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Tag: Members Only News

  • Bits & Pieces: mental health week, updated Directive #2 Q&A, phase 2 prioritization and more

    Bits & Pieces: mental health week, updated Directive #2 Q&A, phase 2 prioritization and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Mental Health Week
    • Member stories
    • Updated Directive #2 Q&A, phase 2 prioritization, supporting patients with IDD and more
    • Reminder- EMR/EHR Auditing Obligations, May 7, 2021
    • Free seated desk yoga, May 12
    • Mask removal rules for the lunchroom
    • Seeking input on an occupational medicine mentoring program curriculum
    • Patients and caregivers needed for primary health care team policy discussion
    • Upcoming events including NACI recommendations on extended dose intervals and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and more

    CMHA Name it, don't numb it. Child crying with the word 'sad'.

    Mental Health Week

    Mental Health Week is being observed May 3-9, 2021. The theme of this year is understanding our emotions, key during COVID-19 when 40% of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic. You can take part and access toolkits at https://mentalhealthweek.ca/.

     

    Staff at Arnprior drive through vaccine clinic processing a patient

     

    Member stories

    Arnprior & District FHT– Arnprior & District FHT, VTAC and COVID-19 vaccination drive through clinics

    Madawaska Valley FHT – Madawaska Valley FHT NPs start their own practice

    You can share your own stories with our member initiative webform. If you have any questions, please email us at info@afhto.ca.

     

     

     

     

     

    Updated Directive #2 Q&A, phase 2 prioritization, supporting patients with IDD and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Reminder- EMR/EHR Auditing Obligations, May 7, 2021

    Join Kate Dewhirst Law 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. to better understand the obligations to audit EMR and EHRs.  To be discussed:

    • Why do you have to audit?
    • What’s new in the 2020 changes to PHIPA about audits of electronic systems
    • Contractual obligations when signed onto Connecting Ontario platforms or sharing systems with OHT partners or other agencies in your geographic region
    • How often should you audit?
    • What do you have to audit?
    • How do you audit?
    • What tools to use to document your auditing practices

    Register here.

    GoodLife yoga flyer may

     

    Free seated desk yoga, May 12

    On May 12 at 12 noon, GoodLife is offering a free 45-minute virtual seated desk yoga class for healthcare workers. Click on the link in the poster to join. Space is limited so arrive early.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Mask removal rules for the lunchroom
    Per Maria McDonald, McDonald HR law:

    On April 23, 2021, the Government of Ontario introduced new rules about removing masks to eat or drink at work (Regulation 82/20 see section 2 (5.1)).

    Specifically, a person responsible for an organization which is opened shall ensure workers who remove their mask or face covering to eat or drink, are separated from all other people by:
    (a)  a distance of at least two metres; or
    (b)  plexiglass or some other impermeable barrier.

    Please take this into consideration as it relates to your clinics.

    Seeking input on an occupational medicine mentoring program curriculum

    How confident do you feel about identifying a work-related illness, completing a WSIB Form 8, or doing a functional abilities assessment with injured patients?  You can get support on these topics and more through the new Project ECHO Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM) for Ontario healthcare providers. Help tailor the program curriculum by completing a short needs assessment before May 10th. It takes less than 10 minutes, and you could win a $50 gift card. The (free) ECHO OEM program launches this fall.  Take the short survey.

    Patients and caregivers needed for primary health care team policy discussion

    Researchers including Drs. Sharon Johnston (Bruyere/University of Ottawa) and Catherine Donnelly (Queen’s University) are inviting interested patients, family members and caregivers to participate in an online discussion about patient and caregiver involvement in building policies on primary health care teams and applying them.

    This is part of a larger study led by Dr. Nelly Oelke (Nursing, UBC, Okanagan) in four provinces, including British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, to explore Canada’s approaches to improving health system integration. Participants will receive an honorarium for their participation and should RSVP by Wednesday, May 12th, 2021.  Learn more here.

    Recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on Extended Dose Intervals and Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccines, May 5, 2021
    Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) Webinar for Health Care Providers. Register here.

    Project ECHO: Ontario Bariatric Network, Starting May 6 & June 2, 2021
    Join these OBN Project ECHO Series held by Guelph General Hospital BCOE & The Ottawa Hospital BCOE.
    Find out more here.

    OCFP COVID CoP: Variants, the J&J vaccine, VIIT, and more, May 7, 2021
    Learn more about variants of concern, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine & helping patients weigh the risk and benefits of viral vector vaccines in light of Vaccine Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia.
    Register here.

    Choosing Wisely Canada’s Virtual National Meeting, May 12 – 13, 2021
    Remember to register for Choosing Wisely’s 2-day national meeting, in collaboration with the CMA.
    Learn more here.

    Child & Youth Eating Disorders: Information for Primary Care, May 18 – Jun. 15, 2021
    This special interest ECHO session series will cover:

    • Understanding Eating Disorders and Assessment of Children and Youth with Eating Disorders, May 18, 2021
    • Understanding Medical Implications and Monitoring for Children and Youth with Eating Disorders, June 1, 2021
    • Supporting a Young Person with an Eating Disorder in Primary Care – Tips and Tricks for the Primary Care Provider, June 15, 2021

    For more information, click here.

