Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Members Only News

  • Bits & Pieces: resilient communities fund and more

    Bits & Pieces: resilient communities fund and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • OTF Resilient Communities Fund deadline April 6
    • Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month
    • Recommended drugs for adults with COVID-19 and more
    • Cannabis and older adults – coming soon
    • OCFP Awards – call for nominations
    • Benefits wayfinder
    • Upcoming events including “From pandemic to endemic? What’s next with COVID”, and more

    OTF Resilient Communities Fund deadline April 6

    While AFHTO members may not be solely eligible, they can work with community partners to apply for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund. The fund supports the recovery efforts of organizations impacted by COVID-19 and helps them respond with immediate, medium, and longer-term recovery projects.

    • Applicants can apply for a minimum of $10,000, and up to $200,000, with a maximum of $100,000 per year.
    • Application period is from March 9 until April 6, 2022, at 5 PM ET.

    You can find out more and register for overview webinars here.

    (NOTE: as per the OTF – they do not fund organizations that receive the majority of their funding through the public purse but they would welcome applications through the Collaborative Applicants Policy).

    Pharmacist in glasses, mask, hijab and gloves injects masked female patient in her right arm

     

    Happy Pharmacy Appreciation Month

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

     

    Recommended drugs for adults with COVID-19 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Cannabis and older adults asynchronous learning- 11 individually accredited modules

    Cannabis and older adults – coming soon

    Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health has been developing several eLearning modules on Cannabis and Older Adults. The English version will be ready for launch very soon. Geared specifically to physicians, nurse practitioners, other healthcare providers and healthcare students, information on how to register will be made available when the modules officially launch. You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest developments. 

    OCFP Awards – call for nominations

    Nominate your colleagues for an OCFP award. Multiple categories ae open, including regional Family Physician of the Year. New for 2022 – Ontario family physicians can self nominate in any OCFP Award category. Deadline Mar. 13, 2022.

    Benefits wayfinder
    Benefits wayfinder is an online tool that simplifies the search for government benefits for people seeking ways to boost their incomes and/or reduce their expenses. Created by Prosper Canada, primary care providers can do a free online course to help them support patients here. If you have questions, please email benefitswayfinder@prospercanada.org. 

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

    From pandemic to endemic? What’s next with COVID, Mar. 4, 2022

    Join the 40th in OCFP CoP’s series ‘Changing the way we work’. Register here.

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

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

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

    Safe Administration of Oxytocin, Mar. 7, 2022
    Relaunched report, developed by the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health available here. You can register for the webinar here.

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

    Winter/Spring 2022 Continuing Professional Development, until June 2022
    Some changes have been made to session dates for Queen’s Faculty of Health Sciences’ Continuing Professional Development program to allow them to host many programs in-person. View options here.

  • Bits & Pieces: election advocacy materials ready and more

    Bits & Pieces: election advocacy materials ready and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

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

    Provincial Election 2022: advocacy material is now ready

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

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

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

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

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

    CIRA’s Community Investment Program grant application open March 1

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

    Vaccine information sheets updated and more

    Recent updates include:

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

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

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

    Update on tests now covered by OHIP

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

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

    New Canadian Dyslipidemia guidelines (2021)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Your Weekly News & Updates

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

    AFHTO’s 2022 Pre-Budget Submission

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

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

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

    Our 2022 pre-budget submission can be read here.

    Inequity in online OHIP renewal being addressed

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

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

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

    FHT contract extension confirmed

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

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

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

    Windsor-Essex OHT announced

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

    Updates re revoking Directive #2 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Need a ride to your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment?

     

    Accessible Drive-to-Vaccines Program extended

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

    Advance care planning guides on sale

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • QI in Action eBulletin #115: Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution, Funding Opportunities, Partner Updates

    QI in Action eBulletin #115: Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution, Funding Opportunities, Partner Updates

    In this Issue:

    • Understanding the Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution
    • Clinical Systems Renewal Funding
    • Primary Care Data Reports for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs)
    • Updates from eHealth Centre of Excellence
    • NEW Online Smoking Cessation Program
    • Upcoming Webinars

     

    New Research Project! We want to hear from you!
    AFHTO has partnered with Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft on a study focused on understanding how and in what ways primary care contributes to vaccine distribution, challenges experienced by primary care in the transition of vaccine distribution, as well as generating recommendations about primary care’s ongoing and future roles in vaccine distribution, including COVID-19 boosters.

