Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Public health

  • Bits & Pieces: market salary review underway and more

    Bits & Pieces: market salary review underway and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Market salary review underway
    • Reminder- Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8
    • Member stories
    • Supporting Caregivers webinar materials available
    • Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care materials available  
    • The latest on COVID, Influenza and Respiratory Viruses materials and more
    • New guidance for OHTs
    • Upcoming events including Ontario Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data and Digital Initiative Webinar and more

     

    Market salary review underway

    The Community Health Compensation Working Group – representing ten provincial associations – has retained Eckler Ltd. consulting services to conduct a community health market salary review for Ontario. The review will include interprofessional primary care, community support services, community mental health, and long-term care.

    The final report will give us greater insight into wage disparities for 78 positions across primary and community care sectors. It is estimated that this work will be completed in spring 2023, and final recommendations will be presented to the government to support discussions on reasonable and fair compensation.

    For additional information, please visit AFHTO’s website. We will keep you updated as the work progresses.

    If you have questions, please reach out to Abisola at: abisola.otepola@afhto.ca.

    Reminder- Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8

    Metered dose inhalers produce significant carbon emissions. Ironically, these contribute to changes to the climate that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Simple practice changes can help disrupt this cycle and lessen the health sector’s contributions to climate change. Register here.

    Member stories

    Belleville NPLC – Belleville NPLC provides care for unattached newborns
     
    Minto- Mapleton FHT – OPINION: nurse practitioners uniquely positioned to fill gaps in ailing health care system

    Screenshot of learning objectives

    Supporting Caregivers webinar materials available
    On Nov. 24 The Ontario Caregiver Organization and Primary Care Collaborative hosted a webinar ‘Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout’. This included insights from a caregiver with lived experience, as well as examples of primary care initiatives across Ontario that are connecting caregivers to support. Slides and video are now available.

     

    ON science table webinar title slide screenshot

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care materials available 
    On November 30 we held a webinar on the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table’s final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief shared some of the most significant findings and implications. Slides and video are now available.

     

    The latest on COVID, Influenza and Respiratory Viruses materials and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    New guidance for OHTs

    Ontario Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data and Digital Initiative Webinar, Dec. 12, 2022
    Part of a quarterly series designed to share regular updates and gather feedback on the initiative. Register here.

    IFIC Canada and Health System Performance Network Virtual Community, Dec. 20, 2022
    A key component of integration is the role of partnering with the volunteer sector to improve outcomes for our patients, caregivers, and our population. Take a deep dive to learn firsthand about the role of engaging the volunteer sector. Register here.

    ADVANCE Special Topics series – Balancing Task and Process in Leading Integrated Care Systems, Jan. 9, 2023

    Hosted by RISE. Professor Robin Miller, University of Birmingham in the UK, will discuss the promise and pitfalls of collaborative leadership within integrated care systems and how attending to process can support inter-sectoral teams to achieve the aim of collaborative governance. Register here.

    Healthcare Decision-Making in Ontario, Jan. 10-31, 2023
    Four-part webinar series hosted by Hospice Palliative Care Ontario. Facilitated by Jane Meadus, the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE), you can join to learn what you need to know about consent, capacity and healthcare decision making in Ontario. Register here.

    Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP Monthly Call, Jan. to Jul. 2023
    The Community of Practice hosted by Ontario Health to support Primary Care and Covid-19, holds monthly calls, and the new registration link for the first 7 months in 2023 is available. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: join the ED mentorship program and more

    Bits & Pieces: join the ED mentorship program and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Join AFHTO’s Executive Director Mentorship Program!
    • Farewell to Beth MacKinnon
    • Reminder- Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8
    • Member stories
    • Radon- the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
    • Guidance for clinical assessment centres and more
    • BORN Health Equity Advisory Group – call for interest
    • Get Mainpro+® credits for reading quality standards
    • Upcoming events including Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care and more

    Join AFHTO’s Executive Director Mentorship Program!

    Are you a leader with 3+ years of experience in team-based primary care? Are you interested in supporting new EDs as they develop in their role? If YES, AFHTO is looking for executive directors to join our ED Mentorship Program, and we want to hear from you!

    Please fill out this brief survey, and we will be in touch.

    More information about the program is here.

    Beth MacKinnon Oct 2022

     

    Farewell to Beth MacKinnon

    It is with genuinely mixed feelings we announce that Beth MacKinnon will be leaving AFHTO for new opportunities.

    Beth has been with AFHTO for nearly 5 years, most recently as Senior Associate, Policy and Advocacy. Many have you had the pleasure of working with her as she has supported the Governance and Leadership program and our advocacy efforts.

    We’re going to miss Beth but know she will bring so much to her future endeavours. Please join us in giving her our sincerest best wishes. Her last day with AFHTO will be Friday, December 30 – any questions related to her work can be directed to info@afhto.ca.

     

     

     

    Reminder- Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8

    Metered dose inhalers produce significant carbon emissions. Ironically, these contribute to changes to the climate that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Simple practice changes can help disrupt this cycle and lessen the health sector’s contributions to climate change.

    Register here.

    Member stories

    Belleville NPLC – Rotary honours NPLC board member

    Wawa FHT – Dr. Anjali Oberai recognized with the 2022 Ontario Family Physician of the Year award

    Radon- the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers
    Across Canada, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. In persons who do smoke, the risks of developing lung cancer when exposed to radon are further compounded. Learn how and why you should speak to your patients about radon in machealth’s free and certified online program.