    CFPC Pivots: May & June 2021

    • The Art And Science Of Medication Optimization For Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction, May 18, 2021
    • At A Loss For Weight Loss? Scaling Down The Evidence For Primary Care, June 8, 2021

    To access the webinar links, click here.

  • Bits & Pieces:Doctors’ Day, identify patients in hot spots and more

    Bits & Pieces:Doctors’ Day, identify patients in hot spots and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Doctors’ Day May 1, 2021
    • New EMR postal code search helps identify patients in hot spots
    • Member stories
    • Key messages to address AstraZeneca concerns and more
    • Respiratory Care During COVID-19 slides and video
    • Community Health Equity Builders program
    • 2021 census update
    • Upcoming events including EMR/EHR auditing obligations and more

     

    Doctors' Day MAY 1 9PM SHINE A LIGHT FOR ALL THEY DO

     

    Doctors’ Day May 1, 2021

    On Saturday, May 1st at 9:00 p.m., OMA is asking Ontarians to Shine A Light For All They Do. Ontarians can show their appreciation for doctors’ service during the pandemic by turning on their phone flashlights and holding them high.

    You can spread the word and share the picture above with hashtags #DoctorsDay & #ShineALightForThem through your channels. You can also find out more at www.doctorsday.ca.

     

     

     

    New EMR postal code search helps identify patients in hot spots

    Today the eHealth Centre of Excellence deployed a new EMR search that will help primary care providers quickly identify patients in hot spot communities who are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by post code.

    This search can also be found on their community portal. Visit their site to learn more.

    Member stories

    Central Lambton FHT:

    Rideau FHT –Ottawa family doctors vaccinate hundreds at drive-thru clinic

    You can share your own vaccination stories with our member initiative webform. If you have any questions, please email us at info@afhto.ca.

    Key messages to address AstraZeneca concerns and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    lung health webinar apr 21

     

    Respiratory Care During COVID-19 slides and video

    On April 21, 2021 we held a webinar co-hosted with the Lung Health Foundation which reflected on best practices & considerations for diagnosing and managing lung diseases during the pandemic.
    Slides and video are now available

     

     

    Join today and be a part of the movement for health equity!

    Community Health Equity Builders program

    The Alliance for Healthier Communities is launching its new Community Health Equity Builders program. Individuals and organizations who support health equity can join the movement for a small fee, and gain access to resources, discounted conference and learning session admissions, and get the chance to access primary care research developments and networking events.

    The Alliance has designed the program to be an important tool for sharing information, resources, research, and stories of health equity. It’s also a way to expand, enliven and strengthen the collective voice for health equity. Learn more and join the Community Health Equity Builder program, and be part of the movement for the best possible health and wellbeing for everyone.

    2021 census update

    2021 census collection will begin on May 3, 2021. They have developed the Community Supporter Toolkit and brought together products and resources to help organizations spread the word. And as previously mentioned, for any team whose community has been affected by job losses due to COVID, they are still hiring.

    Primary Care Vaccine QI Support Group Webinar Series, April 22- May 13, 2021

    Join Ontario Health to learn valuable lessons from pilot sites, gain access to resources, information and quality improvement tips to assist you in moving forward with your vaccine plans.

    Register here

    A Deep Dive into Co-Designing Care Models for your Priority Populations, May 6, 2021
    The RISE OHT webcasts will show how your OHT can re-design care for patients in your priority populations, and help every patient in those populations experience coordinated transitions between providers.
    Learn more here.

     EMR/EHR auditing obligations, May 7, 2021

    Join Kate Dewhirst Law to better understand the obligations to audit EMR and EHRs. Learn more here.

    McMaster University Review Course in Psychiatry, May 27-28, 2021
    Hosted by Continuing Professional Development, McMaster University and accredited. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: join over 200 people for lung health webinar and more

    Bits & Pieces: join over 200 people for lung health webinar and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Reminder – Respiratory Care During COVID-19: What Have We Learned One Year Later, April 21, 2021
    • Member stories
    • COVID@Home webinar video & resources, pregnancy & breastfeeding tools and more
    • Microsoft Teams update
    • Improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications slides and video
    • ONE Mail direct retirement and transition
    • Patients at low risk of amoxicillin allergy can undergo oral provocation challenge: study
    • Co-developing a culturally appropriate question prompt tool about CVD risk after hypertensive pregnancy
    • Upcoming events including building a resilient non-profit organization and more

     

     

    Reminder- Respiratory Care During COVID-19: What Have We Learned One Year Later, April 21, 2021

    Over 200 people have already registered for this webinar co-hosted with the Lung Health Foundation. We invite you to reflect on best practices & considerations for diagnosing and managing lung diseases during the pandemic.
    Find out more here and join us.

    Member stories

    Clinton FHT – Kimberly Van Wyk, ED on an episode of Humanizing Our Differences, discussing how to be a welcoming community to newcomers

    East Wellington FHT – East Wellington FHT purchases vaccination fridge with donation from Erin Rotary Club

    You can share your own stories with our member initiative webform. If you have any questions, please email us at info@afhto.ca.

