stay safe and Happy Halloween.

    Yours in good health,

    The AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care and more

    Bits & Pieces: highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30
    • Respiratory Therapist Week
    • Wawa FHT unveils new artwork on journey of Truth and Reconciliation
    • Hybrid workspace resources
    • Quality standard on medication safety recorded webinar
    • Upcoming events including Managing Influenza-like Illness this Fall and more

     

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications.

    Panelists:

    • Dr. Imaan Bayoumi
    • Dr. Danielle Martin
    • Dr. Noah Ivers
    • Dr. Jennifer Rayner

    Bring your own breakfast! Register here.

    text- The CN Tower will be lit today to celebrate RRTs in Ontario! Check it out and tag us @rtso Come out and celebrate #rtweek2022! Image to the right- CN tower lit in orange and purple

    Respiratory Therapist Week

    Thank you to all the respiratory therapists working in primary care teams, helping your patients breathe that much easier. RTSO is lighting Ontario landmarks this week in recognition. #RTWeek2022

     

     

    The artist Zoey Wood-Salomon stands to the right of her piece, a turtle with people on the circumference of its shell

     

     

    Wawa FHT unveils new artwork on journey of Truth and Reconciliation
    On September 21, 2022, at Naturally Superior Adventures, Wawa FHT celebrated the unveiling of the clinic’s new painting. Learn more here.

     

     

     

     

     

    Hybrid workspace resources

    Resources shared by the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions:

    Quality standard on medication safety recorded webinar

    Ontario Health and the Ontario College of Pharmacists co-hosted a webinar, “Introduction to the Medication Safety Quality Standard and the Assurance and Improvement of Medication Safety Program” on October 19, 2022. The session introduced OH’s recently released quality standard on medication safety and described how it can be used to drive quality improvement and improve care for people in Ontario throughout the health care system. The session also discussed how the Assurance and Improvement in Medication Safety (AIMS) program supports a culture of medication safety.

    The recorded webinar can be accessed by clicking here (passcode: OHOCP2022!).

    Helpful strategies to address mental health in children, Oct. 26, 2022

    Part of OCFP’s Practising Well COP. Find out more here.

    Managing Influenza-like Illness this Fall, Oct. 28, 2022

    51st in the series “Changing the way we work” on Friday, October 28, 2022, at 7:55-9:00 am. They’ll discuss how we can prepare for an anticipated increase in COVID, influenza, and other viral illnesses in the coming months. Hosted by OCFP & UofT. Register here.

    Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care, Nov. 9, 2022
    Join Dr. David Kaplan and Dr. Risa Bordman from the Primary Care Expert Panel – Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care, as they present the third of a 3-part series on the Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care.  This webinar is part of the Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP Monthly Series. Register in advance.

    OPHA 2022 Fall Forum, Nov. 8-9, 2022
    The Next Chapter: Building Upon Our Capacity and Resilience in Community and Public Health. Find out more here.

    Data To Action: Making Your Data Visible and Useful, Nov. 30, 2022
    Webinar on data visualization by TechSoup Connect Ontario Chapter. Register here.

    2023/24 cQIP Information Session, Nov. 23, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health, this will focus on the development and planning of collaborative Quality Improvement Plans (cQIPs) for FY 2023-24. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: strengthening mental healthcare delivery and more

    Bits & Pieces: strengthening mental healthcare delivery and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Strengthening mental healthcare delivery in primary care
    • October is Occupational Therapy Month
    • IPHCC Wise Practices Guide
    • OurCare national survey deadline extended to Oct. 25
    • Ontarians aged 12+ eligible for bivalent booster and more
    • Wound care champion program
    • Call for papers: International Conference on Integrated Care
    • Health Canada recorded webinar: exceptions to the prescription drug list
    • Upcoming events including social prescribing and more

    Strengthening mental healthcare delivery in primary care

    The OMA and the Primary Care Collaborative have released a joint policy paper with recommendations to strengthen mental healthcare delivery in primary care.

    The rate of new mental health and addiction diagnoses is increasing, exacerbated by the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Approximately three-quarters of Canadians rely on their primary care provider to address their mental health needs, but there are longstanding system gaps that must be addressed to enhance the ability of primary care doctors to deliver mental health care. Read more here.

