Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Members Only News

  • Bits & Pieces: phase 2 guidance, cancer screening rock stars needed and more

    Bits & Pieces: phase 2 guidance, cancer screening rock stars needed and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Cancer screening rockstars needed
    • Reminder- Supporting Older Persons at Home, March 25
    • COVID-19 vaccine roll-out & hesitancy in Indigenous communities
    • Guidance on phase 2 prioritization for COVID-19 vaccination and more
    • National Newcomer Navigation Network – N4
    • Virtual health care for patients with developmental disabilities- study
    • Excellence through Quality Improvement (E-QIP) Conference
    • Upcoming events including Wise Practices for COVID Vaccinators and more

     

    Cancer screening rockstars needed

    Don’t leave your team’s stories untold!
    In a recent Bits & Pieces, you may have seen Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario)’s guidance for resuming breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening. In collaboration with our primary care partners and Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario), we will host a webinar to further explore this document and share stories from teams resuming cancer screening.

    If your team has initiated a cancer screening program to resume and catch up on screening, please fill this member initiative webform to let us know! If you are interested in sharing your story during our webinar, please email Sandeep Gill sandeep.gill@afhto.ca by this Friday, Mar. 26.

    Questions? Email us at improve@afhto.ca 

    Reminder- Supporting Older Persons at Home, March 25

    COVID-19 highlighted numerous barriers and challenges to providing integrated care for older persons living in the community.

    Join Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario in a discussion on how to better support older persons in the community using lessons learned during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    We will discuss needs in primary care – focusing on the role of interprofessional teams – and offer some resources and tools to better support team-based care for older persons.

    We will also discuss how specialized geriatric service programs in your area can provide support to primary care clinicians.

    Indigenous vaccine page screenshot

     

    COVID-19 vaccine roll-out & hesitancy in Indigenous communities
    Indigenous communities are prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, but the historic reasons for that prioritization-including systemic racism- may also contribute to vaccine hesitancy within the communities.

    In response we have compiled resources from Akausivik Inuit FHT and Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority to help combat it. Visit our site for the full list.

     

     

     

     

    Guidance on phase 2 prioritization for COVID-19 vaccination and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    National Newcomer Navigation Network – N4

    N4 is a national network for professionals from Canada’s Healthcare and Social Service sectors to connect, learn and collaborate in their work with newcomers (immigrants and refugees).

    While newcomers make up over 20% of Canadians and face many barriers to receiving care or services, they are often overlooked as needing help to navigate our systems.

    N4 provides a one-stop platform for professional development, education, virtual discussions, networking, and the sharing of data and resources. N4 promotes inter-sectoral collaboration to encourage sharing of expertise, economies of effort, and promotion of leading and best practices in the field of newcomer navigation.

    Membership is free thanks to funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can become a member here.

    Virtual health care for patients with developmental disabilities- study

    A University of Toronto PhD candidate is currently recruiting for a study on virtual primary care for adults with developmental disabilities. This work is being conducted together with the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at CAMH.

    The goal is to learn how to deliver high quality virtual care to patients with developmental disabilities, when virtual care is not appropriate, and what supports are needed to be successful. As part of this study they are interviewing primary care providers.

    See the flyer here.

    If anyone is interested in learning more about the study you can contact  avra.selick@camh.ca or 416-535-8501 x30127.

    Save the date april 13, 2021 E-QIP QI Innovations: Understand-Pivot-Change 2021 virtual conference

     

    Excellence through Quality Improvement (E-QIP) Conference

    The Excellence through Quality Improvement Project (E-QIP), Quality Improvement Innovations: Understand-Pivot-Change 2021 Conference will be on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. Hosted by CMHA Ontario, this one-day virtual conference is being offered for FREE.

    It will bring together Ontario’s leading quality improvement experts in the mental health and addiction sector. Visit their site.

     

     

     

     

     

    Wise Practices for COVID Vaccinators, Mar. 23, 2021
    Learn how to actively design and deliver vaccination services to support high quality, safe experiences for Indigenous patients. You’ll walk away with wise practices & strategies for working in a culturally safe & respectful way.
    Find out more here.

    BounceBack refresher webinar, Mar. 25, 2021

    The BounceBack communications and marketing team invites you to a 30-minute refresher presentation on BounceBack, a free CBT skill-building program designed to help individuals 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate anxiety or depression, stress or worry.

    OHT Virtual Engagement Series Second Session (RISE OHT Webinar), Mar. 25, 2021
    Join the Ministry as they discuss the details around the core components of the OHT Performance Measurement Framework. They’ll be identifying Cohort 1 OHT-selected indicators and OHT evaluation approaches to help you understand OHT evaluation and key measurement supports.
    Learn more here.

    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.

    Lessons from vaccine pilots, evolving guidance, and more, Mar 26, 2021
    The COVID-19 CoP, held by the OCFP and the University of Toronto DFCM, will be discussing lessons learned and new guidance around COVID-19 vaccines and rollout.
    Learn 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.

  • Bits & Pieces: community investment grants, free legal services and more

    Bits & Pieces: community investment grants, free legal services and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • CIRA community investment grants
    • Happy Nutrition Month
    • Members’ stories
    • Family Justice Centre -free legal services
    • AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine & thromboembolic events, MOH updates and more
    • COVID-19 support available for isolated seniors and people with physical disabilities
    • OMA burnout survey
    • White papers on population health management and population segmentation
    • Upcoming events including supporting older persons at home and more

     

    CIRA community investment grants

    AFHTO members and/or their partners may be eligible for Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA)’s Community Investment Program grants.

    Applications for more than $1 million in grants for Canadian internet projects are now open. They’re looking for not-for-profits, charities, and researchers with projects to improve Canada’s internet – with a special focus on students and northern, rural, and Indigenous communities. Learn more on how to apply. Deadline is April 14.

    Nutrition month 2021 -colourful pics of people and food

     

    Happy Nutrition Month

    March is Nutrition Month, and tomorrow is Dietitian’s Day. We appreciate our registered dietitians and their ongoing commitment to teamwork and helping patients #FindYourHealthy!

     

     

     

     

     

    Members’ stories

    Elliot Lake FHT – Elliot Lake Health Team plans first mass vaccination clinic this week

    Grandview Medical Centre & Two Rivers FHTs– Vaccination clinic now open at Langs in Cambridge

    Guelph FHT – Guelph FHT to operate 2 new vaccination clinics

    Infographic- English

    Family Justice Centre -free legal services

    There is a substantial and long-standing disparity in the ability of Ontarians to access the family justice system. In some jurisdictions, upwards of 80% of litigants begin their court cases self-represented. The inequity in access has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the backlogs caused by court closures and the inability of people to pay for legal services due to job and/or income loss.
     
    Pro Bono Students Canada (PBSC) recently launched Family Justice Centre (FJC) to bridge this gap.

    Through the creation of public legal education resources and regularly held virtual legal clinics, family lawyers in private practice and law students provide FREE unbundled legal services (summary advice, document preparation, legal education, and legal coaching) to individuals who are unable to afford a lawyer. Learn more by visiting their website.

    AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine & thromboembolic events, MOH updates and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    know a senior?

    COVID-19 support available for isolated seniors and people with physical disabilities

    Do you know an isolated, low income senior or person living with a physical disability, without family or community support, who needs help getting essentials during the current COVID-19 pandemic?  
    The Ontario Community Support program helps those in need get meals, groceries, medicine, and other essentials delivered through Meals on Wheels so that they can safely isolate at home. Service is available through March 2022.