    COVID@Home webinar video & resources, pregnancy & breastfeeding tools and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Microsoft Teams update
    About a year ago we had mentioned that we were talking to Ontario Health (OH) to get access to a discounted rate of Microsoft 365 (which includes Microsoft Teams), through Ontario Health’s affiliate licensing.  Currently OH is still negotiating with Microsoft about the discount pricing as they finalize the enterprise agreement. Penalties related to opting out of existing agreements to move to OH’s Microsoft 365 affiliate licensing are being looked into by Microsoft and they will advise us on how this transition will work. Members will be informed when details become available.

    Title slide with holding hands

    Improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications slides and video

    This interactive webinar on Thursday, April 15 provides an overview of your role to improve the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications across the full continuum of care settings to improve patient experience, outcomes, and costs. Slides and video now available.

     

     

    ONE Mail retirement

    Ontario Health (OH) is retiring its ONE® Mail Direct provider to provider secure email service in 2021. The service was underutilized by community clinicians and uptake by physicians was not widespread. Ontario Health will be providing clinicians/users with formal notice in phases starting in early April 2021. Clinicians/users will have 90 days after they receive formal notice to transition to a new secure email service. TeraMach is the selected vendor and you can learn more about them here. Further information can be found in the OH & OMD FAQs documents.

    Please note: ONE Mail Direct retirement does not affect the status of your ONE ID credentials. You will be able to continue accessing other Ontario Health services that you are currently enrolled in.

    Patients at low risk of amoxicillin allergy can undergo oral provocation challenge: study
    This study involving chart review of North Perth FHT patients concluded oral provocation challenge presents a safe and accessible opportunity for primary care providers to address erroneous allergy labels to penicillin and related drugs within the primary care office setting. Authors include Jessie Rumble, Ingersoll NPLC. Read here.

    Co-developing a culturally appropriate question prompt tool about CVD risk after hypertensive pregnancy

    Researchers at University Health Network and University of Calgary are recruiting clinicians that care for women who had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), referring to a spectrum of conditions from gestational hypertension to severe preeclampsia. HDP increases risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD), but can be prevented through physical activity, diet, and medication.

    Participation involves a one-time 20-minute telephone interview to discuss how a pre-formed list of questions might help clinicians counsel women about CVD prevention. If you are a midwife, nurse practitioner, family physician, obstetrician, cardiologist, or cardiac rehabilitation professional, please contact jessica.ramlakhan@uhnresearch.ca to ask questions or express interest.

    Building a Resilient Non-Profit Organization through Proactive Risk Management, April 22, 2021

    See how you can navigate uncertainty and prepare for the unexpected as they cover risk management strategy elements in this webinar.
    Find out more here.

    COVID-19 CoP: Vaccination in primary care, evolving vaccine evidence, and more, April 23, 2021
    The OCFP & University of Toronto DFCM will be discussing evolving vaccine evidence and experience delivering vaccines as part of primary care pilots.
    Learn more here.

    Primary Care Vaccine QI Support Group Webinar Series, April 22- May 13, 2021

    Join Ontario Health to learn valuable lessons from pilot sites, gain access to resources, information and quality improvement tips to assist you in moving forward with your vaccine plans.

    Register here

     EMR/EHR auditing obligations, May 7, 2021

    Join Kate Dewhirst Law to better understand the obligations to audit EMR and EHRs. Learn more here.

    A Deep Dive into Co-Designing Care Models for your Priority Populations, May 6, 2021
    The RISE OHT webcasts will show how your OHT can re-design care for patients in your priority populations, and help every patient in those populations experience coordinated transitions between providers.
    Learn more here.

  • Q&A Refresher with Maria McDonald, vaccination roll-out CoPs and input for the next OHT webinar

    Inside

    • Managing and Supporting Staff throughout COVID-19: Q&A Refresher with Maria McDonald
    • COVID@Home
    • Primary Care Vaccination Quality Improvement Community of Practice (Ontario Health) – Next Meeting is April 22!
    • OCFP community of practice
    • Next webinar on OHT learnings!
    • Reminder: Webinar on EMR auditing obligations
    • COVID-19 and patient responsibility

    Hello Executive Directors and Administrative Leads,

    We’d like to provide some updates on a new webinar, COVID@Home and communities of practice (CoP) for vaccine roll-out. There is also a request in this email for your input regarding another OHT webinar this spring, and a reminder about an upcoming webinar on auditing. Thank you in advance for your comments towards an OHT webinar – it will help us arrange one that will be of most use to you!

    Here are some updates:

    Managing and Supporting Staff throughout COVID-19: Q&A Refresher with Maria McDonald

    Over the past year, teams have pivoted to respond to the demands of COVID-19, and staff have shifted how and where they work. We recognize staff are working outside normal clinic hours and being tasked with additional duties as this crisis increases and Ontario remains under a stay-at-home order. How do teams continue to support staff through these transitions, recognize their efforts, and provide the flexibility needed while maintaining equity in the workplace?

    For advice on these questions and more, join us for a one-hour “refresher” webcast with Maria McDonald of McDonald HR Law on Tuesday, April 27, from 12 PM to 1 PM.

    This webcast invitation is going to EDs and admin leads only. However, we leave it at your discretion to extend the invitation to others on your team, as you consider appropriate.
     