    Text in the middle of intertwined rope of different colours forming a heart. I 'heart' OT. October is #OTmonth in Canada

    October is Occupational Therapy Month

    Thank you to all the occupational therapists working in primary care teams, aiding patients’ mental health, and providing opportunities for seniors to age in place.

     

    Cover with IPHCC and SOAHAC logos at top. Below pictures of indigenous women, an inukshuk, smudging materials and a totem pole

     

     

    IPHCC Wise Practices Guide
    IPHCC has launched a guide titled Protocols for non-Indigenous health care organizations seeking to work with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. As an expanded component of the Improving Indigenous Outcomes project, this Wise Practices Guide was developed to highlight how non-Indigenous partner organizations can safely and respectfully engage with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Find out more here.

     

     

     

     

    OurCare national survey deadline extended to Oct. 25

    Dr. Tara Kiran, a researcher from MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Unity Health Toronto), and St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT physician, is leading an important project on the future of primary care. As part of the project, she is conducting a research survey to hear from people across Canada about their experiences and priorities. Study findings will be shared with policymakers and used to shape a blueprint for the future of primary care in Canada.

    Help the study team hear from as many people as possible. Use these materials to encourage patients and the public to take the 15-minute research survey. Deadline extended to Oct. 25.

    Ontarians aged 12+ eligible for bivalent booster and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Wound care champion program

    To help address the rising incidence of acute and hard-to-heal wounds, Wounds Canada and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) are launching the Wound Care Champion Program (WCCP), designed to deliver evidence-informed, interdisciplinary novice-to-proficient level wound education to front-line clinicians. Two hundred spots in Ontario are being sponsored by the Ministry of Health for regulated health-care professionals in the home and community care sectors. Deadline Dec. 16.

    Call for papers: International Conference on Integrated Care

    The 23rd International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC23) will take place in Flanders from 22-24 May 2023. They are accepting paper submissions on research, policy, practice or education and specifically related to the Conference Themes and the 9 Pillars of Integrated Care until Monday, 31 October. For more information visit www.integratedcarefoundation.org/ICIC23.

    Health Canada recorded webinar: exceptions to the prescription drug list

    Health Canada has a recorded webinar about the initial information-gathering consultation on exceptions to the Prescription Drug List. The consultation was launched on July 28 and will close on November 29, 2022.This recorded webinar provides information on how to submit your consultation feedback. You can access it here.

    Heath Canada would appreciate your feedback about which existing exceptions are still needed and why, as well as any possible impacts that could occur if drugs that are currently considered exceptions were to be added to the Prescription Drug List. You can access the consultation here.

    This work aims to ensure that exceptions to the Prescription Drug List meet the needs of patients, caregivers, and the modern health care system. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact policy_bureau_enquiries@hc-sc.gc.ca.

    Community of Practice: Infection Prevention and Control in Primary Care, Oct. 4- 31, 2022

    Quarterly (CoP) meetings hosted by Public Health Ontario to support Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) programs in Primary Care settings.  

    Sessions will be held on several dates and times for different regions. Find out more here.

    Social Prescribing Conference: Current Practices & Community Conversations, Oct. 20, 2022
    Virtual conference hosted by the Alliance. Find out more here.

    HPV-related Cancer and Disease Prevention, Oct. 20, 2022
    Speaker: Dr. Vivien Brown MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP. Hosted by Merck. Register here.

    Practical Evidence for Informed Practice, Oct. 21-22, 2022
    Family medicine rapid fire conference. Find out more here.

    OPHA 2022 Fall Forum, Nov. 8-9, 2022
    The Next Chapter: Building Upon Our Capacity and Resilience in Community and Public Health. Find out more here.

    Internal Workplace Investigation Training, Nov. 15 & 17
    Virtual training opportunity for managers, board members and executives, taught by employment lawyer Maria McDonald and independent investigator Cleo Noxon. Find out more.

  • Electronic Monitoring Policy

    Organizations with 25 or more employees as of January 1, 2022, must provide employees with an electronic monitoring policy by November 10, 2022. The Ministry of Labour has published guidelines that set out information and their interpretation of the new law.