    Guidance for clinical assessment centres and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    BORN Health Equity Advisory Group – call for interest

    The Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario is looking for community members to join their Health Equity Advisory Group (HEAG). To learn more, please see the terms of reference.
    If you have questions, please email Alana Esty and Danna Hull, Health Equity Advisory Group Co-Chairs at equity@bornontario.ca.

    Get Mainpro+® credits for reading quality standards

    Attention, family physicians! Do you need additional CME credits for end-of-year? Through Ontario Health’s no-cost Understanding Quality Standards in Primary Care Program, you can earn Mainpro+® credits for the quality standards you read. Just read a quality standard, complete a simple self-reflection exercise, and submit for your credits. This one-credit-per-hour Self-Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 54.5 credits. Learn more here.

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30, 2022

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications. Register here.

    The latest on COVID, Influenza and Respiratory Viruses, Dec. 2, 2022
    53rd in the series “Changing the way we work” by OCFP and UofT. Register here.

    NEW Patient Safety Learning Community of Practice, Dec. 6, 2022

    The Quality and Patient Safety Team at Ontario Health kicks off the new community of practice focused on developing robust processes to track, prevent and learn from patient safety incidents. Register here.

    Ontario Health’s Mental Health and Addictions Provincial Data and Digital Initiative Webinar, Dec. 12, 2022
    Part of a quarterly series designed to share regular updates and gather feedback on the initiative. Register here.

    Legal Issues for Primary Care Teams, starting Jan 2023
    Tenth annual ‘Legal Issues for Primary Care Teams’ series will launch in January 2023, by Kate Dewhirst and Maria McDonald. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: update on the Ministry request memo and more

    Bits & Pieces: update on the Ministry request memo and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Update on the Ministry request memo and more
    • Refer frontline health workers to psychological practitioners for MOH-covered treatment
    • Reminder- Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24
    • Recruiting for study on healthcare providers and sex trafficking
    • Strategies to improve antibiotic use in primary care
    • TechSoup courses- disaster planning and cybersecurity
    • Have thoughts on how social work practice is organized and supported in primary care?
    • Exceptions to the Prescription Drug List- deadline Nov. 29
    • Upcoming events including Routine childhood vaccination: How to address lapses during COVID-19 and more

     

    Update on the Ministry request memo and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    Refer frontline health workers to psychological practitioners for MOH-covered treatment

    Primary care providers can now refer patients directly to psychologists from their EMR enabling increased access to timely specialized mental health services. This is possible through a partnership between the Ontario Psychological Association and Ontario’s eServices Program, which saw the integration of the Ocean and Strata Health e-referral platforms thereby allowing family physicians, nurse practitioners, and other primary care providers to connect with psychologists.
     
    The Covid-19 Psychological Support Program, funded by the Ministry of Health, ensures that frontline health workers can receive up to 12 psychotherapy sessions with a registered psychologist or psychological associate at no cost. To learn more email opa@psych.on.ca or read their e-referral guidelines for more details.
     
    This builds on a prior collaboration between AFHTO, NPAO, OCFP, NPLCA, OMA’s section of General & Family Practice, and the Alliance for Healthier Communities.

    Reminder- Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24

    Co-hosted by The Ontario Caregiver Organization and the Primary Care Collaborative, this webinar will include insights from a caregiver with lived experience, as well as examples of primary care initiatives across Ontario that are connecting caregivers to support. Register here.

    Are you a healthcare provider wanting to improve services and supports for sex trafficking survivors?

    Recruiting for study on healthcare providers and sex trafficking
    Women’s College Research Institute seeks social workers, nurses and physicians who live and work in Ontario to discuss their thoughts and experiences regarding the domestic sex trafficking of adolescents and adults in Canada.   
     
    “In Canada, there has been limited research on sex trafficking, especially in adult populations and from a healthcare perspective. By attending to healthcare providers’ thoughts and experiences as professionals regarding domestic sex trafficking of adolescents and adults in Ontario, Canada, we can build an understanding of the gaps in care for this population and areas in which care can be improved.”   

    For further information please contact frances.recknor@wchospital.ca.

     

    Strategies to improve antibiotic use in primary care
    Nov. 18-24 is World Antimicrobial Awareness Week. To help promote this year’s campaign and to reinforce their commitment to the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), PHO has published new fact sheets, Strategies to Improve Antibiotic Use in Primary Care.

    TechSoup courses- disaster planning and cybersecurity

    Have thoughts on how social work practice is organized and supported in primary care?

    This study from the University of Toronto is looking to host one more focus group for social workers who haven’t had the chance to share their experience and perspectives on how social work practice has shifted during the pandemic. Participants will take part in a 60-minute focus group with other social workers in primary care.
     
    Led by Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft, Associate Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, it’s supported by AFHTO and OASW.
     
    If you’re interested in participating, please send an email to Simon at sck.lam@utoronto.ca and include the clinic you work in.

    Exceptions to the Prescription Drug List- deadline Nov. 29

    Health Canada’s initial consultation on exceptions to the Prescription Drug List will close on Tuesday, November 29.
    You can participate in this consultation and provide feedback about which existing exceptions are still needed and why on their site. For more information, you can watch this recorded webinar.

    Routine childhood vaccination: How to address lapses during COVID-19, Nov. 24, 2022

    Accredited webinar offered by the Canadian pediatric Society and co-developed with Public Health Agency of Canada. Register here.

    Trauma Informed Care for Primary Care Providers: A Four-Part Series, Nov. 24- Dec. 15, 2022

    Free special series by ECHO Ontario Child and Youth Mental Health. Register here.