    More information and registration is here!

    COVID@Home
    Teams received an email from the ministry on April 9, requesting support for home monitoring of COVID-19 positive patients with mild to moderate symptoms. This is to help relieve the strain on hospitals.

    Since that email, and due to the accelerating pressure on hospitals, particularly in 34 hot spot areas, teams have been hearing from both AFHTO and officials to identify capacity and, where needed, connect teams with the appropriate person in the hospital.

    AFHTO is scheduling a call with officials to answer questions about compensation, overtime, deployment of staff, and other operational matters. Please stay tuned for more details.
     
    For today, the following are available:

    Teams can contact their ministry representative if there are extraordinary costs associated with delivering COVID@Home or other COVID home monitoring programs. To enable participation in COVID home monitoring efforts, teams may pause or adjust their programs and services, except those that are deemed critical (e.g., acute care, mental health and addictions).

    COVID@Home is not intended to replace a home monitoring program you may already be using. If you already have a program, it would be helpful if you could email Beth MacKinnon so we know the work teams are doing and can ensure the ministry is informed.

    Primary Care Vaccination Quality Improvement Community of Practice (Ontario Health) – Next Meeting is April 22!
    A community of practice (CoP) came together in March under the leadership of Dr. David Kaplan from Ontario Health (COVID-19 Primary Care Lead, Toronto Region). This was for groups to share learnings, tools, and strategies across the six pilot regions during the Primary Care Vaccination Pilot in March/April.

    The group supported the pilot vaccine clinic sites and primary care partners in delivering vaccines; shared learnings, tools, resources, and strategies; and enabled collaboration to identify solutions to challenges.

    This pilot is now complete. As primary care vaccination expands, all members are invited to join what is now called the Ontario Health Primary Care Vaccination Quality Improvement CoP.

    You can join the CoP’s Quorum group for access to weekly webinars, tools/resources, and optional coaching support.

    These documents provide more information:

    Here are summaries of key learnings to date, as well as OMA guidance documents:

    This CoP’s webinar series will resume this Thursday, April 22. There will be one webinar a week for four weeks. They are from 8 AM to 9 AM. Registration is here.

    OCFP community of practice
    There is another community of practice, which is hosted by the OCFP to support physicians: “COVID-19 Community of Practice for Ontario Family Physicians.”

    The next call is this week on Friday, April 23, from 8 AM to 9 AM: “The COVID-19 vaccine: Vaccination in primary care, evolving vaccine evidence, and more” with panelists Dr. Allison McGeer and Dr. Rosemarie Lall.  You can register here.

    OCFP’s COVID-19 CoP session recordings, resources, and Q&As are here: https://www.dfcm.utoronto.ca/covid-19-community-practice

    COVID-19 information and resources:
    OCFP:         https://www.ontariofamilyphysicians.ca/
    U of T, DFCM:     https://www.dfcm.utoronto.ca/covid-19-community-practice

    Next webinar on OHT learnings!
    On February 26, members heard from four teams about OHT development in their regions. In a poll during the webinar, most members said that another one in the spring would be useful.

    To help us arrange speakers, we would like your feedback on what would be most helpful! What would you like to know about other OHTs? What questions do you have regarding their approach to population health? Governance? Primary care leadership? Patient engagement? Data and digital solutions? Performance and evaluation metrics?

    Please complete this survey by this Friday, April 23. Based on the feedback, we will arrange speakers for a 90-minute webinar later in the spring.

    Reminder: Webinar on EMR auditing obligations
    Teams are invited to join Kate Dewhirst from Kate Dewhirst Health Law on Friday, May 7, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM to better understand obligations to audit electronic medical records (EMR).

    Topics discussed will include the following:

    • Why do you have to audit?
      • What’s new in the 2020 changes to PHIPA about audits of electronic systems.
      • Contractual obligations when signed onto Connecting Ontario platforms or sharing systems with OHT partners or other agencies in your geographic region.
    • How often should you audit?
    • What do you have to audit?
    • How do you audit?
    • What tools to use to document your auditing practices.

    There will be time for questions. Register today!

    COVID-19 and patient responsibility
    Several teams have asked about communication for patients on COVID fatigue and the outcome of individuals’ actions in not following public health measures. Regions are seeing different interpretations of the urgency in following these measures and would like to communicate this clearly to patients.

    If any teams have developed messaging or handouts to help people understand the impact their behavior can have on others and on the health care system, we would welcome this to share with all members.

    We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this very challenging time. If you have any questions, please reach out to us anytime at info@afhto.ca

    Yours in good health,
    Your AFHTO team

  • QI in Action eBulletin # 106: COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility – EMR Searches for Primary Care

    QI in Action eBulletin # 106: COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility – EMR Searches for Primary Care

    In this Issue:

    • EMR Searches for Primary Care
    • eConsult Specialty Groups
    • Share your COVID-19 Initiatives
    • Upcoming Webinars

    EMR Searches for Primary Care
    To support primary care with COVID-19 vaccination during Phase Two of Ontario’s roll out strategy, the team at the eHealth Centre of Excellence can provide EMR searches that enable clinicians to more efficiently identify and prioritize ambulatory patients from their roster who are in greatest need of the COVID-19 vaccination.

