Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Mental Health Care

  • The Role of Social Workers in Interprofessional Primary Healthcare Teams: Study

    Research paper published in HEALTHCARE POLICY Vol.16 No.1, 2020

    Abstract

    Background: In Ontario, Canada, social workers are employed in a number of primary healthcare (PHC) settings such as Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Family Health Teams (FHTs). However, many aspects of social work practice within PHC settings are unknown.

    Objectives: The objectives of our study are to determine the amount of social work services provided in CHCs and FHTs, identify the types of services that social workers provide in CHCs and FHTs and ascertain the methods social workers use to deliver services in CHCs and FHTs.

    Method: An analysis of a cross-sectional data set obtained from a survey conducted in June 2016 in Ontario was performed.

    Results: The majority of practices (84.2%) had a social worker, although several practices also hosted other types of mental health workers. In virtually all practices with social workers, they (and individuals designated as mental healthcare providers) were also involved in practice level efforts to support mental healthcare delivery. In several practices, the care they delivered extended beyond that related directly to mental healthcare, ranging from preventive care and health promotion (64.5%) to palliative care (16.8%). In several practices, these workers also offered group appointments related to healthy behaviour (43.6%) and self-management (~33%).

    Interestingly, the role of social workers in practices where they were the sole designated mental healthcare worker was not meaningfully different from practices where other mental health professionals work.

    Conclusions: In PHC, social workers deliver or support the delivery of mental healthcare, but their role extends beyond that domain to encompass a broader set of services that contribute to the individual’s health and wellbeing.

    Authors:

    • Vela Tadic, Bruyère Academic Family Health Team
    • Rachelle Ashcroft, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
    • Judith Belle Brown, Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry
      Western University
    • Simone Dahrouge, Bruyère Research Institute, C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre

    Relevant Links:

     

  • Social prescribing: The next step for equitable healthcare

    Healthy Debate opinion piece by Kate Mulligan and Kavita Mehta

    The data are in: people living with racism, low incomes and crowded housing are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The attention it has drawn to these inequities has healthcare providers re-examining their practices with respect to virtual care, active outreach and health equity.

    However, many are not sure what to do next. In addition to structural and policy changes, patients and healthcare practitioners need a straightforward, practice-based solution to help them take immediate action that can address health and social needs in real time. They need supportive structures that enable them to use both COVID-19 testing and routine healthcare visits as opportunities to collect vital sociodemographic data and to screen and refer people for access to food, housing, income supports, culturally safe supports and community connection. They need social prescribing, a way to integrate health care with community and social services to support people’s immediate social needs.

    Read the full article here.

    Relevant Links:

  • Bits & Pieces: ED mentorship, $83 million in grants, IHP sessions & more

    Bits & Pieces: ED mentorship, $83 million in grants, IHP sessions & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Reminder- ED Mentorship Program
    • Ontario Trillium Foundation redirecting $83 million in grants
    • IHP session leads needed for AFHTO 2020 conference
    • Primary care patient/client virtual care experience survey
    • New Chief Executive Officer for Indigenous Primary Health Care Council
    • Reminder-COVID-19 ED interviews end soon
    • Updated COVID case definition, symptoms, guidance and more
    • Hospice Palliative Care Ontario tools mailed to teams
    • Invitation for primary care sites to collaborate on a research study on chronic low back pain
    • Upcoming events regarding 211 Ontario – connecting patients to community programs and services and more

     

    Reminder- ED Mentorship Program

    We are looking for EDs from different regions and working/funding models to join our ED Mentorship Program as mentors!
     
    Mentoring is about supporting people to develop their leadership skills. It’s a relationship based on trust that is designed to help a mentee take on increasing initiative, build confidence, and excel as leaders. New EDs can learn from others who have experience and who are willing to help them in developing their skills and expanding their knowledge.

    If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please complete this survey and we will be in touch. More information is here.

    Ontario Trillium Foundation redirecting $83 million in grants

    The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) will be redirecting $83 million from its Capital and Grow granting streams to support Ontario nonprofits through the Resilient Communities Fund. This is to support rebuilding the capacity of eligible non-profit organizations that have been impacted by COVID-19. Relevant details include:

    • Two intake deadlines: September 2 and December 2, 2020
    • Grants are for one year, starting from $5,000 to $150,000

    AFHTO members and partners may be eligible to apply. Find out if you’re eligible here.

    IHP session leads needed for AFHTO 2020 conference

    Planning is on track for the AFHTO 2020 Conference and this includes the sessions for interprofessional healthcare providers! There will be a virtual group session on Wednesday, October 7, from 12:30 to 1:15 p.m., and it will be followed by the IHP break-out sessions from 1:30 to 2:30.