    To identify a local community provider and request service, visit their site or dial 211 or 1-877-330-3213 (toll free). TTY service is also available at 1-888-340-1001.

    OMA burnout survey

    The OMA has relaunched its burnout survey to understand the impact of COVID-19 on physician burnout. The results will be compared to findings from the burnout survey completed in March 2020 to assess the impact of the pandemic on burnout over the past year. You can complete the survey here.

    White papers on population health management and population segmentation

    Health System Performance Network (HSPN)’s three supporting white papers on population health management and population segmentation are now available on their site.

    They will hosting their next webinar on OHT Improvement Measures from Health Administrative Data: Where are OHTs Starting From? on March 23 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Click here to register.

    Supporting Older Persons at Home – Learning and Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, Mar. 25, 2021

    Cohosted with Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario, join us for a discussion on how to better support older persons in the community using lessons learned during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Register here.

    Primary Care and the Digital Health Revolution, Mar. 17, 2021

    The University of Toronto’s webinar, hosted by the Sandra Rotman Centre for Health Sector Strategy, will cover the digital revolution in primary care, and how providers and patients are changing in response to it.
    Learn more here.

    Wise Practices for COVID Vaccinators, Mar. 23, 2021
    Learn how to actively design and deliver vaccination services to support high quality, safe experiences for Indigenous patients. You’ll walk away with wise practices & strategies for working in a culturally safe & respectful way.
    Find out more here.

    The COVID-19 vaccine: An interactive panel discussion, Mar. 18, 2021
    DFCM City Wide Research Rounds from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Join on Zoom.

    Lessons from vaccine pilots, evolving guidance, and more, Mar 26, 2021
    The COVID-19 CoP, held by the OCFP and the University of Toronto DFCM, will be discussing lessons learned and new guidance around COVID-19 vaccines and rollout.
    Learn more here.

    Workplace investigation training course
    Training managers and/or HR people to conduct internal investigations by McDonald HR Law and Noxon Workplace Investigation. Learn more here.

  • QI in Action eBulletin # 105: Ontario Health Submission March 2021

    QI in Action eBulletin # 105: Ontario Health Submission March 2021

    In this Issue:

    • A new tool for primary care providers: Quality Standard Placemats
    • Quality Improvement Plans – Update
    • A Peoples’ Panel on how race and ethnicity data should be used for health data research in Ontario
    • Upcoming Webinars

    Content below developed by Ontario Health

    A new tool for primary care providers: Quality Standard Placemats

    Quality standards outline what high-quality care looks like for conditions or processes where there are large variations in how care is delivered in Ontario. They are based on the best evidence and designed to help you know what to do to reduce gaps and variations in care – there are over 25 quality standards developed by Ontario Health, in collaboration with health care professionals, patients, and caregivers across Ontario.

    Ontario Health is pleased to share a newly developed tool called the Quality Standard (QS) Placemat that is a resource for primary care practitioners. The placemat highlights key elements of care for a condition and:

    • is an evidence-based, quick-reference tool that concisely summarizes key information from the quality standard
    • includes links to helpful resources and tools
    • can be used to facilitate patient-centered discussions

    Three quality standard placemats have been developed to date:

    Illustration of someone touching their lower back with pain radiating from it

    Low Back Pain QS Placemat – summarizes content from the Low Back Pain Quality Standard, focusing on care for people 16 years of age and older with persistent or recurrent episodes of acute lower back pain. French version.

     

    3 pics of parts of the skeleton- knee, hip, hand- with pain radiating

     

    Osteoarthritis QS Placemat – summarizes content from the Osteoarthritis Quality Standard, focusing on care for adults with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or hand (i.e., thumb or fingers). French version.

     

    Acute low back pain and osteoarthritis represent two of the most common clinical conditions encountered on a daily basis in the primary care setting. We have received feedback from primary care providers that concise, evidence-based materials help to not only support dialogue between patients and providers, but also support clinical decision-making regarding patients presenting with acute low back pain and osteoarthritis.
     

    • Dr Colin Wilson, Primary Care Clinical Lead, Ontario Health

    Hear more from Colin here

    2 men seated facing each other, one with hand raised with pen and notepad in the other hand

     

    Anxiety Disorders Quality Standard (QS) Placemat – summarizes the Anxiety Disorders Quality Standard, highlighting the key elements of diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, as well as includes links to helpful resources and tools. French version.

     

     

     

     

    The placemats can also be uploaded and used within EMRs for easy access. Resources to support adding these tools into your EMR system will be added on Quorum soon, so please stay tuned for more information!

    In the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are observing an increasing unease among individuals in the communities and families. As health care providers, it is critical for us to appropriately diagnose anxiety disorders and differentiate them from other conditions that may arise in these uncertain times.

    • Dr. David Kaplan, Chief, Clinical Quality, Ontario Health

    Hear more from David here

    Access the quality standard and related resources at the links below:

    We would like to hear from you about how we can support you and if there are other topics you would find helpful for future QS placemats. Please email qualitystandards@ontariohealth.ca  

    Upcoming Events: Webinar
    As part of the release and dissemination of the quality standard, Ontario Health and Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario will be co-hosting a webinar for health care providers about delirium, in alignment with World Delirium Awareness Day on March 17, 2021.

    Webinar | Delirium – A New Quality Standard for an Important Health Concern| Wednesday March 17, 12–1 p.m.  
    Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario and Ontario Health co-host a webinar with clinical experts to share information and resources to support patients who are at risk for delirium or who are experiencing symptoms of delirium. The session will review delirium and its significance to COVID-19 infection, introduce key statements from the quality standard, and showcase related resources available to support people who are at risk for delirium or who are experiencing symptoms of delirium. Please register here to join the session.

    Quality Improvement Plans – Update from OH(Q)
    Last April, QIP submissions for 2020/21 were paused to allow organizations to focus on supporting their staff, health care providers, and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The QIP Navigator remained open so that organizations that had the capacity to continue working on their submissions were able to do so. We will be closing the 2020/21 cycle in Navigator on March 24, 2021.

    As we look ahead to the 2021/22 QIPs, we understand that organizations continue to be under unprecedented pressure related to the COVID-19 pandemic and that this will likely continue for the next several months. As such, we are making adjustments to the 2021/22 QIP to help ensure that organizations are able to focus their efforts on responding to urgent needs related to COVID-19. While quality improvement is of critical importance in our collective response to COVID-19, for now, the pause on the program will continue.

    We will monitor the situation and will share a revised approach in the coming months, ensuring that it is responsive to circumstances in the health system and that you have sufficient time to prepare. The approach to 2021/22 will be designed to provide organizations with flexibility to reflect where they are with their quality improvement efforts given the pandemic, local needs, pressures, and goals for the recovery period. We encourage organizations to continue with their local quality improvement initiatives and we will be in touch soon.  

    As always, please do not hesitate to contact us at QIP@OntarioHealth.ca if you have any questions.

    A Peoples’ Panel on how race and ethnicity data should be used for health data research in Ontario
    ICES is working together with the Tamarack Institute and Digital Justice Lab to lead a Peoples’ Panel on how race and ethnicity data should be used for health data research in Ontario. Through this Peoples’ Panel, ICES seeks to recognize the ways that science has perpetuated racism and understand the complexities in the use of race, ethnicity, and immigration data.

    The Peoples’ Panel will involve 30-60 diverse and representative individuals who will meet weekly for 5 weeks starting on March 17, 2021. ICES is seeking regular people—no experience in health, science or policy needed. If you live in Ontario and have an interest in how race data is used, and especially if you identify as racialized individual, they invite you to express your interest in being part of the Peoples’ Panel. Participants will be compensated.

