Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Management/Operations

  • Bits & Pieces: #AFHTO2022 call for abstracts and more

    Bits & Pieces: #AFHTO2022 call for abstracts and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • AFHTO 2022 Conference: call for abstracts
    • Reminder- online appointment booking funding webinar tomorrow
    • Election 2022: It Takes a Team – on social media!
    • Happy Health Administration Day
    • Doctors’ Day is May 1
    • Paxlovid prescription forms, masking requirements continue and more
    • MOH “Axe the Fax” survey
    • MOH, CMOH & OH updates including memos on hepatitis in children and OHTs
    • Upcoming events including understanding your health webinars and more

    AFHTO 2022 Conference: call for abstracts

    Reconnect and Reimagine: moving forward together Oct. 12, 2022 #AFHTO2022

    It’s time to highlight primary care. We’ll be selecting sessions and posters for our 4 core themes and we need your help. We want your insight, from system and policy-level discussions to patient-focused inquiries into the ways teams can better serve their communities now as we reconnect and reimagine, moving forward together.

    Find out more here.

    And don’t forget, the deadline to join a working group and/or Bright Lights review committee is next Tuesday, May 3. Come behind the scenes of our first hybrid conference and be the first to learn about new developments in the field, influence conference programming and discover the latest innovators in areas directly relevant to your work. Working group members also receive a discount off their registration fee.

    Reminder- online appointment booking funding webinar tomorrow

    The Ministry of Health has approved funding for Ontario Health Teams (OHT) in development teams and other health care organizations to enable more patients to schedule an online appointment with their primary care provider or other community care provider.

    This funding is intended to support transforming how care is delivered and assisting OHTs and the broader health sector to build their digital health maturity. This funding is also available to primary care and teams that are interested in implementing OAB in their clinics.

    To learn more about this opportunity, register for our webinar tomorrow with Ontario Health, April 28 from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.

    Election 2022: It Takes a Team – on social media!

    Teams are doing fantastic local advocacy as we head into an election where health care is a top issue for all parties.

    Social media – especially Twitter – is a good tool to reach a political audience, and we encourage you use it lots this next month! Check out our social media animations and graphics here, and share successes, pictures from candidate meetings, or pictures of patients with a voter card. Broadcast what you do to deliver the best primary care in Ontario where It Takes a Team.

    AFHTO will be tweeting regularly. We ask you tag @afhto when you tweet, and we will also retweet you!

    Please use our campaign slogan #ItTakesATeam

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

    Happy Health Administration Day
    For all the appointment bookings, checking patients in at the front desk and making things just run better- to all the professionals who keep their teams going- we know it’s like herding cats, but we literally wouldn’t be able to do it without you. Happy Health Administration Day!

    Black and white picture of a black woman with her hair in a bun on top holding her right hand palm facing the camera. On it an orange post-it note says My Doctor's...Diagnosis saved my life.

     

    Doctors’ Day is May 1
    Sunday, May 1, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and health care organizations across the province will be recognizing contributions made by Ontario’s doctors. Ontarians can participate by saying thank you with colour here.

    You can also join the conversation with hashtag #DoctorsDay.

    A special thank you to all the family doctors working with our teams for the great care you provide to your patients and your communities each and every day.

     

     

    Paxlovid prescription forms, masking requirements continue and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    MOH “Axe the Fax” survey
    The Ministry of Health has initiated an analysis of the current state and drivers of fax use to identify potential options for phasing out fax use in Ontario’s health system. As part of their first phase, there is an assessment survey with a purpose to obtain input from a variety of stakeholders about their use of traditional paper-based fax and electronic fax. Only one survey needs to be submitted from each organization. For more information and the survey link, click here.

    MOH, CMOH & OH updates including memos on hepatitis in children and OHTs

    Understanding your health webinars
    Resources for patients and providers from Living Healthy Champlain. Learn more here

    Mental Health Week, May 2-8, 2022
    CMHA toolkit available here

    3rd Annual McMaster University Review Course in Psychiatry, May 26-27, 2022
    Virtual CPD Conference. Find out more here.