    Collaborative Health Governance in a Time of Deep Uncertainty, Nov. 25, 2022

    In this View From the Top session, held by McMaster University, guest speakers, Helen Bevan, Jodeme Goldhar and Stacey Daub will discuss why radical collaboration and collaborative governance make a difference for population health, healthcare, and wellbeing. Register here.

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30, 2022

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications. Register here.

    NEW Patient Safety Learning Community of Practice, Dec. 6, 2022

    The Quality and Patient Safety Team at Ontario Health kicks off the new community of practice focused on developing robust processes to track, prevent and learn from patient safety incidents. Register here.

    Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8

    Metered dose inhalers produce significant carbon emissions. Ironically, these contribute to changes to the climate that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Simple practice changes can help disrupt this cycle and lessen the health sector’s contributions to climate change.

    Register here.

  • Update on the Ministry Request Memo – Respiratory Illness Season

    Dear Members,

    This fall, we have encountered an uptick in infections leading to hospital capacity becoming strained, especially at paediatric hospitals where cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have coincided with an increase in COVID transmission and an earlier-than-normal flu season. It is expected that these pressures will continue until mid-January. Additionally, pharmacies across Canada are dealing with a shortage of cough syrup and cold medicine, particularly medication for children. Health Canada expects a shipment of ibuprofen from the U.S. and acetaminophen from Australia to arrive imminently and will be available for distribution to pharmacies soon. Please click here for an update on the Children’s Cold and Flu Medications and Amoxicillin Shortage from the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health.

    Memo on an Important Ministry Request – Respiratory Illness Season

    Yesterday you would have received a memo from the Primary Health Care Branch at the Ministry of Health EN FR in response to the rising respiratory illness and system capacity constraints. We know many of you have a lot of questions on how to interpret the memo, especially the line:

    … I am writing to call on your support and requesting your organizations to offer clinical services 7 days a week, including evening availability, until further notice, to meet the needs of your patients. Please advise your patients of this availability so they may seek care in the appropriate place for their health concerns.

    In discussions with the Ministry, this memo was not intended to be directive nor prescriptive but was a request to communicate to your patients about how to access care, especially for sick children, with a focus on receiving care through their primary care teams first so that your patients do not seek care in the hospital if not needed.

    For many of you this likely does not change the expanded services you already provide; however, this is an opportunity to remind your patients of these services including virtual care supports, after-hours clinics and promotion of Health Connect Ontario (formerly THAS). And if you’re not open or accessible 7 days a week, please let your patients know where else they can seek care first before going to the hospital.  

    There are some great resources that you can also post on your website, send proactively to your patients, share via social media, and encourage your patients to use:

    IF you can deploy your FHT resources (e.g., NPs/RNs/PAs and front-line staff) to support additional after-hours care (this could be in person or could be virtually, whatever works best for your team), funding support for teams that anticipate extraordinary costs associated with the expansion of availability is available.

    If you have unspent funds in your budget, you can also reallocate funds to help support additional staff hours with the usual in-year reallocation approvals process. As well, pooling of resources among FHTs and other primary care teams is also an option and is highly encouraged, especially for weekend coverage.  Please speak to your Senior Program Consultant about options available to you.

    Note that overtime pay is at the discretion of the employer, however teams are required to follow the Employment Standards Act where the team is non-unionized. Where unionized, teams are required to comply with the Collective Agreement.

    We know you may have more questions about the memo and the ask to alleviate the pressures currently being faced in the health care system, especially in paediatric hospitals. We are in constant communication with the Ministry, the CMoH’s office and Ontario Health so please outreach and we’ll do our best to address your questions and concerns.

    Clinical Assessment Centres
    Another resource that can be promoted to patients are the Ontario Health Clinical Assessment Centres which will be expanding access and supporting primary care providers in diverting COVID, Flu and ILI assessments from the ED (ready for beginning of December). Ontario Health Regions and CACs have been encouraged to form partnerships with interprofessional primary care teams where feasible to enhance capacity and ensure broader access (i.e., evenings and weekends) to meet the increased needs of patients.

    There are currently 107 assessment centres across the province—some of you may already be affiliated with your local CAC, or you may receive partnership opportunities in the coming weeks to support this request. Revised Clinical Guidance for CACs will be released shortly, encompassing the broader scope of work required of CACs during this time. This guidance will be shared with all primary care providers and organizations to support collaborations with CACs in managing ILIs.

    Upcoming Changes to Process for Ordering Provincial PPE/Testing Supplies

    • Effective April 2023, Ontario Health will transfer the management of provincial PPE/ testing supplies stockpile to the Ontario Ministry of Health. As a result, the Ministry of Health is launching a platform that will enable providers to continue orders online. All primary care organizations/practices can register for a free account (1 per organization).  In the meantime, you can still access PPE through the provincial stockpile if you need it.
    • Members can expect a communique from Ontario Health with additional details (e.g., how to sign up for the new platform, Ministry contact information, etc.) closer to April 2023.