    Learn more and apply

    Upcoming Webinars:
    OHT Improvement Measures from Health Administrative Data: Where are OHTs Starting From?
    March 23, 2021 (12:00 – 1:30 pm EST)
    Click here for more information and to register.

    Supporting Older Persons At Home – Learning And Collaboration During The COVID-19 Pandemic And Beyond
    March 25, 2021 (12-1 pm EST)
    COVID-19 highlighted numerous barriers and challenges to providing integrated care for older persons living in the community. Join Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario in a discussion on how to better support older persons in the community using lessons learned during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will discuss needs in primary care – focusing on the role of interprofessional teams – and offer some resources and tools to better support team-based care for older persons. We will also discuss how specialized geriatric service programs in your area can provide support to primary care clinicians. Click here to learn more and register.

    Interested in sharing your teams’ initiatives in a future webinar? Email Sandeep Gill – Sandeep.gill@afhto.ca to learn more about the AFHTO KTE Webinar Schedule!

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #104 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

  • Bits & Pieces: leaving no story untold, IHPs and outcomes in diabetes care, and more

    Bits & Pieces: leaving no story untold, IHPs and outcomes in diabetes care, and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Don’t leave your team’s stories untold
    • Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month
    • Members’ stories
    • Saegis Cybersecurity Clinic Update 2021 slides and video
    • AFHTO 2021 Conference survey deadline today
    • How IHPs affect outcomes in diabetes care- input needed
    • Patient and staff on the vaccine, guidance updates, armpit lumps and more
    • GoodLife rates increase April 1
    • Reminder- Supply Ontario input due today March 9
    • Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care resources
    • Draft recommendation on internet-delivered CBT for PTSD or acute stress disorder
    • Upcoming events including supporting older persons at home and more

     

    Don’t leave your team’s stories untold

    Don’t leave your team’s stories untold!
    We’ve heard so many amazing stories and we want you to keep them coming! Share anything, anytime on our member initiative webform.

    • Starting a new program because of a newly recognized demand?
    • Changing up how you provide care during COVID?
    • Collaborating with different partners to make a difference in the community?

    Enter your untold stories in this form and we’ll keep you in mind for our advocacy efforts. You choose how widely the information can spread: keep it in-house with AFHTO or allow us to share on our website, social media, publications and/or promotional material.

    Questions? Email us at info@afhto.ca.

    Pharmacy Appreciation Month #PAM2021

    Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month

    March is Pharmacy Appreciation Month, so we thank all our teams’ pharmacists for stepping up, during the pandemic, before, and beyond. Happy Pharmacist appreciation month!

     

     

     

    Members’ stories

    Akausivik FHT – Vaccine rollout for Indigenous community expands

    Algonquins of Pikwakanagan, Arnprior and District, Madawaska Valley, Petawawa Centennial & West Champlain FHTs – Renfrew County FHTs & Partners providing virtual mental health and addiction walk-in counselling clinic

    saegis webinar mar 4 2021

    Saegis Cybersecurity Clinic Update 2021 slides and video

    On March 4 we cohosted a webinar with Saegis that:

    • Discussed the top 5 cybersecurity threats facing your clinic
    • Listed the 10 questions to ask before engaging an IT consultant for your clinic, and questions to ask about your clinics network security
    • Described how and where to report clinic cyberattacks and privacy breaches.

    Slides and video are now available.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference survey deadline today

    We’re going virtual again for this year’s conference and although we haven’t set a date yet, the earliest would be some time in October. Now that we’ve tried it once, we’d like to make the next better for you- more streamlined and focused on your needs.

    We need your help. What do you want to hear more about and how would you like it? Tell us in this really quick survey. Deadline today, March 9

    How IHPs affect outcomes in diabetes care- input needed

    The AFHTO QSC is looking to begin the process of exploring IHP and outcome data.  The committee chose diabetes as many teams are working daily to lower HbA1C in patients.  If you work in diabetes care, please complete this survey (about 5-8 minutes in length).    

    Patient and staff on the vaccine, guidance updates, armpit lumps and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    GoodLife rates increase April 1
    GoodLife rates for AFHTO members were due to increase in November, but because of closures due to COVID, existing – annual (paid in full) rates of $519 and biweekly rates of $24- have been extended until April 1. Those with existing GoodLife memberships should have already received emails from GoodLife. Phasing updates by region are available on their site here.

    To take advantage of discounted rates, you need a membership ID assigned by AFHTO. Automatically assigned to those on the ‘Bits & Pieces’ mailing list, these are sent to GoodLife monthly near the end of the month. To get your ID or be put on the list for one, please email info@afhto.ca.
     
    As of April 1, annual (paid in full) rates will be $619 and biweekly rates $25.

    Reminder- Supply Ontario input due today March 9

    Supply Ontario is a single integrated supply chain across the public sector that will leverage the province’s purchasing power to provide greater value and consistent access to high-quality products and services.

    They need your input to help identify opportunities to improve the value they can deliver for your organization and patients, through better supply chain processes. Deadline today, March 9.

    Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care resources

    • eLearning Hub– has a range of interactive, short eLearning courses that use LTC-specific case scenarios to illustrate care delivery-related concepts that are relevant in all care setting, like supporting people’s psycho-social and communications needs at the end-of-life, person centred language, nursing leadership. Many of them available in French too.
    • Webinars
    • Newsletter– short monthly newsletter reaching over 2000 people

    Draft recommendation on internet-delivered CBT for PTSD or acute stress disorder

    Ontario Health requests feedback on a health technology assessment and draft funding recommendation on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) delivered online to treat PTSD or acute stress disorder by March 14, 2021.

    Supporting Older Persons at Home – Learning and Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond, Mar. 25, 2021

    Cohosted with Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario, join us for a discussion on how to better support older persons in the community using lessons learned during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Register here.

    The COVID-19 Vaccine: Newly approved vaccine, public health collaboration, and more, Mar. 12, 2021
    The OCFP’s COVID-19 CoP will be continuing the discussion on COVID-19 vaccinations- this time, focusing on the Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. Learn more here.

    BounceBack refresher webinar, Mar. 18 & 25, 2021
    The BounceBack communications and marketing team invites you to a 30-minute refresher presentation on BounceBack, a free CBT skill-building program designed to help individuals 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate anxiety or depression, stress or worry.

    RISE OHT Webinars, Mar. 17 & 18, 2021

    • Measurement-based Care in Mental Health and Addictions Service Delivery, Mar. 17, 2021
    • Redesigning Care Models through Co-design, Mar. 18, 2021

    Learn more here.

    Fundamentals in Practical Leadership, starting Mar. 29, 2021
    Fundamentals in Practical Leadership: Skills and Tools for New and Emerging Leaders and Managers is a year-long webinar series by Centre for Organizational Effectiveness. Learn more here.