    We’re looking for volunteers to lead the popular break-out sessions by coordinating topics, presenters, and a moderator. Leads are needed for the following professions: dietitians, health promoters, nurse practitioners, occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, administrative staff, physician assistants, and chiropodists.

    These one-hour sessions between peers need a lead to happen. If you’re interested, please contact Beth MacKinnon by Tuesday, August 18, 2020. The lead will receive a $20 discount on their conference fee.

    Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey

    Primary care patient/client virtual care experience survey

    The rapid adoption of virtual care during the pandemic not only addresses the current needs but it will most likely shape the future of primary care delivery, beyond the pandemic. As a result, we formed a working group with a number of patients, primary care, health system and health research organizations to create the Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey.

    This is to help fill informational gaps to inform future planning and further support the implementation of virtual care in primary care. Different tools, guides and templates are available to help. This is a public survey which non-members can use as well, so feel free to share with your peers. Visit our site to find out more.

     

    New Chief Executive Officer for Indigenous Primary Health Care Council

     

    New Chief Executive Officer for Indigenous Primary Health Care Council

    Congratulations to Caroline Lidstone-Jones who has been appointed as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council (IPHCC) effective September 1, 2020. Learn more here.

     

     

     

    Reminder: COVID-19 ED interviews end soon

    AFHTO, in partnership with the University of Toronto and Queen’s University, wants to understand the initiatives your team has taken on to continue to provide comprehensive primary care during this pandemic. Visit our site to fill out the Doodle poll to schedule your participation.

    Updated COVID case definition, symptoms, guidance and more

    Several documents have been updated and shared to the Ministry’s website as of Aug. 6 including:

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

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario tools mailed to teams

    Advance Care Planning, Goals of Care and health care decision making conversations are becoming more prevalent and more important than ever, with the aging population and COVID-19. Tools to help you and your patients have been mailed to your team either in March or July. You can use them in your waiting room and directly with your patients. Everything you, your patients and families need can also be found at SpeakUpOntario.ca   

    HPCO would like your feedback on whether you are getting more requests from patients to talk about health care decision making, if you found these resources useful, or if you’re looking to receive more resources. Please feel free to reach out to them at nav.dhillon@hpco.ca.

    Invitation for primary care sites to collaborate on a research study on chronic low back pain

    A PhD student at Queen’s University is looking for primary care sites to collaborate on his research on team-based primary care for the management of chronic low back pain. He is looking for them to participate in a virtual focus group (via Zoom) to understand their experiences. There is also the opportunity to assist with patient recruitment to participate in telephone interviews to understand their experiences with access. If you would like to learn more, please email Kyle at kyle.vader@queensu.ca and he can provide you with more information about how to get involved in this research.

    211 Ontario – connecting patients to community programs and services, August 20

    This webinar shows how 211 can assist primary care teams. It will provide some baseline information about 211’s Accredited enquiry service and Standards driven resource database of benefit to patients when trying to access services in the community – particularly services during COVID-19, such as mental health services, food and other basic needs. Register here.

    Governing through COVID-19 and Beyond, August 25, 2020

    Webinar on governance at this time of   uncertainty and change. Topics include resumption of services; what governors  should know about Ontario Health Teams; and where we  can go from here to continue to strengthen organizational governance practices and prioritize board efforts. Register today!

    The Lung Health Foundation Events

    Medicinal Cannabis – Treating Symptoms of Lung Cancer, August 17, 2020
    Learn more about the endocannabinoid system and apply to your practice. Find out more here.

    Medicinal Cannabis in Chronic Pain, August 24, 2020
    Enhance your knowledge by better understanding how to access medical cannabis. Learn more here.

    Child and Youth Mental Health Webinar Series for Primary Care Providers – Supporting Families With Screentime During COVID, August 19 & 26, 2020

    The CHEO is holding a 2-part webinar series that will cover on-demand topics around the use of technology by youth. Find out more here.

    ECHO Ontario Mental Health – Fall Programs, September 2020 – June 2021
    Join Project ECHO for any of their 6 mental health programs being offered this fall. Topics include addictions, DBT, Trans healthcare, OCD and IDD. View the offerings here.

    Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) – tool demonstration, Sep. 15

    The Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) is an evidence-based clinical decision support system developed to improve your ability to deliver best care for patients with asthma.

    The system can be used by any provider and is fully integrated with OSCAR EMR and Telus PS EMR. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: COVID Alert app, governing through COVID-19 & more

    Bits & Pieces: COVID Alert app, governing through COVID-19 & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • The COVID Alert app is now available!
    • “Governing through COVID-19 and Beyond” – Register now for the next governance webinar!
    • Reminder-COVID-19 ED interviews end soon
    • AFHTO Letter to the OMA Negotiations Committee
    • AFHTO 2020 Conference: did you get your confirmation?
    • 211 Ontario – connecting patients to community programs and services, August 20
    • Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) – tool demonstration, Sep. 15
    • Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council – Deadline extended to this Friday, August 7!
    • New quality standards- chronic pain and early pregnancy complications and loss
    • Social work student practicums in FHTs
    • Upcoming events regarding OHT restart and more

    The COVID Alert app is now available!