    Resources and Supports

    • Resources to support your patients (COVID-19 vaccines and Flu Vaccines):
      • Access the Ministry’s booster eligibility calculator here. This ensures your patients have a clear understanding of the COVID-19 booster dose recommendations and the importance of why and when they should receive a booster dose.
      • The OMA has developed Template letter: COVID-19 Fall booster doses for individuals aged 5+ that can be accessed. A reminder that the OMA has updated COVID resources that can be found behind their paywall here.
      • Access the COVID-19 Vaccines Information Sheet. This document reflects updates to high-risk groups and availability of the Pfizer bivalent vaccine EN FR
      • COVID-19, RSV and Flu Vaccine Posters (please continue to encourage COVID boosters and flu shots with every patient visit if possible):
        • Boost Your Protection Against COVID-19 poster EN FR
        • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) EN FR
        • Anyone can catch the flu. Protect yourself and others. EN FR
      • Flu shot social media graphics

    Updated COVID-19 Guidance:

    • As you may be aware, the Ontario Ministry of Health has updated its COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance (November 7, 2022 – English only) which reflects the following changes (remember to clear your cache to see the updated guidance):
      • Addition of NACI guidelines for monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech 6 months – 4 years.
      • Revision of high-risk populations.
      • Addition of out-of-Province vaccination chart.
      • Reference table for mRNA vaccines: caps and labels.

    We know how much teams have stepped up during these grueling almost three years of the pandemic without any additional supports or recognition and you are exhausted. We have expressed to the CMoH and others in the Ministry and Ontario Health that members are already working at capacity, dealing with vacancies and staff being off sick, working with partners in their OHTs, all while still facing greater and greater operating pressures and mounting wait lists on regular care, in addition to surge issues. We remain in continual awe when our teams respond to these calls to action as you continue to shine a light on how critical primary care is to the health care system – it is truly the foundation.  A sincere thank you for everything that you do for your patients and your communities.

    Yours in good health,

    The AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: virtual care guidance and more

    Bits & Pieces: virtual care guidance and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Clinically appropriate use of virtual care guidance for primary care
    • Resources addressing children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen shortage
    • Nurse Practitioner Week
    • Ontario’s Fall Economic Statement
    • Member stories
    • Reminder – Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30
    • Updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance and more
    • Reminder – seeking input on how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis care
    • Hospice Palliative Care Ontario call for abstracts
    • Public Health 2023 call for submissions
    • Upcoming events including The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout and more

    Clinically appropriate use of virtual care guidance for primary care

    Today Ontario Health released the much anticipated ‘Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care Guidance for Primary Care’- EN FR.  The materials are intended to support primary care clinicians to make deliberate and purposeful decisions in the planning and delivery of virtual care.

    This is ‘phase one’ of the virtual care guidance for primary care –more detailed virtual care guidance will be released in the future, including materials focused on other specialties and areas of care.

    You can also watch Drs Kaplan and Bordman speak about the guidance document during the November 9th OH Community of Practice. Click here for the recording.

    Resources addressing children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen shortage

    NPAO Celebrating Nurse Practitioner Week NPAO.ORG. Text beside picture of a smiling woman in mask and cap

     

    Nurse Practitioner Week

    Thank you to all the NPs working in primary care teams for your passion, your dedication, and your ongoing commitment to excellent patient-centred care! Happy Nurse Practitioner Week!

     

     

     

     

     

    Ontario’s Fall Economic Statement
    On Monday, the Minister of Finance tabled Ontario’s Fall Economic Statement (FES) entitled Ontario’s Plan to Build: A Progress Update.

    In the last few years, FES has been used as a “mini budget” with new investments. This year, it returned to being what it is called: an economic statement. It repeated campaign commitments and noted the number of new healthcare workers, acute care beds, and long-term care homes under development. There was nothing new about health care and no mention of mental health and addiction.

    AFHTO and partners will continue advocacy to hopefully see meaningful commitments in the spring budget. For a synopsis of the FES, please read Enterprise Canada’s highlights.

    Member stories

    Minto-Mapleton FHT– Filling the Gaps in Access to Rural Mental Healthcare– featuring their NP and counsellor

    Peterborough FHT – The front door to health care is broken

    Reminder-Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications. Register here.

    Updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario call for abstracts

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario (HPCO) is accepting submissions for presentations at their 2023 Annual Conference, Now is the Time, on June 11-13, 2023. More details here. Deadline Dec. 5, 2022.

    Public Health 2023 call for submissions

    Canadian Public Health Association is accepting submissions for Public Health 2023, taking place virtually June 20-22, 2023. For more details, please visit their site. Deadline Jan. 12, 2023.

    Reminder – seeking input on how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis care

    Per UHN:
    “Dr. Anna Gagliardi at University Health Network (UHN) is recruiting healthcare professionals for a one-time 20-minute phone interview for a research study about how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis (OA) care. During the interview, we will ask you for your perspectives, experiences, and recommendations regarding strategies to improve care for immigrant women affected by osteoarthritis.

    You are eligible for this study if you:
    — Are a family physician, nurse practitioner, or community pharmacist who works with patients with osteoarthritis
    OR
    — Are a healthcare executive, healthcare manager, or policymaker who oversees osteoarthritis services

    For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact the study coordinator, Madeline Theodorlis, by email: madeline.theodorlis@uhn.ca. Please note that information sent by email may be accessible by external parties and therefore not entirely secure. Many thanks for your consideration.”

    Infection Prevention & Control in Primary Care, Nov. 23, 2022
    Hosted by Hamilton FHT and Public Health Ontario. Find out more here.

    Evaluating program planning using an equity framework, Nov. 23, 2022
    To plan for an expansion of healthcare services in newly developed neighbourhoods, a planning initiative was conducted to better understand the needs of the population. Ensuring equity of care was identified as a priority for this initiative.

    CCHL Forum webinar featuring speakers from Ontario Health, North York FHT and Queen Square FHT. Register here.

    Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24

    Co-hosted by The Ontario Caregiver Organization and the Primary Care Collaborative, this webinar will include insights from a caregiver with lived experience, as well as examples of primary care initiatives across Ontario that are connecting caregivers to support. Register here.

    Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8

    Metered dose inhalers produce significant carbon emissions. Ironically, these contribute to changes to the climate that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Simple practice changes can help disrupt this cycle and lessen the health sector’s contributions to climate change.

    Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: memo to primary care from OH and more

    Bits & Pieces: memo to primary care from OH and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Memos to primary care, on operational direction and more
    • Health ministers’ meeting in Vancouver
    • Reminder- Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24
    • Virtual concussion occupational therapy services for teams
    • Moving towards an integrated health data ecosystem & QIP update
    • OLTCA convention call for content
    • Nominate high performing early career family physicians
    • IPHCC & PHAC seeking participants for short videos
    • Upcoming events including Evaluating program planning using an equity framework and more

     

    Memos to primary care, on operational direction and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

    Health ministers’ meeting in Vancouver

    screenshot of AFHTO news release

    “Mr. Duclos … added the federal government is also prepared to make bilateral agreements with provinces and territories on issues of shared priorities, such as increased access to family health teams and mental-health services.” Full article here.

    As the provincial and territorial health ministers gather in Vancouver to meet with the federal Minister of Health, the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, AFHTO remains hopeful that all parties share his priority of increasing access to primary care teams and that we will see much needed funding flow to the province through the Canada Health Transfer.

    Please read AFHTO’s statement here. 

    OCO webinar flyer

     

     

    Reminder – Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24

    Primary care providers can play a key role in preventing burnout and enhancing caregiver well-being by initiating early interventions and connecting caregivers to support.

    Co-hosted by The Ontario Caregiver Organization and the Primary Care Collaborative, this webinar will include insights from a caregiver with lived experience, as well as examples of primary care initiatives across Ontario that are connecting caregivers to support. Register here.

     

     

    Virtual concussion occupational therapy services for teams

    The Neurology Centre of Toronto (NCT) has developed a concussion rehabilitation program that has been implemented and proven successful with an existing FHT in Ontario. The program provides patients with access to virtual concussion occupational therapy services and has been running successfully since March 2022.

    The patients in this program wouldn’t have access to this care otherwise, and the program has generated very positive feedback and results. Specifically, when surveyed after completing this program:

    • 33% of patients demonstrated an improvement in daily activity tolerance
    • 67% of patients demonstrated an improvement in their symptom scores, and
    • 83% reported satisfaction with the program.

    NCT would like to extend this service to other teams (including NPLCs and CHCs) in need of concussion rehabilitation services to support their patients. Please contact Jenni Diamond, Occupational Therapist and Program Director, to discuss the details and how it may fit within your team: jenni.diamond@numinus.com.

    Moving towards an integrated health data ecosystem & QIP update

    OLTCA convention call for content

    Taking place March 27-29, the Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) in partnership with the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) are hosting the Together We Care 2023 Convention in person. The TWC Call for Content is now accepting abstracts. For a full list of program streams and to submit an abstract, please visit their site. Deadline November 21, 2022, at 4:00 pm EST.

    Nominate high performing early career family physicians

    Dr. Monica Aggarwal at the University of Toronto is conducting a study that will identify the key capabilities and competencies of high-performing family medicine graduates. This will help inform how learning, teaching and assessment can be improved in family medicine residency programs in Canada.

    She’s looking for nominations for high-performing early-career family physicians (based on the criteria identified here). If you have a nominee, please contact monica.aggarwal@utoronto.ca.

    IPHCC & PHAC seeking participants for short videos

    The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council is looking for both health care staff as well as general population participants for the creation of short videos.

    Created in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the videos aim to increase knowledge about the importance of vaccination, build vaccine confidence, and address barriers to accessing vaccination services. An honorarium will be provided. Please see the flyer for more information.

    ONCA A Year Later: the 100 Most Asked Questions, Nov. 10, 2022
    Hosted by Community Legal Education Ontario, who have compiled the most frequently asked questions into a database and want to share what they have learned. Register here.

    Infection Prevention & Control in Primary Care, Nov. 23, 2022
    Hosted by Hamilton FHT and Public Health Ontario. Find out more here.

    Evaluating program planning using an equity framework, Nov. 23, 2022
    To plan for an expansion of healthcare services in newly developed neighbourhoods, a planning initiative was conducted to better understand the needs of the population. Ensuring equity of care was identified as a priority for this initiative.

    CCHL Forum webinar featuring speakers from Ontario Health, North York FHT and Queen Square FHT. Register here.

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications. Register here.

    Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8

    Metered dose inhalers produce significant carbon emissions. Ironically, these contribute to changes to the climate that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Simple practice changes can help disrupt this cycle and lessen the health sector’s contributions to climate change.

    Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: preventing caregiver burnout and more

    Bits & Pieces: preventing caregiver burnout and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24
    • Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8
    • MOH booster communications toolkit and more
    • TUTOR-PHC call for applications
    • Seeking input on how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis care
    • Upcoming events including ONCA A Year Later: the 100 Most Asked Questions and more

    Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24
    Primary care providers can play a key role in preventing burnout and enhancing caregiver well-being by initiating early interventions and connecting caregivers to support.

    Co-hosted by The Ontario Caregiver Organization and the Primary Care Collaborative, this webinar will include insights from a caregiver with lived experience, as well as examples of primary care initiatives across Ontario that are connecting caregivers to support. Register here.

    Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing, Dec. 8

    Metered dose inhalers produce significant carbon emissions. Ironically, these contribute to changes to the climate that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Simple practice changes can help disrupt this cycle and lessen the health sector’s contributions to climate change.

    Learning outcomes:

    • Explore the carbon footprint of healthcare systems and how inhalers contribute to it
    • Examine two problems related to inhaler prescribing
    • Imagine practice change that results in immediate reduction in emissions: “high value, low carbon care”

    Register here.

    Graphic of purple vaccine vial, with another transparent vial behind it on a light blue background. below, text says

     

    MOH booster communications toolkit and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.

     

    TUTOR-PHC call for applications

    Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research – Primary Health Care (TUTOR-PHC), is a one-year, pan-Canadian interdisciplinary research capacity building program that has been training primary and integrated health care researchers, clinicians and decision-makers from family medicine, nursing, psychology, epidemiology, social work, occupational therapy, education, policy, and many other disciplines since 2003.  The deadline to apply is December 5, 2022.

    For more information, please go to the website or email the TUTOR-PHC Project Coordinator at tutor@uwo.ca.

    Seeking input on how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis care

    Per UHN:
    “Dr. Anna Gagliardi at University Health Network (UHN) is recruiting healthcare professionals for a one-time 20-minute phone interview for a research study about how to improve person-centred osteoarthritis (OA) care. During the interview, we will ask you for your perspectives, experiences, and recommendations regarding strategies to improve care for immigrant women affected by osteoarthritis.

    You are eligible for this study if you:
    — Are a family physician, nurse practitioner, or community pharmacist who works with patients with osteoarthritis
    OR
    — Are a healthcare executive, healthcare manager, or policymaker who oversees osteoarthritis services

    For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact the study coordinator, Madeline Theodorlis, by email: madeline.theodorlis@uhn.ca. Please note that information sent by email may be accessible by external parties and therefore not entirely secure. Many thanks for your consideration.”

    Hamilton FHT Green Initiative’s Cancer Screening, Nov. 2 or 10, 2022

    Led by Dr. Meghan Davis, Ontario Health’s Regional Primary Care Lead (Cancer Screening). Find out more here.

    ONCA A Year Later: the 100 Most Asked Questions, Nov. 10, 2022
    Hosted by Community Legal Education Ontario, who have compiled the most frequently asked questions into a database and want to share what they have learned. Register here.

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications. Register here.

    MyPractice: Primary Care Report: Using Data for Improvement – a focus on using the opioid prescribing indicators to drive improvements in patient care, Nov. 10, 2022
    Ontario Health is hosting a webinar for primary care providers on using the opioid prescribing indicators in the MyPractice: Primary Care report to drive improvements in patient care. 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. Register here.

    Hospice Palliative Care Ontario’s online learning portal for person centred decision making
    The Modules are intended for Clinician Competency Training on Health Care Consent, Advance Care Planning, and Goals of Care conversations. Learners will move beyond advancing their knowledge and attitudes to develop clinical skills. Learn more here.

  • Ministry Communications Toolkit, OCFP Resources and Science Table Brief on Primary Care Webinar

    Dear Members,

    As we move into another fall season where we are seeing hospital emergency department surges due to an increase in respiratory viral illnesses in Ontario, it’s even more critical to ensure everyone gets their flu shot and stays up to date on their COVID19 booster shots. Flu shots for the general public should be available as of November 1st through primary care offices and pharmacies – if you are having issues with accessing your vaccines, please connect with your PHU to facilitate distribution. As we prepare for what may be a difficult fall, we wanted to share with you some resources and tools you may find helpful.

    From the Ministry of Health
    The Ministry has developed a toolkit of communication resources with key messages and materials to help ensure Ontarians have a clear understanding of the COVID-19 booster dose recommendations and the importance of why and when they should receive a booster dose. Booster doses are recommended to everyone aged five and over to help restore protection that may have decreased since their last dose:

     

    • Individuals aged five and over who are not considered high risk for severe COVID-19 illness are recommended to receive a booster dose six months since their last dose.
    • It’s strongly recommended that the following individuals get a booster dose after three months:

    The toolkit includes:

    The Ministry has shared the most recent slide deck from October 14, 2022, which contains the provincial dashboard on COVID vaccination by age groups and priority populations. Note that Page 4 contains a Flow Diagram for COVID-19 Booster Vaccination – When Should you get a Booster Dose that may be helpful when counseling patients.  

    The Ministry also shared the Indigenous Vaccination Dashboard which lays out the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine to Indigenous adults, including Operation Remote Immunity. This includes First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban populations 5+. The IPHCC has done tremendous work in addressing vaccine hesitancy and increasing vaccination in the Indigenous communities using culturally safe learnings and approaches. Members are encouraged to read through the work done to date and to utilize the rich resources that are available for use.

    Other updated Ministry of Health resources you may find helpful:

    •  COVID-19 vaccine guidance (MOH, October 13) (EN, FR)
      • Monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech Primary Series for 6 months –4 years
      • Updated recommendations for those who are pregnant and/or breastfeeding (alignment with NACI)
      • Bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech booster for 12 years and older (available this week in Ontario)
      • “There is no preference between bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech and bivalent Moderna for booster doses in individuals 18 years of age and older”
    • Storage and handling of Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccines (MOH, updated October 13) (EN)
    • COVID-19 vaccine consent and notice form (MOH, updated October 6) (EN, FR)
    • COVID-19 guidance: Long-term care homes, retirement homes, and other congregate living settings for public health units (MOH, updated October 6) (EN, FR)
    • COVID-19 provincial testing guidance (MOH, updated October 6) (EN, FR)

    Other Helpful Tools and Resources from the OCFP

    The Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) has developed several tools that you may find helpful when managing patients with respiratory symptoms in your clinics:

    From Ontario Health
    As noted in our October 6th communique to EDs and admin leads, Ontario Health had sent out a memo on October 3 on Evusheld, a therapy against COVID-19. The memo was for healthcare providers and outlines what Evusheld is, who can receive Evusheld, and how to access it for eligible patients. It also includes a link to a revised toolkit for providers who may be prescribing or administering Evusheld.