    Delirium – A New Quality Standard for an Important Health Concern, Mar. 17, 2021
    The Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario & Ontario Health will be co-hosting a webinar with clinical experts to share information and resources to support people who are at risk for delirium or who are experiencing symptoms of delirium. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: vaccine learnings webinar, 2021 conference and more

    Bits & Pieces: vaccine learnings webinar, 2021 conference and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Supporting older persons at home webinar March 25
    • Reminder – Saegis Cybersecurity Clinic Update 2021, Mar. 4
    • Reminder – AFHTO 2021 Conference: tell us what YOU want, what you really, really want
    • Happy Social Work Week
    • Learnings from primary care: vaccine roll-out slides and video
    • Engaging and supporting caregivers slides and video
    • Video profile of Akausivik Inuit FHT COVID rollout, OECD report and more
    • Supply Ontario appoints first CEO and needs primary care voices
    • OpenNotes study seeking clinician participants- tomorrow deadline to respond
    • Study invitation – characterizing the impact of primary care pharmacists’ consultation notes on health care decisions
    • Healthy Professional Worker study
    • RISE updates
    • Upcoming events including COVID@Home Monitoring for Primary Care Providers, Practising Well CoP and more

    Supporting older persons at home webinar March 25

    Supporting Older Persons at Home – Learning and Collaboration During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond
     

    COVID-19 highlighted numerous barriers and challenges to providing integrated care for older persons living in the community. Join Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario in a discussion on how to better support older persons in the community using lessons learned during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    We will discuss needs in primary care – focusing on the role of interprofessional teams – and offer some resources and tools to better support team-based care for older persons. We will also discuss how specialized geriatric service programs in your area can provide support to primary care clinicians.

    Reminder – Saegis Cybersecurity Clinic Update 2021, Mar. 4

    Cohosted with Saegis, this webinar:

    • Discusses the top 5 cybersecurity threats facing your clinic
    • Lists the 10 questions to ask before engaging an IT consultant for your clinic, and questions to ask about your clinics network security
    • Describes how and where to report clinic cyberattacks and privacy breaches.

    Learn more here.

    Reminder- AFHTO 2021 Conference: tell us what YOU want, what you really, really want

    We’re going virtual again for this year’s conference and although we haven’t set a date yet, the earliest would be some time in October. Now that we’ve tried it once, we’d like to make the next better for you- more streamlined and focused on your needs.

    We need your help. What do you want to hear more about and how would you like it?Tell us in this really quick survey. Deadline now March 9

    Recognizing social workers. Social Work Week 2021. #YouAreNotAlone. OASW

    Happy Social Work Week

    The first week of March marks the beginning of Social Work Week in Ontario (#SWW2021). The current environment we find ourselves in is truly unlike any other. Please consider this year’s Social Work Week theme, “You are Not Alone” and explore the resources being shared as part of Social Work Week, at: www.oasw.org/socialworkweek. 

    Join us as we recognize our fellow social work colleagues by celebrating Social Work Week and their many contributions to teams and their patients.

    learnings from pc vaccine webinar

    Learnings from primary care: Vaccine roll-out across Ontario

    Last Friday, February 26 we heard from teams who have stepped up to provide leadership for vaccine distribution in their communities. Ministry of Health officials, including Daniel Warshafsky (Senior Medical Consultant, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health) was also there to provide an update on vaccine roll-out and to take questions. Slides and video are now on our site.

     

    Engaging and supporting caregivers slides and video

    OCO Webinar Title Slide

    On Feb. 25, the Ontario Caregiver Organization highlighted resources and opportunities for primary care teams to support and engage caregivers. Attendees learned about:

    • The Ontario Caregiver Organization and their key programs, services, and resources
    • Three key caregiver-related strategies that can positively impact health outcomes and the patient/family/caregiver experience
    • Resources, programs, and actions that primary care teams can take to help advance these strategies

    Slides and video are now available.

    Video profile of Akausivik Inuit FHT COVID rollout, OECD report and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Supply Ontario appoints first CEO and needs primary care voices

    Supply Ontario is a single integrated supply chain across the public sector that will leverage the province’s purchasing power to provide greater value and consistent access to high-quality products and services. The agency has appointed Frank Rochon as their first CEO, effective March 1, 2021.

    They need your input to help identify opportunities to improve the value they can deliver for your organization and patients, through better supply chain processes. Deadline now March 9.

    OpenNotes study seeking clinician participants- tomorrow deadline to respond

    Researchers at CAMH are looking to recruit mental health care providers across Ontario who document patient notes within an electronic health record, to participate in the “The OpeN Study”. This study is looking to understand and explore the needs of clinicians who are providing patients and their family members access to their clinical notes.

    The study is recruiting participants to take part in a 60–90-minute interview to share their experiences. More information about the project can be found in this poster.

    If you are interested in participating in this study, please email Strudwick.research@camh.ca by Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021.

    Study invitation – characterizing the impact of primary care pharmacists’ consultation notes on health care decisions

    Dr. Nicole Domanski is a clinical pharmacist at the UBC Pharmacists Clinic. Her research project is designed to characterize the impact of pharmacists’ consultation notes on healthcare decisions made by prescribers. As a physician or nurse practitioner working in FHTs, you have likely received a consultation note written by a primary care pharmacist.

    She invites you to complete the following anonymous survey: to share your perspectives on pharmacist consultation notes. The survey consists of ranking and multiple-choice questions that should take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

    Click here complete survey.

    Healthy Professional Worker study

    An interdisciplinary, multi-university research team led by Dr. Bourgeault at the University of Ottawa is exploring the mental health experiences of professional workers, and how these experiences are affected by their personal, work and family life. They are particularly interested in the role that gender has on these experiences. There will also be some questions about how COVID-19 has impacted these experiences.

    If you are interested in taking part in this study, please follow this link to the online survey in English or in French. The survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete. If you would prefer to participate in an interview, please contact the study project coordinator, Audrey Kruisselbrink, at HPW@uottawa.ca. The interview will take 40-60 minutes, for which there will be a $20 honorarium.

    To learn more, you can see the flyer.

    RISE updates

    You can also sign up for their monthly newsletter here.

    Personal Resilience for Hospice Palliative Care, Mar. 3, 2021
    Learn how to enhance personal resilience during even the most challenging times.
    Find out more here.

    Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health, Mar. 4, 2021
    The aim of this conference is to bridge this gap and provide information and resources to better equip Nurse Practitioners providing care to Gender Diverse individuals. The highlight is hearing the patient perspective. Find out more.

    COVID@Home Monitoring for Primary Care Providers webinar, Mar. 4, 2021
    Ontario Health webinar with speakers:

    • Moderator: David Kaplan, Chief Clinical Quality, Clinical Institutes and Quality Programs, Ontario Health
    • Dr. Dee Mangin and Dr. Cathy Risdon, McMaster University Department of Family Medicine
    • Georgian Bay FHT – Gaynor Edwards, RN, Clinic Director
    • Marathon FHT – Jodi Osborne, Physician Assistant

    Register here.

    Practising Well Community of Practice, Mar. 5, 2021
    A space created by family physicians, for family physicians. Connect in real time with, and learn from, others who are working with patients to address their mental health, substance use disorders and chronic pain. The first session focuses on the challenges for family doctors in managing their own mental health/substance use during the pandemic. Join in on the discussion. Register here.

    OHT evaluation webinars, Feb. 23 recording & Mar. 23 registration
    The recording and slides for Health System Performance Network’s Population Health Management & Applying Population Segmentation from Feb. 23, and OHT Improvement Measures from Health Administrative Data: Where are OHTs Starting From? on Mar. 23 registration are available here.

    BounceBack refresher webinar, Mar. 18 & 25, 2021
    The BounceBack communications and marketing team invites you to a 30-minute refresher presentation on BounceBack, a free CBT skill-building program designed to help individuals 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate anxiety or depression, stress or worry.