    This new made-in-Ontario, privacy-first app lets you know if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. To do so, it relies on people voluntarily installing it and telling it if they test positive. The app can then send a message to other app users who have been in close contact with that person over the previous two weeks.

    Everyone is encouraged to download and use the app to help protect themselves and those in their community. We encourage you share this information with your colleagues, family, friends, neighbours, and patients. More information and resources to help you do so are here.

    Reminder: COVID-19 ED interviews end soon
    AFHTO, in partnership with the University of Toronto and Queen’s University, wants to understand the initiatives your team has taken on to continue to provide comprehensive primary care during this pandemic. Interviews end August 14.

    Visit our site to fill out the Doodle poll to schedule your participation.

    “Governing through COVID-19 and Beyond” – Register now for the next governance webinar!

    Join us on Tuesday, August 25, from 12- 2 p.m. for a webinar on governance at this time of uncertainty and change. We will be joined by several speakers who will provide guidance and advice to board members on resumption of services; what governors should know about Ontario Health Teams; and where we  can go from here to continue to strengthen organizational governance practices and prioritize board efforts. There will be time for questions.

    While this webinar is targeted for boards, EDs and staff are welcome to join. Register today!

     

    AFHTO Letter to the OMA Negotiations Committee

    Last week AFHTO provided feedback to the OMA Negotiations Committee on the upcoming Physician Services Agreement based on dialogue with some of our physician leaders. Recommendations include:

    1. Increased access to capitated models of PEMs while also increasing access to team-based care
    2. Permanent billing codes for virtual care and investments in electronic medical record integration
    3. Investment and recognition of clinical leadership while also supporting the organization of primary care

    To learn more, read the full letter.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference logo-cropped

    AFHTO 2020 Conference: did you get your confirmation?

    If you are part of a group that has prepared a submission, please ensure your group contact has received the email with the subject: “Thank you for your AFHTO 2020 Conference Submission!” (Please have them check their junk mail as well.)

    If your contact person has NOT received this confirmation, please contact info@afhto.ca by tomorrow, August 5.

    211 Ontario – connecting patients to community programs and services, August 20

    Co-hosted by AFHTO, this webinar shows how 211 can assist primary care teams. This webinar will provide some baseline information about 211’s Accredited enquiry service and Standards driven resource database of benefit to patients when trying to access services in the community – particularly services during COVID-19, such as mental health services, food and other basic needs. Register here.

    Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) – tool demonstration, Sep. 15

    The Electronic Asthma Management System (eAMS) is an evidence-based clinical decision support system developed to improve your ability to deliver best care for patients with asthma.

    The system can be used by any provider and is fully integrated with OSCAR EMR and Telus PS EMR. Find out more here.

    Join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council – Deadline extended to this Friday, August 7!

    Are you interested in advising AFHTO on the top issues facing IHPs in team-based care? Would you like to be a leader in working with IHPs in primary care to advocate for and speak to the critical role of teams? Would you like to share and spread knowledge and learnings?

    If yes, AFHTO invites you to apply to join the IHP Advisory Council! We have extended the deadline to apply to this Friday, August 7.

    We are eagerly looking to collaborate with the next IHP leaders to further interprofessional team-based primary care in Ontario. Please consider applying to join us.

    More information on the council is here. If you have any questions, please contact Beth MacKinnon at beth.mackinnon@afhto.ca.

    New quality standards- chronic pain and early pregnancy complications and loss
    Ontario Health (Quality) has released two new quality standards:

    For more information please contact OH-HQO_QualityStandards@ontariohealth.ca.

    Resumption of services guidance, FAQ and more

    Resources released within the past week include:

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

    Social work student practicums in FHTs

    The role of social work in Family Health Teams (FHT) in Ontario is critical for the success of patient outcomes. FHTs provide a rich environment for social work students to prepare for their professional careers. University of Toronto is reaching out to ask if you would consider including a social work practicum at your FHT.

    In addition to the regular benefits, there is increased flexibility this year:

    • Practicums can be virtual or in-person
    • Virtual practicums have the benefit of taking place anywhere in Ontario.
    • Time requirements for the 2020-21 academic year can range between 337.5 hours (48.2 days) and 518 hours (74 days).
    • Wednesday, Thursday, Friday remain practicum days. Flexibility is possible, depending on the individual start dates (see note below).  Student orientation may dictate a confirmed start date.
    • Other benefits to field instructors can be found here

    They completely understand that any commitment made will be contingent on capacity to provide supervision in these unusual times. If you wish to learn more about social work practicums, please email Eileen McKee at e.mckee@utoronto.ca or Rachelle Ashcroft at rachelle.ashcroft@utoronto.ca or please see their website for more information.