    If you have not seen it, the memo with all the resource links can be found here – EN FR.  The memo also references the following resources:

    • Information about Evusheld (tixagevimab and cilgavimab): Reference for health care providers who may be prescribing or administering Evusheld EN
    • Patient handout on Evusheld EN FR

    Events and Webinars

    Breakfast Webinar: Highlights and Implications of the Ontario Science Table’s Brief on Primary Care
    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy:

    Join on November 30th at 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. to hear from key primary care leaders as they share some of the more significant findings and implications. Panelists include:

    • Dr. Imaan Bayoumi: Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Public Health Sciences at Queens University, Family Physician, Member of the Ontario Science Table
    • Dr. Danielle Martin: Chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, Family Physician at Women’s College Hospital, Member of the Ontario Science Table
    • Dr. Noah Ivers: Family Physician at Women’s College Hospital, Scientist at the Women’s College Research Institute, Associate Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Toronto, Member of the Ontario Science Table
    • Dr. Jennifer Rayner: Director of Research and Evaluation at the Alliance for Healthier Communities, Adjunct Research Professor at Western University, Contributor to the Ontario Science Table Briefs on Primary Care

    IPAC for Non-clinical Staff (PH Ontario)
    This course is designed specifically for people who don’t have formal health care training and work in a congregate living environment. It will provide learners with the IPAC knowledge they need to keep themselves, their patients, and their co-workers safe from infections in workplaces like shelters, group homes, residential treatment centres and other facilities. Participants will learn how to conduct a risk assessment, perform proper hand hygiene, when and how to use personal protective equipment safely, the basics of administrative and environmental infection control measures, and best practices for outbreak management. Click here to learn more.

    Thank you again for all you are doing to keep your patients and the community safe. If you need any assistance or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Stay safe and Happy Halloween.

    Yours in good health,

    The AFHTO Team

  • Bits & Pieces: highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care and more

    Bits & Pieces: highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30
    • Respiratory Therapist Week
    • Wawa FHT unveils new artwork on journey of Truth and Reconciliation
    • Hybrid workspace resources
    • Quality standard on medication safety recorded webinar
    • Upcoming events including Managing Influenza-like Illness this Fall and more

     

    Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30

    On October 3, 2022, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table (OST) released its final brief, a 3-part exploration of how primary care responded to and was affected by the pandemic, and implications for ongoing health system planning and policy. In this webinar, you will hear from a panel of primary healthcare experts who contributed to that brief, as they share some of the most significant findings and implications.

    Panelists:

    • Dr. Imaan Bayoumi
    • Dr. Danielle Martin
    • Dr. Noah Ivers
    • Dr. Jennifer Rayner

    Bring your own breakfast! Register here.

    text- The CN Tower will be lit today to celebrate RRTs in Ontario! Check it out and tag us @rtso Come out and celebrate #rtweek2022! Image to the right- CN tower lit in orange and purple

    Respiratory Therapist Week

    Thank you to all the respiratory therapists working in primary care teams, helping your patients breathe that much easier. RTSO is lighting Ontario landmarks this week in recognition. #RTWeek2022

     

     

    The artist Zoey Wood-Salomon stands to the right of her piece, a turtle with people on the circumference of its shell

     

     

    Wawa FHT unveils new artwork on journey of Truth and Reconciliation
    On September 21, 2022, at Naturally Superior Adventures, Wawa FHT celebrated the unveiling of the clinic’s new painting. Learn more here.

     

     

     

     

     

    Hybrid workspace resources

    Resources shared by the Knowledge Institute on Child and Youth Mental Health and Addictions:

    Quality standard on medication safety recorded webinar

    Ontario Health and the Ontario College of Pharmacists co-hosted a webinar, “Introduction to the Medication Safety Quality Standard and the Assurance and Improvement of Medication Safety Program” on October 19, 2022. The session introduced OH’s recently released quality standard on medication safety and described how it can be used to drive quality improvement and improve care for people in Ontario throughout the health care system. The session also discussed how the Assurance and Improvement in Medication Safety (AIMS) program supports a culture of medication safety.

    The recorded webinar can be accessed by clicking here (passcode: OHOCP2022!).

    Helpful strategies to address mental health in children, Oct. 26, 2022

    Part of OCFP’s Practising Well COP. Find out more here.

    Managing Influenza-like Illness this Fall, Oct. 28, 2022

    51st in the series “Changing the way we work” on Friday, October 28, 2022, at 7:55-9:00 am. They’ll discuss how we can prepare for an anticipated increase in COVID, influenza, and other viral illnesses in the coming months. Hosted by OCFP & UofT. Register here.

    Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care, Nov. 9, 2022
    Join Dr. David Kaplan and Dr. Risa Bordman from the Primary Care Expert Panel – Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care, as they present the third of a 3-part series on the Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care.  This webinar is part of the Primary Care and COVID-19 Support CoP Monthly Series. Register in advance.