    This study will be in the format of focus groups with EDs, MDs, NPs, nurses, QIDSS and IHPs.

    If you are interested in participating, please complete this poll for your availability, by February 16, 2022.

    For any questions, please connect with Sandeep Gill: sandeep.gill@afhto.ca.

    Clinical Systems Renewal Funding
    The Ministry of Health (MOH), through Ontario Health, has approved up to $3.96M in dedicated funding each year in FY2021-22 and FY2022-23 for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) and In Development (OHT) Teams to support investments that reduce the fragmentation of clinical systems with a focus on Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) and Hospital Information Systems (HIS). Funding is intended for innovative projects that lay a foundation to further streamline healthcare systems resulting in better integrated care outcomes. For more information, please click here.

    Primary Care Data Reports for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs)
    The Primary Care Data Working Group has produced OHT-specific Primary Care Data Reports (PCDR). The reports use standard health administrative measures in primary care in conjunction with measures for attachment to a primary care provider to deliver a standardized document for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs). These reports are intended to provide a deeper understanding of the attributed population of each OHT from a primary care lens. To learn more about the reports, please click here.

    Updates from the eHealth Centre of Excellence: New and upcoming digital health tools for primary care

    The eHealth Centre of Excellence (eCE) has been developing several different decision support tools that can be integrated into primary care EMRs to facilitate access to best practice evidence at the point of care:

    • Development of the Long COVID tool jointly with Ontario Health is nearing completion for Telus PS Suite, with the Oscar version currently in development
    • Development for the Osteoporosis toolkit in Oscar is complete and the Accuro version is now in development; this tool is already available for the PS Suite
    • The Falls Prevention EMR tool developed jointly with the Centre for Effective Practice (CEP) has finished development and should be available soon for PS Suite
    • Work has begun with Surrey Place on the new “Health Check” tool, which aims to help with documenting a comprehensive health assessment for adults with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

    These tools will be made available for download directly from the community portal. If you have any questions and would like to see a specific tool developed, please reach out to: EMRtools@ehealthce.ca.

    The eCE Automates team continues to provide virtual assistants or “bots” that help to create more efficient workflows for clinicians and their staff:

    • The COVID-19 vaccination bot is continuing to help clinicians with their COVID-19 vaccine documentation, supporting 3rd and 4th doses within the PS Suite EMR, with development underway to bring this bot to Accuro
    • The new Bernie Lab ordering bot is currently in development with a planned release in the coming months – stay tuned!
    • They are working on a new automation project named ASAPP (Automated Solutions Assisting Priority Populations), which will build on the existing bot processes by running additional advanced algorithms to identify high risk patients

    Feel free to get in touch here if you are interested in learning more.

    Ongoing exploration is occurring through the HEAL (Healthcare Experience and Advancement Lab) initiative to help understand and prioritize future automations within both clinical and administrative spaces. If you are interested in providing input as to what tasks you would like to see automated, consider signing up for HEAL and they will be in touch.

    CAMH STOP on the Net

     

    NEW Online Smoking Cessation Program: STOP on the Net

    The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has launched an online smoking cessation program called STOP on the Net, available to adults in Ontario interested in quitting tobacco cigarette smoking. Eligible participants can receive a free 8-week NRT kit containing nicotine patches and gum/lozenges mailed directly to their address!

    Learn more about STOP on the Net by reading the flyer and visiting www.stoponthenet.com.

     

     

    Upcoming Webinars:
    OMD Educates Webinar: Targeting Patient Populations in Primary Care – A Practical Approach
    February 23, 2022
    Learning Objectives:

    • The importance of identifying a specific patient population and how it relates to your practice (Examples: Chronic Disease, Smoking, Diabetes Management, Mental Health, COVID-19 Vaccination Status, etc.).
    • Which digital tools and external reports are available to aid in identifying a specific population (Examples: MyPractice Reports, SARS, Insights4Care (i4C) Dashboard, Searches, EMR specific tools, etc.).
    • Practical tips on how to find and use these tools in Accuro® EMR, PS Suite EMR and OSCAR McMaster (OSCAR PRO).