  • Bits & Pieces: vaccine learnings webinar, 2021 conference and more

    Bits & Pieces: vaccine learnings webinar, 2021 conference and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Learnings from primary care: Vaccine roll-out across Ontario
    • Urgent reminder- Supply Ontario needs primary care voices
    • AFHTO 2021 Conference: tell us what YOU want, what you really, really want
    • Black Health Matters: Building a primary health care system that works
    • Prescribing nature: PaRx launches in Ontario
    • Updated provincial testing guidance, workflow, COVID-19 educational series x 2 and more
    • Member stories
    • Primary care virtual groups slides and video available
    • Humber College Healthcare Management student placements
    • Upcoming events including engaging caregivers, cybersecurity and more

    Learnings from primary care: Vaccine roll-out across Ontario

    Please join us this Friday, February 26, from 1 – 2:30 p.m. to hear from teams who have stepped up to provide leadership for vaccine distribution in their communities. They will speak to work that is underway; offer guidance and advice; speak to challenges faced and how they are resolving them; and answer questions you may have.
     

    Speakers:

    • Jill Berridge (ED, McMaster FHT)
    • Robin Mackie (ED, Delhi FHT)
    • Teri Arany (ED, Toronto Western FHT) and Camille Lemieux (Lead Physician, Toronto Western FHT)
    • Michèle Lajeunesse (Community Health Promotion Coordinator, Marathon FHT)

    Ministry of Health officials, including Daniel Warshafsky (Senior Medical Consultant, Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health) and Nadia Surani (Director, Primary Health Care Branch), will be on a portion of the webcast to provide an update on vaccine roll-out and to take questions. Register now.

    Urgent reminder- Supply Ontario needs primary care voices

    Supply Ontario is a single integrated supply chain across the public sector that will leverage the province’s purchasing power to provide greater value and consistent access to high-quality products and services.

    They need your input to help identify opportunities to improve the value they can deliver for your organization and patients, through better supply chain processes. Deadline now March 9.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference: tell us what YOU want, what you really, really want

    It’s the last week of February and we’re starting to plan this year’s conference. We’re going virtual again and although we haven’t set a date yet, the earliest would be some time in October. Now that we’ve tried it once, we’d like to make the next better for you- more streamlined and focused on your needs.

    We need your help. What do you want to hear more about and how would you like it?Tell us in this really quick survey. Deadline now March 9

    Note: Yes, we made a Spice Girls reference. If you’d like a trip down memory lane or a dance break (we hear looking away from your screen occasionally is good for you) click here.

    Black Health Matters: Building a primary health care system that works

    BHM panel 2020

    In recognition of Black History Month, we offer this session from our 2020 conference (video link below). Anti-Black racism was already a pre-COVID pandemic, with its roots in history. What does this mean for primary care? For this session there was:

    • An overall focus on Black people’s experience with healthcare in Ontario
    • Context for this at the system/ policy level- including the ways in which seemingly neutral instruments and tools feed an anti-Black narrative
    • Replicable programs addressing these issues as carried out by Black health leaders
    • What primary care teams can do

    Watch the video

    Prescribing nature: PaRx launches in Ontario

    2 people walking through fall foliage

    Nature prescriptions were named one of the top 8 global wellness trends in 2019. And it’s no surprise—research shows that kids and adults who spend more time in nature are happier and healthier. Starting with a BC launch in November 2020 to significant media attention (The Globe & Mail, CBC), PaRx is breaking ground as Canada’s first national, evidence-based nature prescription program.  
     
    On February 22nd PaRx officially launched in Ontario. Featuring practical resources like quick tips and patient handouts, its goal is to make prescribing time in nature simple, fun and effective.

    As part of the Ontario launch, and out of gratitude to health-care workers, the BC Parks Foundation is offering free remote nature therapy sessions led by certified nature therapy guides to all prescribers in March so they can experience the stress-relieving benefits of nature themselves.
     
    Check out www.parkprescriptions.ca for more information on nature prescriptions and to register to become a prescriber.

    Member stories

    Guelph FHT – 98 doctors write letter encouraging community to get vaccinated

    Markham FHT – AFHTO president and Markham FHT Lead MD Dr. Allan Grill on vaccine rollout to 80+ with CP24 and Global News

    Six Nations of the Grand River FHT- Six Nations band members can soon preregister for COVID-19 vaccine

    Updated provincial testing guidance, workflow, COVID-19 educational series x 2 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Transitiong to virtual title slide screenshot

    Primary care virtual groups slides and video available

    On Feb. 17 we hosted the webinar Primary Care Virtual Groups – Transitioning a CBT Program & Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Program to Virtual with Arnprior and District FHT and Scarborough Academic FHT. Video and slides are now available. 

     

     

    Humber College Healthcare Management student placements

    The Honours Degree, Healthcare Management Bachelor of Commerce program takes the best of business management practices – business law, marketing, microeconomics, financial management, and business research methods- then add the edges: an in-depth study of healthcare issues and systems. Key courses including Population Health, Health Data and Analysis, Health Economics Health Policy and Evaluation and Healthcare Financial Management.    
     
    This program equips third year students with the skills required to contribute to your organization with good understanding of the best management practices through the Healthcare Management lens. Additional key courses include Health Informatics, Healthcare Strategy and Markets, Healthcare Systems and Health Services Organization and Management. See their flyer.

    Engaging and supporting caregivers in primary care teams: working together to improve outcomes and enhance the patient, caregiver, and family experience, Feb. 25, 2021

    Cohosted with Ontario Caregiver Organization, this webinar will highlight resources and opportunities for teams to support and engage caregivers.

    Register today.

    Saegis Cybersecurity Clinic Update 2021, Mar. 4, 2021
    Cohosted with Saegis, this webinar discusses the top security threats facing your team and explores best practices to decrease the risk of breaches in the clinic setting. Learn more here.

    Atopic dermatitis seminar for healthcare professionals, Mar. 1, 2021

    The Eczema Society of Canada and University of Ottawa is hosting this webinar aimed towards primary care providers.
    Find out more here.

    Personal Resilience for Hospice Palliative Care, Mar. 3, 2021
    Learn how to enhance personal resilience during even the most challenging times.
    Find out more here.

    Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health, Mar. 4, 2021
    The aim of this conference is to bridge this gap and provide information and resources to better equip Nurse Practitioners providing care to Gender Diverse individuals. The highlight is hearing the patient perspective. Find out more.

  • Bits & Pieces: cultural safety toolkit, many vaccine resources and more

    Bits & Pieces: cultural safety toolkit, many vaccine resources and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Creating a safer environment for Indigenous Peoples
    • Reminder- Supply Ontario survey
    • Reminder- primary care virtual groups webinar tomorrow
    • Saegis cybersecurity clinic update webinar Mar 4
    • PHAC COVID-19 vaccination toolkit for HCWs, many Ministry resources, and more
    • Wellness Together Canada
    • OCFP Awards – call for nominations
    • CPSO policy consultations including MAID
    • Noninvasive Fetal RhD Blood Group Genotyping Task Force
    • Upcoming events including engaging and supporting caregivers and more

    Creating a safer environment for Indigenous Peoples

    The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council has just released Ne’ iikaanigaana Toolkit: Creating Safer Environments for Indigenous Peoples. Ne’ iikaanigaana is the Anishinaabe word for ‘All Our Relations’.

    The toolkit was created to support mainstream organizations on their journey towards creating safer environments for Indigenous participation, which is inclusive of participating as both an employee and a client or patient seeking services.

    Reminder- Supply Ontario survey

    The government recently established Supply Ontario, a single integrated supply chain across the public sector that will leverage the province’s purchasing power to provide greater value and consistent access to high-quality products and services.

    They’re need your input to help identify opportunities to improve the value they can deliver for your organization and patients, through better supply chain processes. Deadline February 24.

    Reminder- primary care virtual groups webinar tomorrow

    This webinar is in collaboration with two FHTs transitioning in-person programs to virtual. Scarborough Academic FHT will share how they transferred their CBT skills group for depression and anxiety to online along with the benefits and challenges.