    OPHA 2022 Fall Forum, Nov. 8-9, 2022
    The Next Chapter: Building Upon Our Capacity and Resilience in Community and Public Health. Find out more here.

    Data To Action: Making Your Data Visible and Useful, Nov. 30, 2022
    Webinar on data visualization by TechSoup Connect Ontario Chapter. Register here.

    2023/24 cQIP Information Session, Nov. 23, 2022
    Hosted by Ontario Health, this will focus on the development and planning of collaborative Quality Improvement Plans (cQIPs) for FY 2023-24. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: strengthening mental healthcare delivery and more

    Bits & Pieces: strengthening mental healthcare delivery and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Strengthening mental healthcare delivery in primary care
    • October is Occupational Therapy Month
    • IPHCC Wise Practices Guide
    • OurCare national survey deadline extended to Oct. 25
    • Ontarians aged 12+ eligible for bivalent booster and more
    • Wound care champion program
    • Call for papers: International Conference on Integrated Care
    • Health Canada recorded webinar: exceptions to the prescription drug list
    • Upcoming events including social prescribing and more

    Strengthening mental healthcare delivery in primary care

    The OMA and the Primary Care Collaborative have released a joint policy paper with recommendations to strengthen mental healthcare delivery in primary care.

    The rate of new mental health and addiction diagnoses is increasing, exacerbated by the ongoing impacts of the pandemic. Approximately three-quarters of Canadians rely on their primary care provider to address their mental health needs, but there are longstanding system gaps that must be addressed to enhance the ability of primary care doctors to deliver mental health care. Read more here.

    Text in the middle of intertwined rope of different colours forming a heart. I 'heart' OT. October is #OTmonth in Canada

    October is Occupational Therapy Month

    Thank you to all the occupational therapists working in primary care teams, aiding patients’ mental health, and providing opportunities for seniors to age in place.

     

    Cover with IPHCC and SOAHAC logos at top. Below pictures of indigenous women, an inukshuk, smudging materials and a totem pole

     

     

    IPHCC Wise Practices Guide
    IPHCC has launched a guide titled Protocols for non-Indigenous health care organizations seeking to work with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers. As an expanded component of the Improving Indigenous Outcomes project, this Wise Practices Guide was developed to highlight how non-Indigenous partner organizations can safely and respectfully engage with Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers. Find out more here.

     

     

     

     

    OurCare national survey deadline extended to Oct. 25

    Dr. Tara Kiran, a researcher from MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Unity Health Toronto), and St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT physician, is leading an important project on the future of primary care. As part of the project, she is conducting a research survey to hear from people across Canada about their experiences and priorities. Study findings will be shared with policymakers and used to shape a blueprint for the future of primary care in Canada.

    Help the study team hear from as many people as possible. Use these materials to encourage patients and the public to take the 15-minute research survey. Deadline extended to Oct. 25.

    Ontarians aged 12+ eligible for bivalent booster and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Wound care champion program

    To help address the rising incidence of acute and hard-to-heal wounds, Wounds Canada and the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) are launching the Wound Care Champion Program (WCCP), designed to deliver evidence-informed, interdisciplinary novice-to-proficient level wound education to front-line clinicians. Two hundred spots in Ontario are being sponsored by the Ministry of Health for regulated health-care professionals in the home and community care sectors. Deadline Dec. 16.

    Call for papers: International Conference on Integrated Care

    The 23rd International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC23) will take place in Flanders from 22-24 May 2023. They are accepting paper submissions on research, policy, practice or education and specifically related to the Conference Themes and the 9 Pillars of Integrated Care until Monday, 31 October. For more information visit www.integratedcarefoundation.org/ICIC23.

    Health Canada recorded webinar: exceptions to the prescription drug list

    Health Canada has a recorded webinar about the initial information-gathering consultation on exceptions to the Prescription Drug List. The consultation was launched on July 28 and will close on November 29, 2022.This recorded webinar provides information on how to submit your consultation feedback. You can access it here.

    Heath Canada would appreciate your feedback about which existing exceptions are still needed and why, as well as any possible impacts that could occur if drugs that are currently considered exceptions were to be added to the Prescription Drug List. You can access the consultation here.

    This work aims to ensure that exceptions to the Prescription Drug List meet the needs of patients, caregivers, and the modern health care system. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact policy_bureau_enquiries@hc-sc.gc.ca.

    Community of Practice: Infection Prevention and Control in Primary Care, Oct. 4- 31, 2022

    Quarterly (CoP) meetings hosted by Public Health Ontario to support Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) programs in Primary Care settings.  

    Sessions will be held on several dates and times for different regions. Find out more here.

    Social Prescribing Conference: Current Practices & Community Conversations, Oct. 20, 2022
    Virtual conference hosted by the Alliance. Find out more here.

    HPV-related Cancer and Disease Prevention, Oct. 20, 2022
    Speaker: Dr. Vivien Brown MDCM, CCFP, FCFP, NCMP. Hosted by Merck. Register here.

    Practical Evidence for Informed Practice, Oct. 21-22, 2022
    Family medicine rapid fire conference. Find out more here.

    OPHA 2022 Fall Forum, Nov. 8-9, 2022
    The Next Chapter: Building Upon Our Capacity and Resilience in Community and Public Health. Find out more here.

    Internal Workplace Investigation Training, Nov. 15 & 17
    Virtual training opportunity for managers, board members and executives, taught by employment lawyer Maria McDonald and independent investigator Cleo Noxon. Find out more.