    This session will include a panel discussion and Q&A followed by virtual breakout room workshops for Accuro EMR, PS Suite EMR and OSCAR McMaster (OSCAR PRO) users that will give you a better understanding of the tools and how to integrate them into clinic workflow

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

    Register here

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement, February 28, 2022
    Ontario Health is hosting a webinar for primary care providers on using the antibiotic prescribing indicators in the MyPractice: Primary Care report to drive improvements in patient care. This is the second of an ongoing accredited series that will focus on using data from the MyPractice: Primary Care report for quality improvement.
    Register here

    Segmenting your OHT population: Stories from the Field (Part III), February 22, 2022
    Hosted by HSPN
    Registration: Click here

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

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #114 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

     

  • Bits & Pieces: member stories, psychology month and more

    Bits & Pieces: member stories, psychology month and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Happy Psychology month
    • Reminder- our new research project; deadline Feb. 11
    • Vaccine priority for children and more
    • University of Toronto seeking Nurse Practitioner Preceptors
    • Nominate a volunteer for Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2021
    • Upcoming events including Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP and more

     

    Member stories

    Georgina NPLC– Nurse practitioner clinic set to open this August in Jackson’s Point

    Manitoulin Central FHT– Why two family doctors chose Manitoulin Island

    Rebecca Brown, Sauble FHT– new book “Shelter from our Secrets, Silence and Shame; how our stories can keep us stuck or set us free”

    As a mental health clinician, Rebecca Brown has been a safe place for many to seek shelter from their secrets, silence, and shame. Inspired to finally slow down, stop running from herself and share her own story, she found ways to seek and savour her own shelter. Available now on Amazon, Indigo and other book sellers.

    CPA pysch month poster 2022

     

     

    Happy Psychology month

    To all our psychologists, thank you for looking out for Ontarians’ mental health as we go through yet more twists and turns during the pandemic. Happy Psychology Month!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Reminder- our new research project; deadline Feb. 11

    AFHTO has partnered with Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft, on a study focused on understanding how and in what ways primary care contributes to vaccine distribution, challenges experienced by primary care in the transition to vaccine distribution, as well as generating recommendations about primary care’s ongoing and future roles in vaccine distribution, including COVID-19 boosters.

    This study will be in the format of focus groups with EDs, MDs, nurses, QIDSS and IHPs. Please share this survey with these team members to express interest to participate and to provide your availability for scheduling. Please note, each team member can fill out this survey individually.

    Please complete this survey by Friday, February 11, 2022.

    For any questions, please connect with Sandeep Gill: sandeep.gill@afhto.ca.

    Vaccine priority for children and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    University of Toronto seeking Nurse Practitioner Preceptors

    The University of Toronto is looking for Nurse Practitioner Preceptors for the Spring 2022 term (April 25 – June 24, 2022) for 200 hours of practicum experience for the last practicum of the program. Honorariums are provided (depending on organizational policies). Physician preceptors are welcome for Year 1 NP students for 75 hours during the same time period. Please email npplacements@utoronto.ca for more information or to confirm a student placement opportunity.

    Nominate a volunteer for Canada’s Volunteer Awards 2021

    Nominate someone who has made a significant contribution in improving the lives of others in their community through volunteering. In addition to receiving an award from the Government of Canada at a national ceremony, recipients are invited to choose a not-for-profit organization to receive a grant of $5,000 (regional awards) or $10,000 (national award). Deadline March 4, 2022.

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

    OHT data and analytics needs, Feb. 9, 2022
    RISE OHT support webinar. Register here.

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

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

    National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4) conference, Mar. 1-3, 2022
    The theme is The Past is Practice: intersectoral lessons learned from the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism. It’ll be held virtually and will be free of charge. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety and more

    Bits & Pieces: Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety course
    • February 11 is 211 Day
    • Our New Research Project
    • Reminder- moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and opioid use disorder in primary care
    • Vaccine inventory update and more
    • 2022/23 collaborative quality improvement plan (cQIP) update
    • Upcoming events including CMOH Town Hall and more

     

    Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety course

    The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) has introduced Anishinaabe Mino’ayaawin: People in Good Health. This Indigenous cultural safety program will consist of several online courses for individuals working in health-based settings. Participants will learn to adopt and practice culturally safe strategies when providing care to Indigenous clients and patients. The first course, Foundations of Indigenous Cultural Safety, is an introductory course that is targeted to any individual working in health care – including any front-line staff, practitioners, volunteers, and students.