    Feeding Children – Success is in the Details, starting May 18, 2022
    Hosted by Nutrition Connection at the Ontario Public Health Association and Ellyn Satter Institute. Find out more here.

    Action Now! Building Equitable Futures Together, June 8-9, 2022
    Alliance for Healthier Communities conference. Early bird deadline Apr. 29. 2022. Register here.

     

  • Ukrainians Fleeing War: Early Assessment Considerations for Primary Care Providers

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

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

    English and French versions will be posted on the ministry’s website shortly.

  • 2022-23 Annual Operating Plan

    Teams were joined by Fernando Tavares (Program Manager, Primary Health Care Branch, Ministry of Health) on Tuesday, March 29, to review this year’s Annual Operating Plan (AOP). Teams received the 2022-23 Annual Operating Plan Submission package on Thursday, March 24. The submission is due by May 27, 2022.

    The ministry requires completion of the three mandatory parts of the 2022-2023 Annual Operating Plan submission: Part A, Annual Report; Part B, Service Plan; and Part C, Governance and Compliance Attestation.

    These must be completed using MS Forms. The ministry provided teams with the MS Forms links and submission instructions.

    Word versions are below as we heard this may help teams when writing the content. However, it will need to be copied and pasted into MS Forms once you’re done. THE MINISTRY WILL ONLY ACCEPT THE SUBMISSION IN MS FORMS.

     

    Here is the deck from the presentation on March 29.

    Here is the recording:

     

     

    The AOP material that FHTs and NPLCs received by email from the ministry is listed below. If you are missing any of these, please contact your program consultant.

    FHTs

    NPLCs

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

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

    Your Weekly News & Updates

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

    Member stories

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

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

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

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

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

     

    Farewell to Sandeep Gill

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

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

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

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

     

     

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The second anniversary and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Ontario government seeking input on Anti-Racism Strategic Plan

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

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

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

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

    COVID Recovery, Mar. 25, 2022

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Dear Members,

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

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

    Living with and Managing COVID-19

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

    CMOH Directives & Letters of Instructions:

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

    Case and Contact Management and Isolation:

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

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

    N95 Respirators

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

    Additional Ministry Updated Information

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

    Events and Webinars

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Yours in Good Health,

    The AFHTO Team

  • Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act – Tools and Resources for Bylaw Compliance

    The Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) was proclaimed on October 19, 2021. Non-profits have until October 19, 2024, to update their bylaws and letters patent to comply with the ONCA.

    To support members with the ONCA requirements, INQ Law has developed the following tools for teams:

     

    Kathy O’Brien and Simmie Palter from INQ Law reviewed  the new tools and ONCA’s impact on FHTs on Tuesday, April 26. Their deck can be seen here.

    Here is the webinar recording:

    Teams are also reminded of the introductory ONCA session that we held on November 19, 2021, with Benjamin Miller from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO). This education focused on what is new in the ONCA, and steps non-profits can take to set themselves up for success in transitioning to the new requirements under the Act. The presentation deck and recording of that webinar are here.

    Please note of the updated ONCA Template showing a slight change occurring in late 2023. These changes relate to electronic meetings (giving notice, holding them, adjourning them etc.), the composition of the audit committee and the clarification that corporate records can be kept electronically. These by-law changes would have to be approved by special resolution of the members but no government filing would be required for teams that have already updated their By-laws to align with ONCA.

    The FHT template By-law is specific to the FHTs; it includes specific elements from the FHT Funding Agreement that might not apply to NPLCs or CHCs.

    If you have any questions, please info@afhto.ca

  • Are you taking full advantage of your AFHTO membership?

    Are you taking full advantage of your AFHTO membership?

    Benefits and perks galore

    To AFHTO member EDs/Admin Leads, Lead MDs/NPs, and Board Chairs

    Leading in primary care has never been easy and it would be an understatement to say the work has only gotten harder during COVID. That’s why you should take advantage of every opportunity available, and that includes making the most of your AFHTO membership.