    Arnprior FHT is presenting on how they modified an in-person Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab to Virtual in their rural community. In this webinar they will share their patients’ thoughts and feelings on the program adjustment, discussing wins and struggles along the way. Register here.

    Pre-budget submission
    AFHTO submitted recommendations last week to the Ministry of Finance as part of the 2021 Ontario Pre-Budget Consultations. The submission is entitled “The Heart of Health Care: Delivering Better Primary Care for Ontarians.”  This was done in collaboration with the Ontario College of Family Physicians, the OMA Section on General & Family Practice, and the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario. The submission can be read here.

    Saegis cybersecurity clinic update webinar Mar 4

    This webinar on March 4 will explore Canadian data/trends from the Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity, discuss the top security threats facing your team, and explore best practices to decrease the risk of breaches in the clinic setting. We will take a look at what a cyber-attack looks like, and how to respond if one should happen. Register today.

    COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet, cancer screening update and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Woman in pyjamas sits on the floor wth her head resting against a bed

    Wellness Together Canada

    Wellness Together Canada is Canada’s first and only online platform offering immediate mental health support for people of all ages, in every province and territory, and in both official languages.

    It provides a “stepped care” model where Canadians can be instantly connected to virtual mental health services, from a five-minute self-assessment, to extensive support and resources, to live phone, video or text counselling with a mental health professional or crisis responder.

     

    All services and resources are available at no cost to users, ever. This includes:

    • Immediate crisis support
    • Mental health self-assessment and monitoring
    • Access to self-directed virtual programs
    • Moderated community of support
    • Virtual group coached anxiety program
    • E-courses, including drop-in mindfulness class
    • Live one-on-one counselling support by video, phone, or text

    Visit Wellness Together Canada for 24/7 access to free mental health and substance use support at wellnesstogether.ca.

    OCFP Awards – call for nominations

    Nominate your colleagues for an OCFP award. Multiple categories ae open, including regional Family Physician of the Year. Deadline Feb. 28, 2021

    CPSO policy consultations including MAID

    CPSO is conducting policy consultations on the issues below. You can provide your input by March 15 for the first and April 12 for the rest:

    Noninvasive Fetal RhD Blood Group Genotyping Task Force

    The PSO Advisory Committee is looking for representation from the following categories to join the Noninvasive Fetal RhD Blood Group Genotyping Task Force:

    • Primary Care (Family Medicine, Midwifery, Nurse Practitioner)
    • Care for Indigenous Populations and/or Remote Care

    This is a short-term task force that will provide evidence-based and clinical/scientific leadership advice on implementation considerations for noninvasive fetal RhD blood group genotyping in Ontario. The terms of reference are here.

    How to Apply (Deadline: February 24, 2021):

    1. Complete and submit the RhD Task Force Survey
    2. Forward your CV to pso@bornontario.ca

    Engaging and supporting caregivers in primary care teams: working together to improve outcomes and enhance the patient, caregiver, and family experience, Feb. 25, 2021

    Cohosted with Ontario Caregiver Organization, this webinar will highlight resources and opportunities for teams to support and engage caregivers.

    Register today.

    Infection Prevention and Control at Work: Basic Awareness Training

    The PSHSA recently released this free, 30-minute training module for Ontario workers to recognize and prevent infection hazards in the workplace. Learn more here.

    Goal Management Training for Treatment of Executive Dysfunction, Feb. 19, 2021
    Learn more about the intervention, research, and models to deliver Goals Management Training virtually. Learn more here. 

    Changing the way we work: Long COVID and lessons from the UK, Feb. 19, 2021
    The COVID-19 CoP by the OCFP is covering learnings from the Dr. Greenhalgh, a renowned primary care researcher and GP in the UK. Learn more here.

    Atopic dermatitis seminar for healthcare professionals, Mar. 1, 2021

    The Eczema Society of Canada and University of Ottawa is hosting this webinar aimed towards primary care providers.
    Find out more here.

    Personal Resilience for Hospice Palliative Care, Mar. 3, 2021
    Learn how to enhance personal resilience during even the most challenging times.
    Find out more here.

    Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health, Mar. 4, 2021
    The aim of this conference is to bridge this gap and provide information and resources to better equip Nurse Practitioners providing care to Gender Diverse individuals. The highlight is hearing the patient perspective. Find out more.

  • QI in Action eBulletin # 104 – Identifying Priority Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination from EMRs

    QI in Action eBulletin # 104 – Identifying Priority Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination from EMRs

    In this Issue:

    • What is POPLAR?
    • POPLAR and COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization
    • Data Security & Privacy
    • How to Register?
    • COVID-19 Cancer Screening Tip Sheet for Primary Care Providers
    • Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey
    • Upcoming Webinars

    What is POPLAR?

    The Primary Care Ontario Practice-based Learning and Research Network (POPLAR) is an initiative of Ontario’s six University Departments/Sections of Family Medicine and the Alliance for Healthier Communities. POPLAR securely collects and de-identifies electronic medical record (EMR) data to support practices in delivering optimal care across Ontario and strengthen practice-based clinical research and quality improvement processes.

    POPLAR works with clinicians, researchers, and policy makers, providing information on the vital work primary care does, while supporting practices in delivering optimal care across Ontario. Currently, over 1,000 family physicians are contributing EMR data for over 1.8 million patients to the POPLAR database.

    POPLAR and COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization

    Building on the work POPLAR has done in the past 10+ years, POPLAR can assist practices wishing to identify patients that should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccinations. This relies on EMR data that have been extracted from primary care practices, cleaned, and standardized. The data can accurately identify groups of patients meeting various criteria.
    Complex queries can sometimes be difficult to run in EMRs. POPLAR can readily flag patients to be prioritized when the identification parameters rely on multiple criteria (e.g., age range + uncontrolled diabetes + obesity).

    POPLAR data is also linkable to census data, which means that differences in neighborhood socio-economic levels can be added to health data in EMRs; this allows a more comprehensive assessment of risks. This is especially relevant for vaccination prioritization: we know that social challenges our patients live with, such as poverty, can be associated with a greater risk of contracting COVID-19 and greater risk of serious complications once infected.

    POPLAR can obtain aggregate measures from census data at the neighbourhood level, including type of residence, immigration status, average household income, unemployment, education.

    There is strong evidence in Ontario that the risk of infection varies by neighbourhood and is associated with each neighborhood’s socio-demographic profile. For example, in Ottawa, neighbourhoods with more Black, Middle Eastern, low income, and single-family residents have higher rates of COVID-19 infections.

    COVID an neighbourhood chart- ebulletin #104

    We can only understand the impact of COVID-19 on our practices and our patients through collecting and analyzing accurate and representative health data. The pandemic has exposed many data gaps in Ontario. Our teams are vitally important to ensure that those we serve are included, as our information reflects our settings, patients, and communities. Collectively, primary care’s voice can be heard by providing safe and secure access to real-world data; this is possible with your help!  Register with the POPLAR network member closest to you today to start contributing your EMR data.

    Data Security & Privacy

    POPLAR only studies de-identified patient and practice data. POPLAR complies with robust ethics, governance and security measures. Individual patients have the right to opt out of their data being collected through POPLAR’s networks for research.

    Data for QI in Your practice

    Generation of de-identified EMR dataset

     

     

     

     

     

     

    How to Register?

    Help POPLAR build practical evidence in family medicine, by supporting the collective Culture of Curiosity and by contributing data. The time and effort it takes to safely and securely contribute is minimal. All you need do is fill out a consent form and a brief survey; POPLAR staff will coordinate data extraction at your practice, with all safeguards in place.