    This course will take users approximately three hours to complete. There is currently no cost to participate. Find out more here.

    If you haven’t yet done so, we encourage your team to make a commitment to learn and take action by reflecting and starting your own journey towards Truth and Reconciliation and this course is a good first step.

    February 11 is 211 Day

    You can help remind people the 211 service is available to connect them to programs and services in their community.

    211 is free, confidential, and available in 150+ languages. Community Navigators answer calls 24/7 and are trained to ask the right questions to fully understand an individual’s situation and find the right information, programs, or services for them.

    Promotional materials are available here.

    Our new research project

    AFHTO has partnered with Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft, on a study focused on understanding how and in what ways primary care contributes to vaccine distribution, challenges experienced by primary care in the transition to vaccine distribution, as well as generating recommendations about primary care’s ongoing and future roles in vaccine distribution, including COVID-19 boosters.

    This study will be in the format of focus groups with EDs, MDs, nurses, QIDSS and IHPs. Please share this survey with these team members to express interest to participate and to provide your availability for scheduling. Please note, each team member can fill out this survey individually.

    Please complete this survey by Friday, February 11, 2022. Please complete this survey by Friday February 11, 2022.

    For any questions, please connect with Sandeep Gill: sandeep.gill@afhto.ca.

    Reminder- moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and opioid use disorder in primary care

    AFHTO is supporting the OMA in collectively identifying 2-3 key priorities of mutual interest to strengthen primary care’s capacity to deliver mental health and addiction care and strengthen primary care’s ability to deliver supports to address the needs of people living with moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and people with opioid use problems.

    To support this work, we ask that Executive Directors/Administrative Leads of teams please fill out this quick survey. Please complete this survey by Friday, February 4, 2022.

    Vaccine inventory update and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    2022/23 collaborative quality improvement plan (cQIP) update

    Ontario Health sent out a memo regarding their expectations on cQIPs on Jan. 28:
    “While we’ve undertaken to coordinate and simplify the production of your quality plans, we recognize that some teams will simply not have the current capacity available to complete all the prescribed cQIP elements…As a result, we are committing to flexibility in the form and timing of your cQIP submission.” You can read the full memo for details- EN and FR.

    CMOH Town Hall – Keeping children safe during COVID-19, Feb. 3, 2022

    Join representatives from the Chief Medical Officer of Health’s office, including Dr. Kieran Moore, Public Health Ontario, and the Presidents of the OCFP and the OMA. Register here.

    Responding to the Omicron surge – Part 2, Feb. 4, 2022
    38th in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ for OCFP’s COVID-19 CoP for Family Physicians. Register here.

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

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

    National Newcomer Navigation Network (N4) conference, Mar. 1-3, 2022
    The theme is The Past is Practice: intersectoral lessons learned from the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism. It’ll be held virtually and will be free of charge. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: impact of team-based care on ED use and more

    Bits & Pieces: impact of team-based care on ED use and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Impact of team-based care on ED use
    • 2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports slides and video now available
    • Burlington OHT mobile app helps people seeking local health & social services
    • Moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and opioid use disorder in primary care
    • Why Paxlovid isn’t first-line and more
    • New free program to help youth quit smoking and vaping
    • Upcoming events including Using Segmentation to Support QI and more

     

    Impact of team-based care on ED use

    This research article just published in The Annals of Family Medicine found adoption of team-based primary care may reduce emergency department use. It assessed the impact of team-based care on use in the context of physicians transitioning from fee-for-service payment to capitation payment in Ontario.

    Authors include Drs. Tara Kiran, St. Michaels Hospital Academic FHT and Dr. Rick Glazier, ICES and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation.

    Read more here.