    Searches are now available for Telus PS Suite, Oscar and Accuro EMRs. Searches prioritize patients according to the eligibility criteria outlined in the Ministry of Health’s provincial Phase Two vaccination roll-out plan.

    The three searches created prioritise patients according to highest risk, high risk and at-risk populations.

    highest, high and at risk population search

    To download these searches, please join the community portal.

    eConsult Specialty Groups

    As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, OTN and the eConsult Centre of Excellence in partnership with Public Health, OMA, OntarioMD, Ontario Health and the MOH have created new specialty groups;

    • a COVID-19 BASETM managed eConsult specialty group. This group enables physicians and nurse practitioners to ask general clinical questions to infectious disease specialist electronically and receive a response within days. The COVID-19 BASE™ Managed Specialty Group is now available province-wide.
    • a COVID-19 – Allergy/Immunology BASE™ Managed Specialty Group. This group enables physicians and nurse practitioners to ask COVID-19 vaccine allergy related clinical questions to Allergy and Clinical Immunology specialists electronically and receive a response within days.
    • a COVID-19 and Pregnancy BASE™ Managed Specialty Group. This group enables physicians and nurse practitioners to ask COVID-19 and Pregnancy related clinical questions to Obstetrics specialists electronically and receive a response within days.
    • a COVID-19 and Autoimmune Disorders BASE™ Managed Specialty Group. This group enables physicians and nurse practitioners to ask COVID-19 and Autoimmune Disorders related clinical questions to Rheumatology specialists electronically and receive a response within days.

    These are the only group that allows for population-based, non-patient specific clinical questions. Specialists can answer both patient-specific and general questions about COVID-19.

     

    • For non-patient specific questions please enter the patient information as follows:
      • First Name: COVID19
      • Last Name: COVID19
      • Date of Birth: 1900-01-01
      • Select OHIP number not available
    • Please note: Patient screening for COVID-19 must still be done through Public Health Services. For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario, visit Getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Ontario.
    • If you would like to sign up for eConsult, visit www.otnhub.ca or complete the Intake Form and someone can assist you.
    • If you need a refresher on how to submit an eConsult, you can watch the training video here.

    Tell us what COVID-19 initiatives you’re proud of!
    News is that COVID-19 has been rapidly evolving- and so are your teams!
    AFHTO is committed to advocating for your teams by amplifying stories of your team’s efforts, pandemic or not. Tell us what your team is doing to continue providing care to your patients, whether it’s:

    –    COVID-19 vaccination efforts
    –    Adaptations to your programs or clinic
    –    New programs emerging from newly recognized demands
    –    Stories of collaboration with other organizations or the community
    … or any other initiatives your team is proud of- we want to hear from you.

    Submit your COVID-19 stories & photos here, OR tag us on Facebook or Twitter
    … and we could be celebrating your team’s work next!

    Picture of first tweet in vaccine tweet thread

     

    Facebook post of Athens District vaccine drive through

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    COVID member initiatives table

    Upcoming Webinars:

    Respiratory Care During COVID-19: What Have We Learned One Year Later
    Wednesday, April 21, 2021, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | In collaboration with the LUNG HEALTH FOUNDATION
    This webinar will highlight practice changes and considerations for the diagnosis and management of chronic lung diseases such as COPD. This includes highlighting the challenges of respiratory diagnostics such as spirometry testing and policies and changes that were needed to provide a safe testing environment. Additionally, the webinar will highlight clinical resources and community support programs provided by the Lung Health Foundation to support primary care practices and their patients.
    For more info and to register, click here.

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #105 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

  • Bits & Pieces: respiratory care during COVID-19, Stay-at-Home order and more

    Bits & Pieces: respiratory care during COVID-19, Stay-at-Home order and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Reminder – Your role in improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications
    • Register now! A webinar on EMR/EHR auditing obligations
    • Revised Phase 2 vaccination plan, identifying vaccine-eligible patients and more
    • Data governance framework for health data collected from Black communities in Ontario
    • Resources for injectable opioid agonist treatment
    • Team-based primary care improved health behaviors among patients with multimorbidity
    • Insulin therapy and managing At-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) during COVID-19
    • Upcoming events including respiratory care during COVID-19and more

     

     

    Member stories
    Bancroft Community FHT – Bancroft Community FHT physician raises awareness about COVID-19

    Temagami FHT – Temagami FHT hosts successful COVID-19 vaccine clinic

    Haliburton Highlands FHT– vaccination clinic provides relief to elders

    You can share your own vaccination stories with our member initiative webform. If you have any questions, please email us at info@afhto.ca.

    Reminder – Your role in improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications, April 15, 2021

    Co-hosted with Wounds Canada, this interactive webinar on Thursday, April 15 will provide an overview of your role to improve the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications across the full continuum of care settings to improve patient experience, outcomes and costs. Register here.

    Register now! A webinar on EMR/EHR auditing obligations

    Teams are invited to join AFHTO and Kate Dewhirst (Kate Dewhirst Health Law) on Friday, May 7, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM to better understand obligations to audit electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR). Topics discussed will include why you have an audit, how often you should audit, and how to audit. More information and registration are here.