    If you are able to contribute to the education of an MSW student between now and April 2021, please contact practicum.fsw@utoronto.ca.

     

    Ontario Health Implementation Restart, August 6, 2020

    On August 6, Miller Thomson LLP is holding a complimentary webinar that will cover the recap status of OHTs, update on the new application process, requirements for collaborative decision making and action items for OHTs for each stage of development. Learn more and register here.

    Addressing Caregiver Burnout: Finding and Accessing Supports, August 5 – 19, 2020

    Join the HPCO in this 3-part series while they address burnout by healthcare providers and caregivers. Learn more here.

    Child And Youth Mental Health Morning Rounds And Lunch & Learns, August 11-27, 2020

    The CHEO is holding 4 sessions covering depression in adolescents, anxiety in toddlers and younger children, parent-child relationships and anxiety in adolescents. Find out more here.

    ECHO Concussion Series, September 9 – December 16, 2020

    Don’t miss this free 15-part series this fall on diagnosing and managing your concussion patients. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: Members’ stories including parking lot injections, infection prevention and control checklist & more

    Bits & Pieces: Members’ stories including parking lot injections, infection prevention and control checklist & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Congratulations to members in five new OHTs
    • Members’ stories including parking lot injections
    • Recommendations to the Primary Care Working Group
    • Infection prevention and control checklist
    • AFHTO 2020 Conference submissions due tomorrow
    • Improving the Ontario Disability Support Program application process for health care professionals
    • Seeking physician input on screening or diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    • COVID-19 section
    • Upcoming events regarding pandemic pregnancy and more

    Congratulations to members in five new OHTs

    Congratulations to the five new Ontario Health Teams and to our member teams that are engaged and participating in the development of OHTs. And further congratulations to all OHTs, receiving funding of $25.25 million for virtual care and other direct support. See the full list of members here.

    Congratulations as well to members in the 17 teams invited to complete a full application.

    Additional articles:

    Members’ stories including parking lot injections

    Mount Forest FHT: Mount Forest FHT receives grant to reach Mennonite, Amish populations

    West Carleton FHT: A parking-lot injection clinic: An adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic

    Recommendations to the Primary Care Working Group

    After consulting physician leaders, AFHTO provided recommendations to the OMA Primary Care Working Group. These recommendations are applicable to physicians affiliated with FHTs, but many could apply to any physician that works in a patient enrolment model (PEM) in Ontario.

    To learn more about these including our recommendations on access and quality issues, walk-in clinics and more, please visit our site.

    Infection prevention and control checklist

    Per Directive #2 and the ministry’s Operational Requirements for Health Sector Restart, it’s recommended that each healthcare entity develop an organizational risk assessment (ORA). The CPSO has developed an IPAC checklist to guide individuals in conducting ORAs in Independent Health Facilities and Out of Hospital Premises during this pandemic.

    Teams should complete an ORA that assesses the efficacy of control measures that are in place to mitigate the transmission of infections, and this is a good resource to help you do so. It can also be used for self-assessment and to guide policies, procedures, preparedness, and response planning.

    AFHTO 2020 Conference logo-cropped

     

    AFHTO 2020 Conference submissions due tomorrow

    The deadline for both abstracts and Bright Lights nominations is tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. Submit to highlight all the work you’ve done for your communities.

     

    Improving the Ontario Disability Support Program application process for health care professionals

    The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services is looking to improve your experience by:

    • allowing you to complete DDP forms online
    • making billing easier
    • providing timely and informative notifications regarding the status of your open applications

    They need your feedback to make sure they introduce service improvements that truly work for you in the form of a short survey. At the end of the survey, you may choose to provide your contact information if you want to participate in a compensated discussion and design session about your experiences with ODSP applications. Please fill out the survey and help them improve the ODSP application experience.

    Seeking physician input on screening or diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
    Physicians are often the main contact point for young children, thus are critical for screening or diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Queen’s University researchers invite you to complete one online survey that will focus on physician knowledge, clinical practice, and service gaps in the local medical community. It is anticipated that this research will allow them to identify patterns of community practice and inform future education and training. All information collected will be strictly anonymous.

    COVID-19 section

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

    Pandemic Pregnancy: Interim Schedule and Safety Considerations for Prenatal Visits During COVID-19, July 29, 2020

    Join the Choosing Wisely Canada community in their virtual gatherings to discuss an interim schedule for prenatal care to reduce unnecessary in-person contact. Find out more here.