    If you are interested in registering, or if you would like to find out more information about POPLAR, please contact Sandeep Gill at Sandeep.gill@afhto.ca, who will then direct your query to your local network contact. More information can also be found on the AFHTO website here.

    COVID-19 Cancer Screening Tip Sheet for Primary Care Providers

    In June 2020, Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) released COVID-19 Tip Sheet #15: Guidance for primary care providers resuming breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screening to support primary care providers as they resumed cancer screening. This updated streamlined tip sheet was developed to continue to support primary care providers with cancer screening based on ongoing fluctuations in COVID-19 cases and local variation in COVID-19 trends.

    Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey

    Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey

    Last year, we launched the Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey for teams to implement in order to capture the patient experience with virtual care. Moving ahead we are collecting teams’ aggregate responses as we create a narrative of how virtual care could be permanently included in the patient care journey – submit your data here!

     

    Upcoming Webinars:

    Primary Care Virtual Groups – Transitioning A CBT Program & Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab Program To Virtual
    February 17, 2021 (12-1 pm EST)
    This webinar is in collaboration with two Family Health Teams transitioning in person programs to virtual. Scarborough Academic FHT will share how they transferred their CBT skills group for depression and anxiety to online along with the benefits and challenges. Arnprior FHT is presenting on how they modified an in-person Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab to Virtual in the rural community of Arnprior, ON. Learn more and register here.

    Engaging and Supporting Caregivers In Primary Care Teams: Working Together To Improve Outcomes And Enhance The Patient, Caregiver, And Family Experience
    February 25, 2021 (12-1 pm EST)
    In this webinar, learn about the Ontario Caregiver Organization and the key programs, services, and resources they offer. Learn about three key caregiver-related strategies that can positively impact health outcomes and the patient/family/caregiver experience. Find out about resources, programs, and actions that primary care teams can take to help advance these strategies. Learn more and register here.

     

    Interested in sharing your teams’ initiatives in a future webinar? Email Sandeep Gill – Sandeep.gill@afhto.ca to learn more about the AFHTO KTE Webinar Schedule!

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #103 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

     

  • Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 collaborative home monitoring resources, fact sheets and more

    Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 collaborative home monitoring resources, fact sheets and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • COVID-19 collaborative home monitoring program resources now available
    • Happy Psychology month
    • Supply Ontario survey
    • Interprofessional primary care during COVID-19: a survey of the provider perspective
    • Correction-anti-racism webinar series open to members
    • COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet, cancer screening update and more
    • Reminder- primary care virtual groups webinar, Feb. 17, 2021
    • Trans health mentorship call
    • Infection prevention and control at work: basic awareness training
    • Microsoft Teams update
    • PHAC webinar: emerging issues on covid-19 vaccines: allergies, anaphylaxis, and low dead volume syringes
    • Upcoming events including transitioning programs to virtual and more

    COVID-19 collaborative home monitoring program resources now available

    Related to this recently launched program, Georgian Bay FHT has provided resources to help other members set up their own program, including CHMP pathway, patient information handouts and EMR assessment forms.

    Happy Psychology month

    To all our Psychologists, thank you for looking out for Ontarians’ mental health throughout the pandemic. Happy Psychology Month!

    Reminder- The Ontario Psychological Association is also still working with AFHTO to improve access to psychological services in times of need. Last spring, they activated the Disaster Response Network to connect essential front-line workers who needed support from psychologists. Until March 31st, Ontario physicians, nurse practitioners and FHTs may still refer essential workers with no or limited health benefits directly to OPA or inform patients to call 211 to be connected to a psychologist within 48 hours. Up to 6 counselling sessions are offered at no cost.

    Supply Ontario survey

    The government recently established Supply Ontario, a single integrated supply chain across the public sector that will leverage the province’s purchasing power to provide greater value and consistent access to high-quality products and services.

    They’re asking for input to help identify where there may be opportunities to improve the value that the agency can deliver for your organization and patients, through better supply chain processes. Deadline February 24.

    Interprofessional primary care during COVID-19: a survey of the provider perspective
    Thank you to those who participated in the survey led by Drs. Catherine Donnelly (and Jordan Miller and Rachelle Ashcroft. An article has now been published, with input from our own Sandeep Gill.

    Correction- Anti-racism webinar series open to members
    Hosted by Central Brampton FHT’s mental health team & CMHA Toronto Opening Doors Project, Anti-Racism – What is it and Where do you fit in? is a webinar series with four consecutive episodes, which offers an opportunity to explore our own individual identities and how it relates to practicing anti-racism:

    • Part 1: Reflecting on our own Identities -Feb. 17 AND 24
    • Part 2: Building Bridges: Anti-Racism 101- Mar. 3 AND 10

    Members are welcome to attend.

    COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet, cancer screening update and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Reminder- primary care virtual groups webinar, Feb. 17, 2021

    This webinar is in collaboration with two FHTs transitioning in-person programs to virtual. Scarborough Academic FHT will share how they transferred their CBT skills group for depression and anxiety to online along with the benefits and challenges.

    Arnprior FHT is presenting on how they modified an in-person Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab to Virtual in their rural community. In this webinar they will share their patients’ thoughts and feelings on the program adjustment, discussing wins and struggles along the way. Register here.

    Trans health mentorship call

    Rainbow Health Ontario’s Trans Health Mentorship call is a teleconference every other week for Ontario clinicians to connect with peers who have experience caring for trans and non-binary service users.  

    The call is open to any professional (physician, nurse, social worker, mental health worker, etc.) who is or will be working with trans and non-binary service users. Learn more here.

    An employee with glasses, mask and glove cleans a counter

     

    Infection prevention and control at work: basic awareness training

    A new online training program is now available to help Ontario workers recognize infection hazards in the workplace and what can be done to prevent them. Developed in consultation with infection control consultants and epidemiologists, this free, 30-minute eLearning program from Public Services Health & Safety Association equips workers with knowledge in how infections spread and what action can be taken to protect themselves and others in the workplace.

     

     

    Microsoft Teams update

    AFHTO continues its conversations with Ontario Health on extending the Microsoft 365 licensing (which includes Microsoft Teams) to AFHTO members. Ontario Health is working through the details with Microsoft, and they are considering affiliate licensing that would be made available through a licensing provider. AFHTO will advise members when the affiliate licensing has been set up, along with the details on the discount pricing (hopefully before fiscal year end).

    PHAC webinar: emerging issues on covid-19 vaccines: allergies, anaphylaxis, and low dead volume syringes

    Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) webinar hosted by the National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCCID):
    English Session
    February 10, 2021 1pm-3:00pm EST
    Register: Click here
     
    French Session
    February 12, 2021  1pm-3:00pm EST
    Register: Click here
     
    Previous Public Health Agency of Canada COVID-19 vaccine webinars for health care providers can be found here.

    Engaging and supporting caregivers in primary care teams: working together to improve outcomes and enhance the patient, caregiver, and family experience, Feb. 25, 2021

    Cohosted with Ontario Caregiver Organization, this webinar will highlight resources and opportunities for teams to support and engage caregivers.

    Register today.

    Waiting Room Revolution – A Podcast About Unlocking the Secrets to a Better Illness Experience

    Drs. Hsien Seow and Samantha Winemaker share the stories of patients and families’ serious illness journeys. Listen to the first 4 episodes today.

    Goal Management Training for Treatment of Executive Dysfunction, Feb. 19, 2021
    Learn more about the intervention, research, and models to deliver Goals Management Training virtually. Learn more here.

    Recognizing and Managing Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care during COVID-19, Feb. 9, 2021
    Ontario Health webinar with experts in the field and resources about how to support patients presenting in primary care with symptoms of anxiety. Register here.