    Revised Phase 2 vaccination plan, identifying vaccine-eligible patients and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Framework with black women- one in wheelchair and anotheer holding a black girl in her arms

     

    Data governance framework for health data collected from Black communities in Ontario

    The Black Health Equity Working Group has released the latest version of the Engagement, Governance, Access and Protection Framework (E-GAP), which is designed to guide the implementation of race and socio-demographic data collection strategies at the local and provincial levels in Ontario.

    • Download the report in English or French
    • Download the Consultation Summary Report in English or French

    You can contact the working group at info@blackhealthequity.ca

     

     

    Resources for injectable opioid agonist treatment
    Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) has new resources to support increased access to injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT). iOAT is an evidence based and cost-effective medical intervention that is recommended for people with severe opioid dependence who have not responded to oral opioid agonist treatment or for whom oral opioid agonist treatment is not appropriate. More information and resources are here.

    Team-based primary care improved health behaviors among patients with multimorbidity
    Recently published in The Annals of Family Medicine, this research highlighted results when health care professionals (nurses, nutritionists, kinesiologists) were trained to deliver patient-centered intervention based on a motivational approach and self-management support. Read more here.

    Insulin therapy and managing At-Risk Drinking and Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) during COVID-19

    Centre for Effective Practice recently launched new tools:

    Respiratory Care During COVID-19: What Have We Learned One Year Later, April 21, 2021

    Reflect on best practices & considerations for diagnosing and managing lung diseases during the pandemic. Co-hosted with the Lung Health Foundation
    Find out more here.

    Project ECHO (UHN), Starting April 2021
    Join ECHO Ontario (UHN) for their newly released programs starting this spring.
    For more information:

    To register, click here.

    COVID-19 CoP: Vaccination in primary care, evolving vaccine evidence, and more, April 23, 2021
    The OCFP & University of Toronto DFCM will be discussing evolving vaccine evidence and experience delivering vaccines as part of primary care pilots.
    Learn more here.

    Primary Care Vaccine QI Support Group Webinar Series, April 22- May 13, 2021

    Join Ontario Health to learn valuable lessons from pilot sites, gain access to resources, information and quality improvement tips to assist you in moving forward with your vaccine plans.

    Register here

    A Deep Dive into Co-Designing Care Models for your Priority Populations, May 6, 2021
    The RISE OHT webcasts will show how your OHT can re-design care for patients in your priority populations, and help every patient in those populations experience coordinated transitions between providers.
    Learn more here.

  • Mobilizing Primary Care to Support Hospitals with COVID@Home and Ramping up COVID-19 Vaccinations

    Dear triad members,

    Last night we received a memo from Matt Anderson, President and CEO of Ontario Health, that outlines the severity of the situation in hospitals due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.

    Ontario is facing a severe crisis with hospital capacity due to the surging number of cases. The positive COVID-19 cases announced today was over 4,200 – the second highest number since the pandemic began. The pressure on hospitals’ critical care capacity is extreme. As a result, Ontario Health has instructed hospitals to ramp down all elective surgeries and non-emergent/non-urgent activities to preserve critical care and human resource capacity as of Monday, April 12, at 12:01 AM. This does not currently apply to hospitals in the Northern Ontario Health Region or pediatric specialty hospitals.

    In the ADM memo we shared yesterday with the EDs and administrative leads, PHUs have been asked by the Ministry to utilise primary care to their full capacity in the mobile team vaccination efforts and in contacting eligible patients to encourage they vaccinate. This includes anyone aged 18 and older in high-risk communities, as announced on April 7.

    There will be pop-up and mobile clinics for those aged 18 and older in high-risk communities at essential workplaces, in community centres, and in public spaces. At this time, people aged 18 to 49 cannot book online; mass vaccination sites will be adhering to older age cut-offs and other eligibility criteria, as noted on the online booking page. Communication about this to patients will be critical.

    Teams are encouraged by the Ministry to work with their PHU to be clear on eligible patients and to optimise the use of primary care in delivering the vaccines.

    You will also soon receive a memo from the Ministry requesting that teams who are in identified hot spots (about 30+), where hospital capacity has reached its limits, help support the care of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients in their homes with the COVID@Home program. You may hear from your Senior Program Consultant, who will check to see what kind of capacity you have for this initiative, including extending support to patients of non-affiliated physicians in your community.

    As part of the COVID@Home initiative, the Ministry of Health has procured a stockpile of oxygen saturation monitors to be distributed to primary care professionals and teams to provide enhanced monitoring of their COVID-19 positive patients at home. To learn more, the Ontario College of Family Physicians has shared a webcast explaining COVID@Home with Dr. Dee Mangin from their most recent Family Medicine Summit.

    We have requested a meeting for teams early next week with the Ministry and/or Ontario Health to support teams who have questions. We will share that information as soon as we have it.

    For today, please reach out to your public health unit, if you have not already, to help support community-wide vaccination efforts. All needed care for your patients remains critical. However, as this is a dire situation that Ontario is facing, we encourage you assess your ability to support the vaccination efforts and to help relieve strain on the hospitals to the best of your capacity.

    We will continue to keep you posted as we learn more. These are incredibly challenging times, and primary care will be critical in ensuring we get through them.