    2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports slides and video now available

    2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports screenshot

    On Jan. 18 we hosted a webinar on 2022-23 Collaborative Quality Improvement Plans (cQIPs), with presentations by Dr. David Kaplan, Mark Robson, and Marg Millward from Ontario Health. They shared an overview of the 2022-23 cQIP indicators and the supports and resources that are available to help your OHT develop its first cQIP.

    They also shared background information about how data is attributed to OHTs, and some examples of how primary healthcare teams are already contributing to QI within OHTs. Video, slides, and resources are now available.

    If you have questions and would like to connect with the QIP team at Ontario Health, please reach out to them at QIP@OntarioHealth.ca.

    Burlington OHT mobile app helps people seeking local health & social services

    The Navigator app is the first of its kind province-wide that an OHT has created that offers a single access point to a wide variety of community providers. The OHT launched the app in November 2021, and is working on Version 2, which will include a physician resource portal.

    Burlington FHT is the Implementation Funding Transfer Payment Agent and BOHT Remote Community Management Program Lead. Find out more here.

    Moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and opioid use disorder in primary care

    AFHTO is supporting the OMA in collectively identifying 2-3 key priorities of mutual interest to strengthen primary care’s capacity to deliver mental health and addiction care and strengthen primary care’s ability to deliver supports to address the needs of people living with moderate-severe depression, anxiety, OCD, and people with opioid use problems.

    To support this work, we ask that Executive Directors/Administrative Leads of teams please fill out this quick survey.

    Why Paxlovid isn’t first-line and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    New free program to help youth quit smoking and vaping

    The Lung Health Foundation introduces Quash, an evidence-based program for youth who want to quit smoking or vaping in a customized way. It includes a mobile app, website and online tools and training. In the app, youth can set goals, track their cravings, check their quit progress, learn about support options, and learn to create healthy habits.

    Quash also provides free certificate training to equip adults to deliver the Quash program to youth in their communities. You can access Quash resources to share with your networks here. If you’d like to learn more, please contact Sharon Curtis, Project Manager, Youth Engagement & Knowledge Translation, at 647-883-4908 or quash@lunghealth.ca.

    Using Segmentation to Support Quality Improvement, Jan. 25, 2022

    HSPN OHT webinar- Walter Wodchis (co-lead HSPN OHT evaluation) and Christina Clarke (RISE population health coach) will present. Register here.

    Quality Rounds: The Reality of Virtual Care: Lessons from the Pandemic, Jan. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Find out more here.

    ECHO Ontario Child and Youth Mental Health, starting Feb. 3, 2022
    Limited spots available. These weekly sessions take place via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST every Thursday for 24 weeks. Find out more here.

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

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

  • Bits & Pieces: new patient resources at ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca and more

    Bits & Pieces: new patient resources at ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • New patient resources at ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca
    • 2022 conference planning committee sign up-deadline now Jan. 19
    • Monitoring Organizational Performance Toolkit now available
    • Updated Omicron guidance and more
    • PocketWell- companion app by Wellness Together
    • Upcoming events including Therapeutic Management of COVID-19 and more

    New patient resources at ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca

    The Department of Community and Family Medicine (DFCM) at the University of Toronto and the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) have created a new series of patient resources that teams can use to help patients make sense of the latest guidance around COVID/Omicron.

    The resources include plain-language questions and answers about COVID management, testing, isolation and more. They offer patients and the public trustworthy advice about protecting their health and how primary care providers can help.

    Find out more at ConfusedAboutCovid.ca.

    2022 conference planning committee – deadline tomorrow, Jan. 19

    Become an influencer (sort of)!

    Maybe you’re not getting free swag as an Instagram influencer, but you can get free registration and that’s just as good! Become a part of our 2022 conference planning committee and shape our first hybrid conference. As members, you’re our main audience so you should have a major say in how 2022 looks.

    Review our ToR and sign up by Jan.19, 2022 12 noon. Please also indicate your availability here.

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

    Monitoring Organizational Performance Toolkit now available

    screenshot of webinar video with triangle depictng different governance roles

    On Tuesday, AFHTO and the Centre for Organizational Effectiveness introduced the new Monitoring Organizational Performance Toolkit to board members and executive directors.
     