    While you may open our emails because you know you’re getting the latest and most relevant updates, you might have forgotten about other benefits available to you. Below are some which can facilitate not just your work, but that of staff, clinicians and board members as well, or simply make life a little easier.

    Membership benefits:

    HOOPP handbook cover with woman giving a little boy a piggyback ride, both laughing

    Eligibility to join Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)

    • Employers Joining HOOPP – this page outlines some of the benefits for employers and an overview of the process
    • HOOPP Plan Features – this page outlines the many great features of the Plan that are available to all HOOPP members
    • The HOOPP Handbook – this member booklet provides a detailed overview of the Plan
    • If you’re interested in participating in HOOPP, you can contact Bill Kontos, Business Development Manager
    • m. (437) 998-3042
    • e. bkontos@hoopp.com

    (NOTE: AFHTO continues to advocate to try to reduce the OHA membership fee to participate in the HOOPP program and will continue this work).

    Discount perks

    • Reduced rates for Community Health Ontario Group Insurance Plan (CHOGIP)- English and French
      • Available as a benefits program courtesy of our partnership with the Alliance for Healthier Communities (Alliance) and Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO)
      • As a reminder, benefits for primary care teams are set at 22.5% to enable teams to access benefits and pension. For more information on the CHOGIP program please contact our Benefits Consultant, Pierre Huneault at pierre@dibrina.com.
    • Perkopolis employee discounted program
    • GoodLife Fitness discounts

    And lest we forget- UpToDate® discounts

    Desktop monitor, tablet and smartphone all showing UpToDate information

    As an AFHTO member, you are able to save on an individual subscription to UpToDate® and optional add-on products.*

    AFHTO professional members can SAVE 15% off and up to USD 194 on a subscription to UpToDate.

    AFHTO trainee members can SAVE 20% off and up to USD 79 on a subscription to UpToDate.

    AFHTO Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants SAVE 20% off annual (or longer) subscription rates and up to USD 259 on a three-year professional subscription to UpToDate.

    To take advantage of this offer, log in as an AFHTO member, and then click on either:

    Also included:

    There are so many calls on your time and budget, so take advantage of all we have to offer. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@afhto.ca.

    *Savings on annual and longer subscriptions only and based on subscription type. AFHTO member prices are reflected in the UpToDate storefront when you are signed in to the AFHTO website with your membership login. Applicable taxes may apply.

  • Bits & Pieces: election advocacy materials ready and more

    Bits & Pieces: election advocacy materials ready and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Provincial Election 2022: advocacy material is now ready
    • CIRA’s Community Investment Program grant application open March 1
    • Vaccine information sheets updated and more
    • Submission of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for 2022/23 voluntary
    • Update on tests now covered by OHIP
    • Seeking input for social connections and living with dementia research study
    • Upcoming events including Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages and more

    Provincial Election 2022: advocacy material is now ready

    When it comes to keeping Ontarians healthy, IT TAKES A TEAM. Above a graphic illustration of four healthcare workers.

    The provincial election is just over three months away! The election period will start in early May, and election day is June 2. However, campaigns are underway now and health care is a priority for all parties.

    AFHTO is arranging meetings with ministers, opposition health critics, and party leaders or central campaign leads. And now is the time for local candidates to hear from you!

    To help make sure parties understand the importance of team-based primary care and how to address the crisis facing the healthcare sector, candidates need to hear about it – and solutions on how to fix it – from local stakeholders and voters.

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

    CIRA’s Community Investment Program grant application open March 1

    AFHTO members and/or their partners may be eligible for Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) Community Investment Program grants. Grants are available up to $100,000. In addition, one grant is available up to $250,000. You can learn more about eligibility, key dates and priority funding areas for 2022 on their site. You can also register for their information webinar on March 8.