    Thank you for the work you are doing. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@afhto.ca.

    Yours in good health,

    The AFHTO team

  • Ontario stay-at-home order and the Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan

    Dear Executive Directors and Administrative Leads,

    The third province-wide stay-at-home order took effect today at 12:01 AM.

    Under the stay-at-home order, primary care teams are encouraged to continue virtual care wherever possible but do not stop or delay in-person care. It remains at a clinician’s discretion to determine if a patient needs to be seen in person.
    While all teams have continued to deliver virtual care since the pandemic began, a reminder that the following are available as support tools in determining virtual vs. in-person care:

    In yesterday’s announcement, the provincial government did not address some of what we consider important to help control the spread, such as paid sick days. However, the pivot to go into high-risk communities and to vaccinate anyone there aged 18 and older is a step in the right direction.   

    These mobile teams – part of Phase Two in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan – are starting in the regions with the highest rates of transmission (ex. Toronto, Peel). This will expand to other hot spot regions based on established patterns of transmission, severe illness, and mortality. The news release can be read here.

    We received this memo today from ADM Patrick Dicerni regarding vaccination. On a related note, we encourage teams to work with public health regarding the mobile teams that will go to high-risk congregate settings, residential buildings, faith-based locations, and locations occupied by large employers in high-risk communities. Vaccinating is something primary care does best, and no one knows their communities better! If your team has the capacity, reach out to your public health unit as primary care can play a key role in getting these shots in arms.

    This is hopefully the final time we’ll see a stay-at-home order issued in Ontario for COVID-19.

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

    Stay well,
    AFHTO

    Relevant Link:

  • Bits & Pieces: respiratory care during COVID-19, Stay-at-Home order and more

    Bits & Pieces: respiratory care during COVID-19, Stay-at-Home order and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Respiratory care during COVID-19: what have we learned one year later, Apr. 21
    • Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order
    • Member stories
    • Lessons learned from KFLA Moderna community vaccination clinics and more
    • UpToDate discount reminder
    • Evaluation and performance improvement for OHTs CoP and webinar
    • Upcoming events including improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications and more

     

    Respiratory care during COVID-19: what have we learned one year later, Apr. 21

    The COVID-19 pandemic has required healthcare professionals to change the way care is delivered and has allowed for the development of innovative practices and partnerships for the continued provision of quality care.

    On April 21 this webinar, co-hosted with the Lung Health Foundation, will highlight practice changes and considerations for the diagnosis and management of chronic lung diseases such as COPD. This includes highlighting the challenges of respiratory diagnostics such as spirometry testing and policies and changes that were needed to provide a safe testing environment.

    Find out more and register here.

    Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order

    Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order, community vaccination plans, and paid sick leave for ALL workers to stop spread of COVID-19 variants, reduce the burden on health care.

    Today the Primary Care Collaborative (PCC) issued a statement urging the government to do more to suppress the transmission of COVID-19, including these 5 vital actions:

    1. Move the province from a shutdown to a stay-at-home order
    2. Ensure vaccines are reaching those who are most at risk for infection and who need them the most
    3. Prioritize vaccination of teachers, educators and school staff
    4. Create a broad education and communications campaign to address vaccine hesitancy
    5. Implement paid sick leave for all essential workers now.

    Read the full statement here.

    Member stories

    Dr. Allan Grill on CTV

    Markham FHT– our president and chair Dr. Allan Grill on CTV on protecting schools from outbreaks and more

    Multiple members- our Twitter thread highlighting members’ vaccine efforts. One tweet already has nearly 20,000 views!

    Lessons learned from KFLA Moderna community vaccination clinics and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    UpToDate discount reminder

    Thanks to our partnership with Wolters Kluwer, AFHTO members have access to special benefits on UpToDate®. Physicians, residents, NPs, pharmacists, and PAs are all eligible.  For more details, please contact your ED or Admin Lead.

    EDs and Admin Leads, if you have any questions, please email us at info@afhto.ca.

    Evaluation and performance improvement for OHTs CoP and webinar

    HSPN is hosting a new community for those working on evaluation and performance improvement in OHTs. You can join here.

    The next OHT Evaluation Webinar will be OHT Improvement Measures for Focus Populations on April 27. Register here

    Your role in improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications, April 15, 2021
    Co-hosted with Wounds Canada, this interactive webinar will provide an overview of your role to improve the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications across the full continuum of care settings to improve patient experience, outcomes and costs. Register here.

    Together We Care Virtual Conference, April 20-22, 2021
    Join the OLTCA & ORCA as they connect the LTC and retirement community sector to help shape the future of senior’s care.
    Find out more here.

    Building vaccine confidence in the Black community, evolving guidance, and more, Apr. 9, 2021

    The OCFP’s COVID-19 COP will focus on building vaccine confidence in the Black community.
    Find out more here.