    Compassionate Communities, Community Care & Connection during the COVID-19 Pandemic: HPCO Webinar Series, August 4 – 18, 2020

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario is hosting a compassionate Care webinar series for healthcare providers and more. Find out more here.

    Addressing Caregiver Burnout: Finding and Accessing Supports, August 5 – 19, 2020

    Join the HPCO in this 3-part series while they address burnout by healthcare providers and caregivers. Learn more here.

    Child And Youth Mental Health Morning Rounds And Lunch & Learns, August 11-27, 2020

    The CHEO is holding 4 sessions covering depression in adolescents, anxiety in toddlers and younger children, parent-child relationships and anxiety in adolescents. Find out more here.

    ECHO Concussion Series, September 9 – December 16, 2020

    Don’t miss this free 15-part series this fall on diagnosing and managing your concussion patients. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 ED interviews, IHP advisory council & more

    Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 ED interviews, IHP advisory council & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • COVID-19 ED interviews
    • Reminder- applications for IHP Advisory Council close July 31
    • Perkopolis
    • Implications of the Psychotherapy Act- survey
    • Reminder – member renewal deadline July 31, 2020
    • COVID-19 section
    • Upcoming events regarding youth cannabis use and more

    COVID-19 ED interviews

    ED covid interviews

    AFHTO, in partnership with the University of Toronto and Queen’s University, wants to understand the initiatives your team has taken on to continue to provide comprehensive primary care during this pandemic. Showcasing your team’s work and how you stepped up will be crucial for AFHTO’s advocacy for the future of team-based primary care in Ontario.

    An email with the subject ‘Help AFHTO highlight your teams’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic’ was sent to EDs on July 8. Fill out the Doodle linked in that email to schedule your participation by this Friday, July 24.

    Reminder- applications for IHP Advisory Council close July 31

    Are you interested in advising AFHTO on the top issues facing IHPs in team-based care? Would you like to be a leader in working with IHPs in primary care to advocate for and speak to the critical role of teams? Would you like to share and spread knowledge and learnings?

    If yes, AFHTO invites you to apply to join the IHP Advisory Council! The council was established in 2018, and several two-year terms are now open. Any IHP who is part of a member team is welcome to apply. All applications will be reviewed by the AFHTO team, and new council members will be notified in the week of August 24. More detail is in the terms of reference, which can be seen on the IHP Advisory Council page on AFHTO’s website.

    As the summer IHP Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for the following week on Wednesday, September 2, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM, we suggest anyone applying hold that time now.

    If you have any questions, please contact Beth MacKinnon at beth.mackinnon@afhto.ca.

    July perks

     

    Perkopolis

    AFHTO members are eligible to sign up to get access to over 5000 perks through Perkopolis. Get discounts on shopping, attractions and more. EDs, if your team doesn’t have access yet, please email info@ahto.ca. 

     

     

     

     

     

    Implications of the Psychotherapy Act– survey
    University of Guelph researchers are looking for registered social workers, psychotherapists, medical practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists, and psychologists in Ontario to participate in a 15-20-minute survey exploring practitioners’ responses and experience of the Psychotherapy Act, which was enforced in January 2020.

    Specifically, the research looks at how the Act is being taken up by regulated professionals and how it is impacting their relationship to their profession, other colleges, and institutions. Participating provides you a chance to anonymously voice your opinion and reflect on your experiences of the new legislation.

    Questions? Contact: Leslie at lvesely@uoguelph.ca or Dr. Olga Smoliak, at osmoliak@uoguelph.ca

    Reminder – member renewal deadline July 31, 2020
    Thank you to all the teams that have renewed their membership to date. This is a reminder the renewal deadline is July 31, 2020. If your leadership triad received the email ‘Avoid losing access- your AFHTO membership expires on July 31’ on July 10, and you have not sent a cheque or paid electronically, you will lose access to all benefits after this date, including a discounted rate to the AFHTO conference!

    COVID-19 section

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

    Youth cannabis use following legalization, July 22, 2020

    CAMH’s new Cannabis Knowledge Exchange Hub is hosting a webinar that will help you understand the prevalence of cannabis use among youth and review the changes in pre/post legalization. Find out more here.

    Person-Centered Decision-Making Workshops, August 1 – February 15

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario is hosting a PCDM workshop available virtually for the next 7 months, free of charge.
    Find out more here.

    Child And Youth Mental Health Morning Rounds And Lunch & Learns, August 11-27, 2020

    The CHEO is holding 4 sessions covering depression in adolescents, anxiety in toddlers and younger children, parent-child relationships and anxiety in adolescents. Find out more here.