    Operational oversight is a key responsibility of boards of directors, and one that can bring the challenge of striking an appropriate balance of being informed enough about operations to maintain appropriate oversight without stepping into operational management, which is the realm of the executive director. The toolkit is now online with the template dashboard, the webinar presentation and recording.

    Updated Omicron guidance and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    PocketWell- companion app by Wellness Together

    To make mental health and substance use support even more accessible to all Canadians, Wellness Together Canada has launched PocketWell, a companion app to the online portal. The app is adding to Wellness Together Canada’s existing offerings and features new resources, including a self-assessment tool and tracker that monitors mood, mental health functioning and well-being. PocketWell is free and available for download through your app store right now (App Store) (Google Play Store).

    2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports, Jan. 18, 2022

    In partnership with the Alliance and NPLCA, we are hosting a webinar to help primary care teams better understand cQIP and start planning theirs for 2022/23.

    Dr. David Kaplan Chief of Clinical Quality at Ontario Health (Quality) will be leading the discussion

    Register here.

    Rapid Update: Therapeutic Management of COVID-19, Jan. 20, 2022

    Hosted by Ontario Health, this General Medicine Quality Improvement Network webinar brings general medicine physicians and care teams together to learn new ways to improve their patient care and to reduce variations in care. Register here.

    COVID-19 Community of Practice for Family Physicians: Responding to the Omicron surge, Jan. 21, 2022

    37th in OCFP’s series ‘Changing the way we work’. Register here.

    Better Breathing Week, Jan. 24-28, 2022
    Hosted by the Lung Health Foundation, registration is open for this free event. Find out more here.

    Quality Rounds: The Reality of Virtual Care: Lessons from the Pandemic, Jan. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Find out more here.

    ECHO Ontario Child and Youth Mental Health, starting Feb. 3, 2022
    Limited spots available. These weekly sessions take place via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST every Thursday for 24 weeks. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: 2022/23 cQIP webinar, FHT contract survey and more

    Bits & Pieces: 2022/23 cQIP webinar, FHT contract survey and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • 2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports webinar Jan. 18
    • FINAL REMINDER: FHT contract renewal survey
    • 2022 conference planning committee sign up-deadline now Jan. 19
    • Member stories
    • COVID resources and more
    • Nominations open for the Ontario Nursing now Awards
    • Naloxone in the workplace consultation
    • Twin Pregnancies: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing now OHIP funded
    • Upcoming events including Primary Care and COVID-19 QI Support CoP and more

    2022/23 Collaborative QIP Overview and Supports webinar Jan. 18

    Looking for support with your 2022-23 collaborative Quality Improvement Plan? This webinar on Jan. 18 can help. Co-hosted with the Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic Association (NPLCA), the Alliance for Healthier Communities and Ontario Health, the webinar will focus on data attribution to OHTs, this year’s cQIP priorities and indicators, and cQIP supports and helpful resources.

    Register here. You may also wish to check out  the 2022/23 cQIP Guidance Document  and  2022/23 cQIP Technical Specifications documents.

    FINAL REMINDER: FHT contract renewal survey

    To EDs/Admin Leads, Lead Clinicians and Board Chairs

    Thanks again to all those who have completed the survey on the suggested considerations for the FHT contract renewal that appear in the Aspirations and Recommendations document, linked in the email “AFHTO Triad Consultation – FHT Contract Recommendations” sent Jan. 4.

    We recognize the turnaround time has been quick, but in preparation for our upcoming consultations, it would be fantastic if you could complete the survey by Wednesday, January 12th.

    2022 planning committee sign up-deadline now Jan. 19

    Become an influencer (sort of)!

    Maybe you’re not getting free swag as an Instagram influencer, but you can get free registration and that’s just as good! Become a part of our 2022 conference planning committee and shape our first hybrid conference. As members, you’re our main audience so you should have a major say in how 2022 looks.

    Review our ToR and sign up by Jan.19, 2022 12 noon. Please also indicate your availability here.

    Member stories
    Central Lambton FHT- addition of two physicians finally approved

    Elliot Lake FHT- mayor thanks Dr. Cathy Groh for her work in organizing and promoting the COVID-19 vaccination clinics

    Lakehead NPLC – offering free weekly vaccine clinics

    North Simcoe FHT- assessment centre hours expanded due to increased demand

    COVID resources and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Nominations open for the Ontario Nursing now Awards

    WeRPN, in partnership with RNAO and ONA, is seeking nominations for the Ontario Nursing now Awards. These awards will recognize an RPN, an RN, and an NP for their contributions to nursing practice and the health and well-being of Ontarians. The award winners will be announced during Nursing Week in May 2022.