    A Deep Dive into Co-Designing Care Models for your Priority Populations, May 6, 2021
    The RISE OHT webcasts will show how your OHT can re-design care for patients in your priority populations, and help every patient in those populations experience coordinated transitions between providers.
    Learn more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: oxygen saturation monitors for COVID@Home, Primary Care Collaborative and more

    Bits & Pieces: oxygen saturation monitors for COVID@Home, Primary Care Collaborative and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Oxygen saturation of COVID home monitoring
    • Announcing the Primary Care Collaborative
    • Your role in improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications
    • Member stories
    • Joint letter on vaccine dose intervals for indigenous populations
    • Patient-facing document updates, Gen. Hillier memo and more
    • Supporting older persons at home slides and video
    • Canada’s Volunteer Awards National Advisory Committee
    • AMS Healthcare research fellowships: provider mental health and wellbeing
    • Upcoming events including Building a Resilient Nonprofit Organization through Proactive Risk Management and more

    Oxygen saturation of COVID home monitoring

    COVID-19 pandemic has led to unexpected surges in demand on the provincial healthcare system, and healthcare settings across the province face patient capacity constraints, potentially affecting care for all patients. To help ease these constraints, Ontario Health is providing tools and resources for COVID@Home to help primary care providers who wish to remotely monitor people who have mild to moderate COVID-19 in the community.

    Oxygen saturation monitors are now available to be ordered by primary care physician offices and interprofessional primary care team offices through the provincial pandemic stockpile. Find out more about the initiative and how to order here.

    Announcing the Primary Care Collaborative

    COVID-19 shows the vital roles primary care providers play every day for community health and wellbeing and health system cooperation in Ontario.

    On March 29 we announced the launch of the Primary Care Collaborative with five other partners, including Alliance for Healthier Communities, IPHCC, NPLCA, OCFP and SGFP. Visit our site for the full release.

    Working more collaboratively together, we hope a unified primary care sector can help advance the important role that primary care will play towards recovery from this pandemic.

    Your role in improving the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications

    Co-hosted with Wounds Canada, this interactive webinar on April 15 will provide an overview of your role to improve the population health of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications across the full continuum of care settings to improve patient experience, outcomes and costs.

    By the end of the webinar participants will:

    • Discuss prevention and management approaches based on risk stratification of people at risk or living with diabetic foot complications
    • Explore ways to leverage telehealth / virtual care assessments to support patients at risk or living with diabetic foot complications
    • Leverage Wounds Canada resources to optimize your practice

    Register here.

    Member stories
    Bancroft FHT– Bancroft FHT vaccinates over 1000 people from COVID-19

    Central Lambton and Rapids FHTs – Family doctors join vaccine rollout in Sarnia-Lambton

    Georgian Bay FHT– video tour of the Collingwood and Wasaga drive-thru vaccine clinics

    Queen Square FHT– Ontario family physicians seek clarity on when they can administer COVID-19 vaccines in office

    Joint letter on vaccine dose intervals for indigenous populations
    On March 26 we sent a joint letter to Premier Ford and Minister Elliott on changes to the vaccine dosing schedule for Indigenous populations.

    “We are standing in solidarity with the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council and asking that, at bare minimum, those Indigenous people living in urban areas who’ve already received their first doses of vaccines be grandfathered in, and permitted to receive their second doses within 21-28 days. This allows for continuity of care, and confidence in this process and the vaccine itself.”

    Read the full letter on our site.

    Patient-facing document updates, Gen. Hillier memo and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Supporting older persons at home title screenshot

    Supporting older persons at home slides and video

    On Mar. 25 Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario discussed how to better support older persons in the community using lessons learned during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Slides and video are now available.

     

     

    Canada’s Volunteer Awards National Advisory Committee
    Canada’s Volunteer Awards (CVA) will be accepting applications for the CVA National Advisory Committee (NAC) until April 8. Members of the National Advisory Committee play a leading role in the selection of Canada’s Volunteer Awards recipients by reviewing nominations and making recommendations to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. They will also support the promotion of the program throughout their term. To apply visit their site.

    AMS Healthcare research fellowships: provider mental health and wellbeing

    AMS Healthcare is offering one-year fellowships of up to $75,000 to early and mid-career academic researchers and scholars and academically trained regulated health care professionals to study and develop expertise/competence in the impact of digital technology/artificial intelligence on compassionate care. Some projects will have an additional focus on the wellbeing and mental health of healthcare providers, patients and caregivers to address the challenges of living and working through the COVID-19 pandemic. Letter of intent due Apr. 7. Visit their site for details.

    Foundations to QI (IDEAS) Program e-Learning Course, Mar. 31 & Apr. 1, 2021
    E-QIP is holding this comprehensive introductory QI course designed for the community mental health sector. You’ll be well versed in a common language and approach to QI with the aim of improving client care, experience and outcomes after this course.
    Find out more here.

    ECHO Managing COVID-19 in Primary Care, Starting Apr. 13, 2021
    UHN’s ECHO series is back- now with 12 parts. Join other primary care providers in this interactive online program.
    Find out more here.

    Building a Resilient Nonprofit Organization through Proactive Risk Management, Apr. 22, 2021
    Charity Village webinar with Risk Management Consultants Lilli Chiu and Isaac Monson from HUB International and insights on how to navigate uncertainty and prepare for the unexpected. Register here.

    Excellence through Quality Improvement (E-QIP) Conference, Apr. 13, 2021
    Hosted by CMHA Ontario, this one-day virtual conference is being offered for FREE.
    Visit their site.