    Liver Disease in Primary Care: Approach to Fatty Liver, September 10, 2020

    Hosted by CAMH, join this didactic lecture by their interprofessional team and real de-identified patient cases presentations. Find out more here.

  • 2020 Conference Themes

    2020 Conference Themes

    Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world
    (more…)

  • Bits & Pieces: members win Future Innovator Awards, AFHTO directors needed & more

    Bits & Pieces: members win Future Innovator Awards, AFHTO directors needed & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Members win Future Innovator Awards
    • Reminder – nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors open until July 3, 2020
    • Governance and leadership tools, resources and supports
    • Updated memo from OH, free phone outreach support for older adults and other updates
    • AFHTO’s Submission on Bill 175 – Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act, 2020
    • Discounts for CIHI Education Sessions
    • OCFP seeking Physician Connector
    • Upcoming events regarding shared governance and more

     

     

    Members win Future Innovator Awards

    The Change Foundation’s Future Innovator Awards

    The Change Foundation’s Future Innovator Awards recognizes six people, teams and/or organizations who have a strong vision for positive change for patients and caregivers and have the potential to make notable impact going forward. Members and member-affiliated organizations and individuals were recipients, including:

    Find out more about the awards here.

    Reminder – nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors open until July 3, 2020

    Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO Board of Directors? The governance committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone who works within an AFHTO member organization to apply. Priority for the directors to be elected will be given to candidates who are:

    • Interprofessional health care providers (IHPs), especially those working in mental health and addiction;
    • Board members, especially community members in the position of Chair of the Board; or
    • Experienced in finance, including accreditation as a financial professional (e.g. CA, CPA, CMA).

    Deadline is July 3, 2020. Find out more here.

    Governance and leadership tools, resources and supports

    Library

    Recently we reminded you about all the QI resources available on our site. Now we’re doing the same for governance and leadership. We know you’re exposed to so much information every day we thought a refresher would be welcome. Apart from recent examples like the Business Continuity Toolkit, they include tools, resources and training.

    See the list here.

    Updated memo from OH, free phone outreach support for older adults and other updates

    Resources and updates released within the last week include:

    • Update #5_Health System COVID-19 Response-from Matt Anderson, CEO, Ontario Health
    • TALK2NICE- poster and bulletin– free, nationwide over the phone outreach support service connecting older adults and disabled persons with social workers and social work students from the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly

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

    AFHTO’s Submission on Bill 175 – Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act, 2020

    On June 17 AFHTO presented its submission to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly on Bill 175: Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act, 2020. Our key recommendations are:

    1. Delay the passage of Bill 175, Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act, 2020
    2. Embed care coordination in primary care
    3. Supporting the patient’s journey through the health and social system with one patient record

    Read more here.

    Discounts for CIHI education sessions

    AFHTO members may be eligible for Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) Non-Core Plan: Price A education sessions. Potential users can request assessment for eligibility by contacting help@cihi.ca before creating their profile on CIHI’s site.

    OCFP seeking Physician Connector

    In preparation for launching their Mentoring Program for Mental Health, Addictions and Pain, the OCFP is recruiting a Physician Connector. Deadline July 6, 2020.

    Health Care of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disability during the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Are We Learning and What’s Next? June 23, 2020

    Includes Dr. William F. Sullivan, St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT today at noon. Register here.

    Lunch & Learn: Social Prescribing in Research, June 24, 2020

    Hosted by the Alliance for Healthier Communities. Register here.

    Shared Governance: Working together to enable people-centred Integrated Care, June 24, 2020

    Integrated Care Virtual Community session. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: patient engagement in FHTs case studies, free iCBT & more

    Bits & Pieces: patient engagement in FHTs case studies, free iCBT & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Patient and family engagement in primary care case studies
    • Free internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programs
    • Are teams in scope for the PPE Data Collection/ CSE Survey?
    • Team-based care supporting patient communities through COVID-19 slides and recording
    • New resources for re-opening, stress, grief, and bereavement support and more
    • United Way Halton and Hamilton wants to help you scale social prescribing- June 23
    • Upcoming events regarding virtual care for chronic respiratory disease and more

     

    The Change Foundation released Patient and Family Engagement in Primary Care: Building effective patient and family advisory councils in three Ontario communities

    Patient and family engagement in primary care case studies

    On Thursday, June 11, The Change Foundation released Patient and Family Engagement in Primary Care: Building effective patient and family advisory councils in three Ontario communities, a case study report featuring three FHTs. The report finds twenty key lessons in 5 categories- launching, recruiting, operating, relationships and sustaining.

    Teams featured:

    Find out more here.

    Free internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy programs

    The Government of Ontario is offering a variety of free mental health resources that they can access online. This includes internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) programs, such as AbilitiCBT, by Morneau Shepell, and Beacon Digital Therapy by MindBeacon.