    The nominators can be anyone- other healthcare providers, employers, members of the public, etc. Nominations close February 25, 2022.   

    Naloxone in the workplace consultation

    The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) is seeking feedback and information on the issue of opioid use in the workplace, with a particular focus on facilitating access to naloxone in the workplace to reduce the risk of workplace-related deaths caused by opioid overdoses. MLTSD is particularly interested in receiving feedback on whether opioid overdose and overdose management are issues in Ontario workplaces, and if they are issues, if they require changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to address the hazard they present in the workplace.

    A consultation paper has been posted to the Regulatory Registry. Feedback can be submitted on any or all the discussion questions. If there are additional issues, concerns or ideas about workplace opioid use and facilitating access to naloxone not addressed in this paper, please share those thoughts as well. The deadline is January 14, 2022.

    Twin Pregnancies: Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing now OHIP funded

    Babies hugging

    Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) is now funded by the Ministry for all twin pregnancies, regardless of gestational age, maternal age, or prior risk.  Any physician or NP can order OHIP-funded NIPT for their patients who are pregnant with twins and who wish to have a prenatal screening test. Concurrently, First Trimester Screening (FTS) has been discontinued in Ontario for twin pregnancies. For additional information please visit the Prenatal Screening Ontario website, or contact a PSO genetic counsellor by email at PSO@BORNOntario.ca or toll-free at 1-833-351-6490.

    Primary Care and COVID-19 Quality Improvement Support CoP, Jan. 12, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health, this week featuring Dr. Chris Simpson and Dr. Dee Mangin. Registration here.

    ECHO Programs at UHN, starting Jan. 13, 2021

    Liver -starting Jan. 17
    Concussion- starting Jan. 19
    Chronic Pain/Opioids- starting Jan.13
    Rheumatology- starting Jan. 14
    Register here.

    Vax for the Future: Equity, Community and Trust – Building Vaccine Confidence with Marginalized Populations, Jan. 26, 2022

    Hosted by the Alliance for Healthier Communities. Learn more and register here.

    Better Breathing Week, Jan. 24-28, 2022
    Hosted by the Lung Health Foundation, registration is open for this free event. Find out more here.

    Quality Rounds: The Reality of Virtual Care: Lessons from the Pandemic, Jan. 28, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health. Find out more here.

    Immunizing Children With Confidence Vaccination Conversation, Jan. 27, 2022
    Hosted by Children’s Healthcare Canada. Register here.

  • QI in Action eBulletin #114: Quality & Knowledge Translation Materials 2021 Recap and COVID-19 Vaccination Digital Tools

    QI in Action eBulletin #114: Quality & Knowledge Translation Materials 2021 Recap and COVID-19 Vaccination Digital Tools

    In this Issue:

    • Quality Improvement & Knowledge Translation Materials – 2021 Recap
    • Updated Omicron Guidance
    • Ontario Health e-Reports
    • Supporting EMR Documentation of COVID-19 vaccinations
    • TELUS PSS Toolbar – Assisting in Reconciling Vaccinations
    • Upcoming Webinars

    quality & knowledge translation

     

    Quality and Knowledge Translation screenshot

    Within the AFHTO member portal, members can find the Quality and Knowledge Translation section.  

    Under the Quality Improvement Tools and Resources section, members can find COVID-19 tools to help support EMR workflows for COVID-19 vaccination patient population identification and documentation.

    Additionally, QI resources ranging from standardized D2D queries to member initiatives can be found for teams to adapt and implement within their teams.

    Throughout the year, AFHTO has been a part of multiple research initiatives which wouldn’t be possible without you! Check out the recent research publications and presentations on this page.

    Quality and Knowledge Translation webinar screenshot

    2021 has been a year with many challenges, which teams have responded to with their flexibility and resilience. To share the great work of teams, updates and supports, AFHTO collaborated with many partner organizations to organize webinars for teams. These webinars have been archived in this library within this section for your reference.