    Maria McDonald from McDonald HR Law has shared the following with AFHTO to support teams:

    • An E-Alert with more fulsome information on the Electronic Monitoring Policy requirements
    • A sample policy for teams to use as a template.
      • This is very general and only refers to the basic type of monitoring most organizations engage in. If your team already has more specific monitoring practices, that would need to be added to your policy.

    Executives are encouraged to do the following:
    a.    Review the E-Alert
    b.    Review the guidelines
    c.    Consider and outline the types of monitoring your organization does
    d.    Use the sample policy as a template for building your own electronic monitoring policy

     

  • Possible mental health and addiction funding for teams

    Dear Executive Directors/Admin Leads,

    As part of the pandemic response, in 2020/21 the Ministry rolled out an initiative that provided interprofessional teams with one-time funding to deal with mental health and addiction (MHA) care backlog in your clinics. Despite the very late roll out of funding it was great to see how so many teams were able to step up and provide much needed support for their patients and their communities.

    We are getting some intel that there may be another MHA one-time investment  again this year – this time with an October 1st to Mach 31st timeframe. The funding would be more substantive and, if approved, could be used to flexibly to support MHA work in your organization, similarly to the last one time investment.  If approved, it could be used for any or all of the following:  

    • hire staff,
    • increase the FTE of current staff,
    • purchase services from publicly funded and/or private MHA providers,
    • overhead costs, administrative and logistics support including space for groups,
    • purchasing of workbooks for patients and other supports that are needed to increase access to MHA support in primary care.

     This funding could also be pooled with other interprofessional teams in your region. This funding would not include an increase in psychiatry sessionals.

    The goal of this funding would be to address the backlog of MHA challenges in the community, but this is still in early discussions and there are no commitments being made yet. We would be interested to know if there are any challenges or barriers (aside from the general HHR shortage), to implementing this type of funding again, should it become available.  As the Ministry continues planning to deal with the increased MHA challenges in the province, we want to ensure that primary care is not forgotten in those discussions. Once we hear something definitively we will let you know.

    Sincerely,
    Your AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: tomorrow #AFHTO2022 early bird deadline and more

    Bits & Pieces: tomorrow #AFHTO2022 early bird deadline and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Tomorrow is the #AFHTO2022 early bird deadline
    • AFHTO annual report featuring your stories
    • OurCare national survey launched
    • School immunization programs
    • Wellness check: dealing with transitions and managing stress materials
    • Bill 7 implementation memo and more
    • Reminder- UpToDate price changes coming in October
    • Next B&P after #AFHTO2022
    • Feedback requested on new quality standards – surgical site infections and eating disorder
    • Upcoming events including IPAC and more

     

    Tomorrow is the #AFHTO2022 early bird deadline

    AFHTO 2022 Conference logo- background is multicoloured streaks going towards an abstract event horizon

     

    After tomorrow, registration fees increase for both in-person and virtual.

    2021-2022 annual report with afhto logo. Title is reconnect & reimagine: moving forward together. The background colour is a yellow gradient and there are member submitted pictures.

     

     

    AFHTO annual report featuring your stories

    We released our 2022 annual report in the notice for our annual general meeting sent to the triad yesterday. Read for a reflection on the ways primary care teams have continued to rise to current challenges and lead the way in future health and social care delivery.

     

     

     

     

    OurCare national survey launched

    Dr. Tara Kiran, a researcher from MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Unity Health Toronto), and St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT physician, is leading an important project on the future of primary care. As part of the project, she is conducting a research survey to hear from people across Canada about their experiences and priorities. Study findings will be shared with policymakers and used to shape a blueprint for the future of primary care in Canada.

    Help the study team hear from as many people as possible. Use these materials to encourage patients and the public to take the 15-minute research survey.

    School immunization programs

    Due to the pandemic, there have been disruptions to school-based vaccine programs in Ontario. The Ministry of Health put out a guidance document to communicate the extended eligibility for publicly funded vaccines for school-based programs and there are informational webinars coming up to learn more about the issue.

    Click here to register for upcoming events and to view resources regarding vaccines for school-aged children.

    Wellness check: dealing with transitions and managing stress materials

    We cohosted this webinar with CMHA on Sep. 15. Due to the sensitive and interactive nature, no recording is available, but you can access the worksheet and other resources here.