    Vaccine information sheets updated and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Submission of Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) for 2022/23 voluntary

    On Feb. 18, Ontario Health sent out a memo regarding annual priorities for the 2022/23 Quality Improvement Plans. For the past two years, QIP submissions have been on pause. This year QIP submission to Ontario Health is voluntary. Please email QIP@OntarioHealth.ca if you have any questions. You can also register for the Feb. 24 webinar QIP 2022/23 Program Launch here.

    Update on tests now covered by OHIP

    Per communication from LifeLabs, the following tests are now covered by OHIP:

    • NT-proBNP – Measurement of NT-proBNP is a mainstay for the diagnosis of heart failure (HF)

    New Canadian Dyslipidemia guidelines (2021)

    • Apolipoprotein B – A risk measure for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD)
    • Lipoprotein (a) – Essential risk assessment for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASVD)

    Seeking input for social connections and living with dementia research study
    Funded by the Retired Teachers of Ontario Foundation, Nipissing University researchers are seeking input for a study exploring social connectedness & loneliness in people living with dementia & their care partners. The outcomes will inform resources for staying socially connected when living with dementia. They are currently seeking participants. Find out more here.

    Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages, Feb. 24, 2022
    COVID-19 has put an extraordinary strain on laboratory medicine in Canada due to critical shortages in blood tubes, devices, and lab staffing. Join Choosing Wisely Talks for a discussion on the need to conserve tubes and other critical lab resources. Register here.

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement, Feb. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Register here.

    The Reality of Virtual Care: Learning From the Pandemic, Mar. 1, 2022
    Ontario Health is relaunching Quality and Patient Safety Rounds (formerly Quality Rounds Ontario) to connect the quality community across Ontario. Register here.

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

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

  • Updated primary care guidance document, revocation of Directive #2 and other supports

    Dear Members,

    With the announcement on February 14th that the government is moving to the next phase of reopening on February 17th, now more than ever it’s important to keep the pressure on ensuring more Ontarians get vaccinated. Thank you again for all your hard work in supporting your patients and community in all aspects of the pandemic efforts, while also managing the critical work of keeping your doors open for primary care.

    In addition to the reopening, as of 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, Ontario is expanding booster dose eligibility to youth aged 12 to 17. Appointments can be booked through the provincial booking system and the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre, as well as at primary care clinics and select pharmacies administering the Pfizer vaccine.

    Appointments are to be booked approximately six months (168 days) after a second dose and individuals must be 12 years old at the time of appointment. If you would like to administer vaccines in your clinic please connect with your PHU operational lead for information if you haven’t yet done so.

    Primary Care Guidance Document
    The Ministry has issued the COVID-19 Guidance: Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting (FR) (Version 10.0, Feb. 14, 2022). In this document see:

    • Updated in-person care guidance (page 3)
    • Updated active screening recommendations (page 6)
    • Updated PPE requirements when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 (page 9 and 14)
    • New testing guidance (page 11)
    • Updated case management (page 13)  
    • Updated HCW self-isolation and return to work guidance (page 17)

    Also the Ministry has updated COVID-19 Interim Guidance: Omicron Surge Management of Critical Staffing Shortages in Highest Risk Settings (Version 3.0, Feb 11, 2022) which you can find here (FR).

    Revocation of Directive #2 and Revised Directive #2.1
    On Thursday, February 10th, the CMOH revoked Directive #2 to allow for the resumption of non-urgent and non-emergent surgeries and procedures in hospitals. Until there is a return to normal hospital capacity, Dr. Moore also issued an updated Directive #2.1 to ensure that hospitals resource share across the system. For more details:

    To support the cautious and phased resumption of these clinical services, Ontario Health has provided operational guidance to the hospital and health care system in the Operational Direction for Optimizing Care: Wave 5 (FR) document. Of particular note was a specific request for primary care in supporting the response.