    As we plan the webinar schedule for 2022, if you have any suggestions for webinar topics, please email improve@afhto.ca.

    Updated Omicron Guidance
    The COVID-19 Omicron Case, Contact and Outbreak Management Interim Guidance has been updated. This will be available on the Ministry’s website in French and English shortly.

    Ontario Health e-Reports
    As we move into the push of COVID-19 third doses, it will be critical to reconcile the patients with a 3rd booster shot to create a list of those without one. As of November 15th OH eReports have included patients that have received their third dose. There is also a new additional OH eReport which includes the full vaccination history of all rostered patients whose vaccination status is on record. All toolkits on the OntarioMD website have also been updated to work with this new report.

    Supporting EMR Documentation of COVID-19 Vaccinations
    The eCE Automates team at the eHealth Centre of Excellence has launched a new process for the Bernie bot that will help primary care clinicians to document their patients’ COVID-19 vaccinations seamlessly and efficiently within their electronic medical records (EMRs). eCE are offering this virtual assistant at no cost to you or your team. Contact them to learn more.

    TELUS PSS Toolbar – Assisting in Reconciling Vaccinations
    The HRM COVID Immunization Maker toolbar allows you to reconcile your patient’s COVID-19 immunization history in the TELUS PS Suite EMR with vaccination reports received via the Ontario Health Report Manager with one click of the mouse.

    The content can be installed into your PS Suite instance as a custom form and will integrate into your records window using a downloadable reminder.

    By ensuring that patient records contain the correct number of COVID-19 vaccines, you can find those patients who are still not fully vaccinated, as well as those who are eligible and best suited for third shots
    To find out more visit this link.

    Illustration of a group of health professionals holding patients up

    Thank you for all your hard work this year, and our very best wishes for this season. We want to continue to capture your team’s hard work. With Omicron set to become the dominant strain this week, we want to capture how many teams have pivoted their operations for the next two weeks to support the province’s request that health system partners prioritize vaccination efforts, either within their own teams or working in the public health or hospital clinics. To share your team’s story, please fill out this survey before midnight today, December 16th.

    Upcoming Webinars:

    The latest on Omicron and what it means for you and your practice
    Friday, December 17th at 8:00-9:30 am
    Dr. Peter Juni, head of Ontario’s Science Advisory Table, will be providing an important update on Omicron and what it means for you, your practice, and our communities. You will also hear from Dr. Sacha Bhatia, Vice President at Ontario Health, about the health system response and what primary care is being asked to prioritize. Finally, Dr. Shane Tepper will discuss organizing to support vaccination and other services in the Peel community.

    Please register here

    Diabetes Care: Tools And Resources To Support Mental Health Needs
    Thursday January 13, 2022, 12:30–1:30 pm
    Ontario Health is hosting a webinar for endocrinologists, primary care providers, and diabetes educators on screening for mental health needs among people with diabetes, and resources available to support them. This is the first of an ongoing series that will highlight Ontario Health’s three diabetes quality standards.  

    Please register here.

    Quality Rounds: The Reality of Virtual Care: Lessons from The Pandemic
    January 28th, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 pm
    Over the last two years of the pandemic, the popularity and usage of virtual care has increased dramatically. Join us as we hear from patients and providers on the enablers and barriers to delivering and using virtual care during the pandemic, as well as exploring the future opportunities of virtual care in Ontario.

    If you are interested in learning more, please contact Courtney Paxton at Courtney.Paxton@ontariohealth.ca.

    Webinar Series: MyPractice Primary Care Report: Using Data For Improvement
    Please join Ontario Health in this quality improvement webinar series as we learn about the MyPractice: Primary Care Report, a confidential report that includes personalized practice level data, along with suggestions to support you in improving care for your patients. This 1-credit-per-hour Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 1.0 Mainpro+Ⓡ credits. The program is part of a series that has been certified for up to 4 Mainpro+ credits.

    • Session: A focus on using the antibiotic prescribing indicators – January 24, 2022; 12:00-1:00 p.m. Register here.
    • Session: A focus on using the cancer screening indicators – February 28, 2022; 12:00-1:00 p.m. Register here

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #113 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.