    Bill 7 implementation memo and more

    Recent updates include:

    • RE: Bill 7 Implementation to Support Ontario’s Plan to Stay Open: Health System Stability and Recovery- EN and FR– MLTC, MOH and OH, Sep. 14, 2022
    • Appendix: Summary of ALC Regulation Changes- EN and FR– Sep. 14, 2022
    • LTCH Admissions for ALC Patients Field Guidance for Placement Co-ordinators – EN and FR– Sep. 14, 2022

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

    Reminder- UpToDate price changes coming in October

    AFHTO members are able to save on an individual subscription to UpToDate® and optional add-on products. (*Savings on annual and longer subscriptions only and based on subscription type).

    WoltersKluwer has informed us a price increase will go into effect October 1 for members, so now would be a good time to subscribe.

    EDs and Admin leads, if you need additional information to access these discounts, please email info@afhto.ca.

    Next B&P after #AFHTO2022

    Staff will be busy preparing to welcome you to the conference next week, so the next newsletter will be sent Oct. 18-19, the week after the conference.

    Feedback requested on new quality standards – surgical site infections and eating disorder

    AFHTO 2022 Conference, Oct. 12, 2022

    Join your peers from across Ontario and beyond as we reconnect and reimagine, moving forward together.

    Members get more than 50% off registration. Register with your verification code here.

    Community of Practice: Infection Prevention and Control in Primary Care, Oct. 4- 31, 2022

    Quarterly (CoP) meetings hosted by Public Health Ontario to support Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) programs in Primary Care settings.  

    Sessions will be held on several dates and times for different regions. Find out more here.

    Trillium Primary Health Care Research Day, Oct. 14, 2022

    In-person at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Find out more here.

    Social Prescribing Conference: Current Practices & Community Conversations, Oct. 20, 2022
    Virtual conference hosted by the Alliance. Find out more here.

    Practical Evidence for Informed Practice, Oct. 21-22, 2022
    Family medicine rapid fire conference. Find out more here.

  • Notice of the AFHTO Annual General Meeting – Oct. 11, 2022

    Dear AFHTO Members:

    This Notice of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is being emailed to the Board Chair, Executive Director/Administrative Lead, Lead Physician or Clinic Director Nurse Practitioner, of each organization who, according to the AFHTO by-law, is eligible to vote. The AGM will be held before the Fireside Chat with Deputy Minister of Health Catherine Zahn and Ontario Health CEO Matt Anderson on Tuesday, October 11, which is the day before the Annual AFHTO Conference.

    The AGM will be in person and will take place at the following time and location: 

    Tuesday, October 11, 2022
    5:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
    Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, 123 Queen Street West
    Chestnut Room

    Each AFHTO team-based model of care member is entitled to designate one voting representative for the AGM. The member Board Chair has the right to appoint any person associated with their organization as the voting delegate.

    Please e-mail beth.mackinnon@afhto.ca by end of day (EOD) Thursday, October 6 to indicate who will be voting as representative of your organization at the AGM. Voting delegates will be required to check-in and confirm their registration before the meeting to receive their package and voting keypad. (Walk-in registrations will be accommodated.)

    For teams that are unable to attend the AGM in person, you can submit a proxy ballot with your vote to kavita.mehta@afhto.ca by EOD Thursday, October 6.

    The agenda and accompanying reports are below. The AFHTO Board will present the following at the AGM:

    • 2022 AFHTO Annual Report to the members
    • AFHTO’s financial report, including the audited statements for the fiscal year 2021/2022
    • Updated AFHTO By-Law No. 11
    • Proposed acclamation of five Board Directors

    There will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and share ideas. You are also welcome to send me your comments, questions, or ideas in advance.

    On behalf of the AFHTO Board, we look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

    Sincerely,
    Kavita Mehta
    Chief Executive Officer

    AGM documents:

  • Bits & Pieces: UpToDate price change and more

    Bits & Pieces: UpToDate price change and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • UpToDate price changes coming in October
    • Welcome to Veronica Jiang
    • Member stories
    • #AFHTO2022 updates- ED networking sessions and more
    • Long COVID materials and more
    • WSIB health and safety rebates are available – and they’re doubled for 2022!
    • Ministry and Ontario Health updates- MH data and substance use treatment
    • Toronto Geriatrics Update Course, Nov. 4, 2022
    • Upcoming events including Indigenous Cultural Safety and more

    UpToDate price changes coming in October

    AFHTO members are able to save on an individual subscription to UpToDate® and optional add-on products. (*Savings on annual and longer subscriptions only and based on subscription type).