    To access these supports, visit covid-19.ontario.ca. If you’re interested in learning more, please visit our site.

    Are teams in scope for the PPE Data Collection/ CSE Survey?

    On Tuesday, June 9 EOC Operations sent an email titled “Important Update on the Minister’s Order and Direction on PPE Data Collection/ CSE Survey”. We sent a copy to all EDs and Administrative Leads on Wednesday, June 10.

    As mentioned in April, teams are encouraged to collaborate with the FHO and FHN to submit a survey together. Multiple sites should be included within one survey. If the FHO/FHN teams can’t collaborate with the FHT then when the FHT submits the survey they should clearly identify that the data included is only for the FHT staff.

    Each location is to track individually, but everything is to be submitted in one document. Use the Excel document and make a tab at the bottom for each site (copy and paste the chart into each tab). One tab should be for the FHT and then each FHO/FHN has its own additional tab. If you have any questions, please email info@afhto.ca.

    COVID innovations webinar June 2020

    Team-based care supporting patient communities through COVID-19 slides and recording

    On Thursday, June 11 we presented the Team-Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19 webinar. Slides and video are now available on our site.

    Interested in sharing initiatives your teams are a part of? Email us at improve@afhto.ca.

    New resources for re-opening, stress, grief, and bereavement support and more

    Resources released within the last week include:

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

    United Way Halton and Hamilton wants to help you scale social prescribing- June 23

    United Way Halton and Hamilton is interested in helping to scale social prescribing in a coordinated way in their region. They are hosting a webcast on social prescribing on June 23 at 1 pm to start the conversation, with the hopes of convening interested key stakeholders for roundtable discussions following this webcast. Register here.

    Ensuring Appropriateness and Quality in Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic, June 17, 2020

    Join Choosing Wisely Canada for their Weekly Virtual Gatherings during COVID-19. This week they’re discussing how to apply resource stewardship principles to contribute to safe and quality cancer care during this time.
    Register here.

    Delivering Virtual Care to Manage Chronic Respiratory Disease: Tips for Healthcare Providers, June 17, 2020

    Discuss benefits and challenges, clinical tools and resources, barriers, and practical tips for providing virtual care for chronic respiratory disease. Register in advance.

    Social Prescribing in Practice Lunch & Learn, June 17, 2020

    Continue the conversation on Social Prescribing with the Alliance for Healthier Communities in this follow-up webinar.
    Learn more here.

    Digital Solutions: Adoption, Adaptation and their role in post-Covid19 health and social care delivery, June 18, 2020

    Join IFIC to discuss the balance between keeping people at home and in the community without adversely deferring necessary health services to those who need it. Learn more here.

    An opportunity to re-evaluate high value care and clinical preventive services, June 18, 2020

    Join this CFPC webinar as part of the COVID-19 Pivots. Learn more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: Dr. Rueben Devlin, June 11 webinar, COVID-19 Innovation grants & more

    Bits & Pieces: Dr. Rueben Devlin, June 11 webinar, COVID-19 Innovation grants & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Dr. Rueben Devlin, Chair of the Premier’s Council, has passed
    • Team based care supporting patient communities through COVID-19 webinar
    • COVID-19 Innovation grant program
    • Member renewal – you can now send in your cheques!
    • COVID-19 in Ontario – A Focus on Diversity: Public Health Ontario report
    • Phase two, resources for re-opening, more details in situation report #135 and more
    • EMR communities of practice transition to OntarioMD – update
    • Coping with COVID-19: support for frontline health care workers
    • Ambulatory care residency for pharmacists
    • Ontario Health survey: COVID-19 response
    • Upcoming events hosted by Lung Health Foundation and more

     

    Dr. Rueben Devlin

     

    Dr. Rueben Devlin, Chair of the Premier’s Council, has passed

    We’re saddened to hear of Dr. Rueben Devlin’s passing. Dr. Devlin was appointed as Special Advisor and Chair of the Premier’s Council on Improving Health Care and Ending Hallway Medicine in June 2018.

    You can learn more about his life and legacy here.

     

     

     

     

     

    Team based care supporting patient communities through COVID-19 webinar

    Team-Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19 Webinar

    This Thursday, June 11, 2020, we will be hosting a webinar to share initiatives teams are currently doing to help support patients in their communities during COVID-19. Learn from these teams about how they created virtual care communities, helped long-term care homes, engaged with patients via social media and much more! Teams that will be presenting are South East Toronto FHT, Brockton Area and Kincardine FHTs, Arnprior & District FHT, North Renfrew FHT, West Champlain FHT,  Petawawa Centennial Family Health Centre and Madawaska Valley FHT. Register here for the webinar!