    Primary Care and Community Support Services:

    • Continue to focus on urgent and emergent care to avoid unnecessary emergency visits
    • Continue to optimize capacity to support flow and provide care at home, as appropriate
    • Resume or continue preventative care (e.g., cancer screening)
    • Undertake early identification and referral of patients who would benefit from covid therapeutics
    • Continue to support vaccinations and remote monitoring of covid patients
    • Ensure community support service organizations continue to participate and collaborate on regional response and recovery efforts

    Importance of Vaccinating Children 5-11
    As of February 9th, nearly 55% of all Ontarian children aged 5-11 have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, of which nearly 25% are fully vaccinated with two doses. The government has requested that there be a renewed focused on vaccinating children 5 to 11 years old. To support these efforts, please see:

    Update on RATs
    The Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table has released a new review on Use of Rapid Antigen Tests during the Omicron Wave. Some key notes:

    • Combined oral-nasal sampling that involves swabbing both cheeks, the back of the tongue or throat, then both nostrils, should be implemented for rapid antigen tests
    • a single negative rapid antigen test result should not be used to rule out a case of COVID-19 at this time
    • a single positive rapid test result can be used to confirm COVID-19
    • there are multiple ways in which serial testing can be applied to assess the likelihood of COVID-19, depending on the case rate, risk tolerance, and setting.  

    Just a reminder that the provincial stockpile has received additional RATs and all backlogged orders should have been fulfilled. Additional orders can be made here.

    Also a reminder that primary care can refer patients for PCR testing using the PHO developed form when the diagnostic test is required for clinical management, at the discretion of the referring clinician. The form is being embedded in the 3 major EMRs (Telus PSS, Accuro and OSCAR) and updated guidance will soon be available.

    Other vaccination resources

    • VaxFacts is partnering with the Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario to provide a dedicated, free telephone service for members of Black communities to receive vaccine information. No OHIP required. Visit shn.ca/VaxFacts or call 416-438-2911 ext. 5738.
    • GO-VAXX Mobile Vaccine Clinics are now accepting walk-in. Check the GO-VAXX schedule for times and locations. If your organization is interested in having the GO-VAXX bus visit your community, please contact GOVAXX@ontario.ca.
    • OCSA’s Accessible Drive-to-Vaccine program has been extended and provides door-to-door rides to vaccination sites for people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues.
    • The Rehabilitative Care Alliance has compiled this list of outpatient rehab programs which may be helpful for patients experiencing ongoing symptoms of COVID-19.

    Upcoming Events:
    Ontario College of Family Physicians/University of Toronto Department of Family & Community Medicine

    • The next CoP session will be Friday, February 18th from 7:55 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. on The Omicron Aftermath: Post-acute COVID and Physician Wellness. Register here.

    Choosing Wisely Canada

    • Laboratory medicine is under strain from COVID-19, with critical shortages in blood tubes, devices, and lab staffing. Learn primary care recommendations to conserve – register for the Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages talk on February 24th at 12:00 p.m.

    As we start slowly reopening the province again, we want to thank you once 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.

     Yours in Good Health,

     The AFHTO Team

    (in collaboration with the Primary Care Collaborative)

  • Bits & Pieces: 2022 pre-budget submission, OHIP inequity and more

    Bits & Pieces: 2022 pre-budget submission, OHIP inequity and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission
    • Inequity in online OHIP renewal being addressed
    • FHT contract extension confirmed
    • Our response regarding the impact of team-based care on ED visits
    • Windsor Essex OHT announced
    • Updates re revoking Directive #2 and more
    • Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program extended
    • Advance care planning guides on sale
    • Upcoming events including The Omicron Aftermath: Post-acute COVID and Physician Wellness and more

    AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission

    On February 10, AFHTO submitted our recommendations to the government for their 2022 budget. This was done in collaboration with our five partners in the Primary Care Collaborative.

    Our recommendations are broken into four sections: 1) Address the HHR crisis and system capacity; 2) Integrate health care across Ontario; 3) Prioritize digital and data equity; and 4) Create a culturally safe healthcare system that addresses health inequities.