    WoltersKluwer has informed us a price increase will go into effect October 1 for members, so now would be a good time to subscribe.

    EDs and Admin leads, if you need additional information to access these discounts, please email info@afhto.ca.

    Veronica

    Welcome to Veronica Jiang

    We’re happy to introduce Veronica Jiang, our new Manager, Finance and Corporate Affairs.
    After graduating from the University of Windsor, Veronica worked in both not-for-profit and financial service industries. She gained experience in reporting and compliance requirements for not-for-profit organizations in the Association of Ontario Midwives and Junior Achievement of Canada.

    Veronica takes pride in providing the best fund valuation, investment information reporting, and revenue governance services to institutional investors through her employment at CIBCMellon. Over the years, Veronica expanded her expertise to the areas of corporate finance, budgeting and forecasting, financial investment instruments, and data management. She is a lifelong learner, and her career ambition is to eliminate redundancy and manual input with the most cost-efficient technology.

    Welcome, Veronica to the team!

    Member stories

    Arnprior and District FHT and Ottawa Valley FHT – Family health team expansion in the works for Carleton Place

    Queen’s FHT – how system navigator Valerie Dewal, RN, helps high-needs patients through their health-care journeys (article in FLA OHT newsletter)

    #AFHTO2022 updates- ED networking sessions and more

    Reconnect and Reimagine: moving forward together

    Long COVID materials and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    WSIB health and safety rebates are available – and they’re doubled for 2022!

    To help smaller businesses (businesses with 1-99 full-time employees) recover from the pandemic, the WSIB is doubling the rebates through their Health and Safety Excellence program this year – and they’re giving businesses $1,000 towards their health and safety plan!

    EDs/Admin Leads, lead clinicians and board chairs can join for a webinar on Thursday, September 22 from 12-1pm to learn more about the program benefits and how investing in health and safety keeps your employees safe and can boost your bottom line. Check out WSIB’s website for more information and click here to register for the webinar.

    Ministry and Ontario Health updates- MH data and substance use treatment

    Toronto Geriatrics Update Course, Nov. 4, 2022

    Content provided by Sinai Health and University Health Network and Dr. Samir K. Sinha (edited for length)

    You are invited to attend our 10th Annual CME Course, which has been designed to provide primary care providers and health care professionals with the latest practical and evidence-based knowledge in providing geriatric care. We are bringing back the highly requested Top 10 Geriatric Medicine Articles, as well as providing you with Updates on MAID, tools on how to Navigate a Cognitive Assessment, and lots of other surprises from well renowned professionals! You don’t want to miss this one.

    This year’s course will once again be delivered virtually. Just note that the day will run from 8:40 AM – 3:30 PM EDT.

    Registration is Open! Scholarships are also available to ensure this can be an accessible event. Please contact us if you need assistance.

    For further information, please visit our website. View the agenda here.

    Introduction to ICS: What It Is and Why It’s Important, Sep. 22, 2022
    First of a three-part webinar series, which will aim to provide OHTs with the knowledge and skills necessary to meaningfully engage and include Indigenous organizations and communities in the planning, design, delivery, and evaluation of health services. The first webinar will focus on the foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety, in recognition that learning to apply culturally safe care is lifelong. Register here.

    Community of Practice: Infection Prevention and Control in Primary Care, Oct. 4- 31, 2022

    Quarterly (CoP) meetings hosted by Public Health Ontario to support Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) programs in Primary Care settings.  

    Sessions will be held on several dates and times for different regions. Find out more here.

    AFHTO 2022 Conference, Oct. 12, 2022

    Join your peers from across Ontario and beyond as we reconnect and reimagine, moving forward together.

    Members get more than 50% off registration. Register with your verification code here.

    Social Prescribing Conference: Current Practices & Community Conversations, Oct. 20, 2022
    Virtual conference hosted by the Alliance. Find out more here.

    Practical Evidence for Informed Practice, Oct. 21-22, 2022
    Family medicine rapid fire conference. Find out more here.