    Personal Resilience for Hospice Palliative Care, Mar. 3, 2021
    Learn how to enhance personal resilience during even the most challenging times.
    Find out more here.

    Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health, Mar. 4, 2021
    The aim of this conference is to bridge this gap and provide information and resources to better equip Nurse Practitioners providing care to Gender Diverse individuals. The highlight is hearing the patient perspective. Find out more.

    Advance Care Planning & Goals of E-Learning Modules, Available until Mar. 31, 2021
    The HPCO is offering their e-modules on person-centred decision making for a limited time. Register before the end of March to access the resources. Learn more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: engaging and supporting caregivers webinar Feb. 25 and more

    Bits & Pieces: engaging and supporting caregivers webinar Feb. 25 and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Engaging and Supporting Caregivers, Feb. 25
    • Members’ stories
    • Anti-racism webinar series open to members
    • Mental Health and Additions Centre of Excellence supports for HCW and more
    • Now is the Time to Choose Wisely: Advancing QI slides and video
    • Improving access and navigation to psychological services during COVID-19
    • Prenatal Screening Ontario seeking working group members
    • Survey to better understand public beliefs and perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccines
    • COVID-19 cohort study in GTA
    • Joint letter on vaccination roll-out and community providers
    • Upcoming events including transitioning a CBT program & cardio-pulmonary rehab program to virtual and more

    Engaging and Supporting Caregivers, Feb. 25

    There are 3.3 million family caregivers in Ontario who play a critical role in health outcomes. We are pleased to cohost a webinar with the Ontario Caregiver Organization which will highlight resources and opportunities for teams to support and engage caregivers:

    • Learn about the Ontario Caregiver Organization and the key programs, services and resources they offer.
    • Learn about three key caregiver-related strategies that can positively impact health outcomes and the patient/family/caregiver experience.
    • Find out about resources, programs, and actions that teams can take to help advance these strategies.

    Register for this webinar on Feb. 25.

    Members’ stories

    City of Lakes Family FHT staff with the Tim Hortons for Good campaign van

    City of Lakes FHT – The City of Lakes Family FHT was visited by the Tim Hortons for Good campaign Feb. 1.

    Georgian Bay FHT – South Georgian Bay OHT has launched a Home Monitoring Program to care for high-risk patients with suspect or confirmed COVID-19.

    Anti-racism webinar series open to members
    Hosted by Central Brampton FHT’s mental health team & CMHA Toronto Opening Doors Project, Anti-Racism – What is it and Where do you fit in? is a webinar workshop series which offers an opportunity to explore our own individual identities and how it relates to practicing anti-racism:

    • Part 1: Reflecting on our own Identities -Feb. 17 & 24
    • Part 2: Building Bridges: Anti-Racism 101- Mar. 3 & 10

    Members are welcome to attend.

    Mental Health and Additions Centre of Excellence supports for HCW and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Now is the Time to Choose Wisely: Advancing QI slides and video

    Choosing Wisely webinar slide

    On January 27 we cohosted a webinar with Choosing Wisely Canada on improving practice, enhancing patient experiences, and reducing unnecessary tests and treatments. Slides and video are now available.

    Improving access and navigation to psychological services during COVID-19

    Ontario Psychological Association has recently launched Askforhelptoday.ca, a new e-referral and matching service that improves the way Ontarians connect to psychological services. Funded by RBC Insurance, it utilizes technology from Strata Health Solutions to match patients to the most appropriate provider. OPA navigators will ensure each patient is connected quickly and confidentially to a psychologist based on their needs and personal preferences. This can be paid either through benefits or out of pocket.

    The Ontario Psychological Association is also still working with AFHTO to improve access to psychological services in times of need. Last spring, they activated the Disaster Response Network to connect essential front-line workers who needed support from psychologists. Until March 31st, Ontario physicians, nurse practitioners and FHTs may still refer essential workers with no or limited health benefits directly to OPA or inform patients to call 211 to be connected to a psychologist within 48 hours. Up to 6 counselling sessions are offered at no cost.

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    Prenatal Screening Ontario seeking working group members

    Consider using your experience to support Ontario’s prenatal screening system. Prenatal Screening Ontario depends on input from experts and advisors from relevant fields to ensure that all the elements of a robust screening program are best carried out.

    They’re looking for representation from across all regions of Ontario including Northern Ontario, rural and Indigenous communities, to join the Genetics Working Group and Education Working Group. Check out their website for more details about the working groups, and how to apply. The deadline for applications is February 19, 2021.

    Survey to better understand public beliefs and perceptions of the COVID-19 vaccines

    To facilitate coordinated action in primary care, Women’s College Research Institute is seeking to understand beliefs relating to the COVID-19 vaccine and what supports are needed for healthcare professionals in primary care.

    You are invited to complete a brief survey to help them better understand your perspectives and experience.

    Note: They will be distributing this survey monthly for a total of four months to understand how experiences are changing over time.

    Click here to access the survey.

    COVID-19 cohort study in GTA

    A COVID-19 Research Study led by Mt. Sinai Hospital and funded by Weston Foundation, Physicians’ Services Inc., and COVID-19 Immunity Task Force is looking for people working in private medical offices and clinics in the Toronto area. The COVID-19 Cohort Study (CCS) follows staff and their families throughout the pandemic to find out the rate of COVID-19 infection, antibody levels over time, and the uptake of vaccines against COVID-19.

    The researchers are looking for staff who have direct patient contact as well as those that have no contact with patients.

    For more information about the study visit here.

    Joint letter on vaccination roll-out and community providers
    AFHTO, in partnership with other primary care and home care associations, wrote to Premier Ford and Minister Elliott last week regarding the need to plan the vaccination roll-out to vulnerable and home-bound individuals.

    “While we understand that currently, there is a shortage of vaccines, and that this reality is outside of the province’s control, we are concerned that there is not a transparent plan around how needles are going to get into the arms of people identified to be in Stage 2, namely those that are vulnerable and/or home-bound and the providers that care for them.”

    Read the full letter here.

    Primary care virtual groups – transitioning a CBT program & cardio-pulmonary rehab program to virtual

    This webinar is in collaboration with two FHTs transitioning in-person programs to virtual. Scarborough Academic FHT will share how they transferred their CBT skills group for depression and anxiety to online along with the benefits and challenges.

    Arnprior FHT is presenting on how they modified an in-person Cardio-Pulmonary Rehab to Virtual in their rural community. In this webinar they will share their patients’ thoughts and feelings on the program adjustment, discussing wins and struggles along the way. Register here.

    Mental health for adults with developmental disabilities during COVID: A virtual course for family caregivers, starting Feb. 2, 2021
    This course will run for 6 weeks beginning on Tuesday February 2, 2021. Find out more here.

    Changing the way we work: Update on COVID-19 Vaccines, Feb. 5, 2021
    The next in OCFP/DFCM COVID-19 CoP sessions. Register here.

    Recognizing and Managing Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care during COVID-19, Feb. 9, 2021
    Ontario Health webinar with experts in the field and resources about how to support patients presenting in primary care with symptoms of anxiety. Register here.

    What do Covid-19 vaccines mean for me? Feb. 18, 2021
    Part two of The Globe and Mail and The Royal Society of Canada’s COVID-19 vaccine series. Register here.

    Advancing Excellence in Transgender Health, Mar. 4, 2021
    The aim of this conference is to bridge this gap and provide information and resources to better equip Nurse Practitioners providing care to Gender Diverse individuals. The highlight is hearing the patient perspective. Find out more.