    With primary care at the foundation, our submission lays out what is needed to help build a province where people can access better care, more integrated care, and more accessible and continuous care.

    Our 2022 pre-budget submission can be read here.

    Inequity in online OHIP renewal being addressed

    Kathleen Wynne quote tweet- This is good news and only happened because activists spoke up. COVID has been especially hard on people with disabilities. This decision only makes sense!

    AFHTO began advocacy for the online OHIP renewal system last fall after learning that only people with a driver’s license could renew their OHIP card online. Like others, we felt it was unfair to limit this ability, particularly when it most negatively impacts people with disabilities that may prevent them from driving and, as such, having a driver’s license. It’s a concern at any time, but especially with a fast-approaching OHIP renewal deadline during a pandemic.

    AFHTO’s advocacy, along with partners, has paid off and the government announced on February 9 that they will be fixing the system to allow those with an Ontario Photo Card to renew online as well. To allow them needed time to fix this, they have extended the OHIP renewal deadline to September 30, 2022. Read more here!

    FHT contract extension confirmed

    FHT funding agreements were set to expire March 31, 2022. On Feb. 9 the Primary Health Care Branch sent the long-anticipated letters to teams confirming the extension of your current contracts to March 31, 2023. To minimise any potential disruption in funding, please return a signed copy as requested by March 15, 2022. Please contact your Ministry representative if you have any questions.

    Our response regarding the impact of team-based care on ED visits

    In the Jan/Feb Annals of Family Medicine journal Dr. Tara Kiran et al. showcased the Impact of Team-Based Care on Emergency Department Use which found adoption of team-based primary care may reduce emergency department use. See here for our response to the editors on this very important work.

    Windsor-Essex OHT announced

    Congratulations to Windsor-Essex OHT, whose 45 partners include members Amherstburg, Erie Shores, Harrow Health Centre, Windsor FHTs, and Essex County NPLC. Their focus will include ensuring underserved communities have equitable, culturally appropriate, and safe access to care. Read the news release here.

    Updates re revoking Directive #2 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Need a ride to your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment?

     

    Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program extended

    Ontario Community Support Association has been administering the Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program since June 2021, which is a Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility funded initiative that provides rides to COVID-19 vaccines for people with disabilities and seniors with mobility issues. The program was originally set to conclude in December 2021, but was extended to accommodate further transportation to booster shots, etc. The Ministry has announced that the program has been extended to March 31, 2022. Visit their site for more information.

    Advance care planning guides on sale

    National Advance Care Planning Day is on Saturday, April 16, and Hospice Palliative Care Ontario has a resource, Guide to Advance Care Planning in Ontario, to encourage important conversations. From now until March 31 at 4 p.m. all orders placed for full boxes will be provided with a discount of 10% off. Order the guide in English, French, Punjabi, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, or Tagalog. Please email your completed order form to Nav.Dhillon@hpco.ca.

    The Omicron Aftermath: Post-acute COVID and Physician Wellness, Feb. 18, 2022
    39th in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ – COVID CoP for Family Physicians, hosted by OCFP. Register here.

    Segmenting your OHT population: Stories from the Field Part 3, Feb. 22, 2022
    The next HSPN OHT evaluation webinar. Register here.

    OMD Educates: Targeting Patient Populations in Primary Care – A Practical Approach, Feb. 23, 2022

    Presented by Dr. Anil Maheshwari, Dr. Lee Donohue, and Dr. Vineet Nair, OMD Physician Peer Leaders with support from OMD Practice Enhancement Consultants.
    Register here.

    Five Recommendations for Using Labs Wisely During Global Blood Tube and Other Resource Shortages, Feb. 24, 2022
    COVID-19 has put an extraordinary strain on laboratory medicine in Canada due to critical shortages in blood tubes, devices, and lab staffing. Join Choosing Wisely Talks for a discussion on the need to conserve tubes and other critical lab resources. Register here.

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement, Feb. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Register here.

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