    COVID-19 innovation grant program

    Joule’s COVID-19 innovation grant program is providing up to $1,000,000 in flexible funding to CMA members working on innovative solutions – with each initiative eligible for up to $200,000 in funding.

    Their focus areas are:

    • Supporting and protecting the physical and mental health and well-being of front-line health care workers;
    • Improving access to care during the COVID-19 pandemic; and
    • Addressing the social determinants of health and improving health equity for vulnerable populations affected by the pandemic.

    As long as there is a CMA member on your team, you’re eligible to apply. Deadline June 21.

    Member renewal – you can now send in your cheques!

    Thank you to the teams who have checked in regarding sending cheques for member renewal. While we still encourage teams to pay via electronic means if they can, we are now accepting cheques again.

    Since Canada Post is experiencing delays, we have extended the deadline to July 31. Please don’t delay as access to resources, benefits and members-only updates will be cut off after this date. If you have any questions, please feel free to email info@afhto.ca.

    COVID-19 in Ontario – A Focus on Diversity: Public Health Ontario report

    On June 1, Public Health Ontario released Enhanced Epidemiological Summary COVID-19 in Ontario – A Focus on Diversity . Findings included that people living in the most diverse neighbourhoods were also more likely to experience severe outcomes (hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths) than people living in the least diverse neighbourhoods:

    • hospitalization rates were four times higher;
    • ICU admission rates were four times higher; and
    • death rates were twice as high.

    Read the full report here.

    Per a related Globe and Mail article, until recently:
    “You couldn’t really go after the general public and test within the context of communities,” said Tia Pham, lead physician at the South East Toronto Family Health Team and one of the co-ordinators of MGH’s assessment centre in Crescent Town.

    Phase two, resources for re-opening, more details in situation report #135 and more

    Yesterday the province announced that 24 out of the province’s 34 public health units will be permitted to move into stage two as of Friday, June 12, 2020. You can also read H+K’s insight note for more details.

    We added a new Resources for Re-opening page and we continue to update several pages on our site with resources and news:

    EMR communities of practice transition to OntarioMD – update
    The EMR communities of practice (CoP) transitioned from AFHTO to OntarioMD effective March 31, 2020. It is important that if you wish to participate in any Community of Practice you fill out this form to receive meeting invites and updates about the community. You will also be added to the eMailDodo lists.

    The form only takes a few minutes to complete.

    If you have any problems or concerns, please feel free to reach out to nancy.gunn@ontariomd.com.

    Coping with COVID-19: support for frontline health care workers

    Message from the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence at Ontario Health
    MHACoE@ontariohealth.ca

    Health and community care workers across Ontario are showing incredible strength through the COVID-19 pandemic. But even the strongest among us need help sometimes. For health and community care workers, stress, anxiety, exhaustion, and compassion fatigue are all normal responses in this pandemic. It’s ok to say it: this is really hard. And it’s ok to seek support to help with coping.
     
    Five hospitals have partnered with the Ministry of Health and the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence at Ontario Health to provide confidential support, including access to iCBT. Frontline health and community care workers from across the province can self-refer online or by phone to any of the five hospital access points below:

    *Les travailleurs de la santé désirant leur premier contact et leur évaluation en français sont invités à remplir le formulaire en ligne du Centre de santé mentale Royal Ottawa.
     
    Health and community care workers from across Ontario can access more information on mental health support here.

    Ambulatory care residency for pharmacists

    The University of Waterloo/Centre for Family Medicine Family Health Team residency program is fully accredited and aims to produce pharmacy practitioners who are well equipped to provide exemplary patient care in ambulatory care practice settings.

    The Centre for Family Medicine (CFFM) Family Health Team in Kitchener is the primary teaching site but required rotations also include Grand River Hospital (GRH), and the School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo. Find out more here.

    Ontario Health survey: COVID-19 response

    Ontario Health is gathering lessons learned about our COVID-19 response to-date and invite you to complete this brief survey by Monday, June 15th to provide them with your input.

    This 4-question survey will help to inform future planning. They will also be conducting focus group discussions, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, based on what they learn.

    Leveraging Virtual Technology to Ensure Seamless Transitions in Care for Patients Living with Chronic Conditions, June 10, 2020

    Hosted by Lung Health Foundation. Register here.

    COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall with Kawartha Lakes Health Leaders, June 11, 2020
    Join this virtual town hall with the City of Kawartha Lakes healthcare leaders. Learn more here.

    Delivering Virtual Care to Manage Chronic Respiratory Disease: Tips for Healthcare Providers, June 17, 2020

    Hosted by Lung Health Foundation. Register in advance.

    Approaches to Advance Care Planning and Goals of Care Conversations, June 15, 2020

    Discuss approaches to ACP and Goals of Care conversations and gain awareness of Person-Centered Decision-Making.
    Learn more here.