Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Public health

  • Bits & Pieces: join our IHP Advisory Council, social media panel update and more

    Bits & Pieces: join our IHP Advisory Council, social media panel update and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Join our IHP Advisory Council!
    • National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th
    • AFHTO 2021 Conference: less than a month to early bird deadline & social media panel update
    • Cancer screening digital toolkit
    • Medical exemption resource, impact in Australia and more
    • Seeking female patients’ input on technology-based care
    • Free online CPD course – safer, more inclusive STBBI care
    • Providing Excellent Care for Older Persons During the Pandemic and Beyond, Nov. 5, 2021
    • Infectious Disease Emergency Leave update
    • Upcoming events regarding using antibiotics wisely and more

    Join our IHP Advisory Council!

    There are two openings on AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council, and we invite all AFHTO-member IHPs to apply for a two-year term!

    This council was established in May 2018 to provide input on team-based care matters related to IHP issues; to give advice and input to the AFHTO board, staff, and leadership council; and to foster leadership across the IHP community within team-based models of care. More information on the council is here.
     
    Interested members are asked to complete this application by Friday, October 29, 2021. Any questions, please contact Beth MacKinnon.

    National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th

    As you know, the federal government has introduced a new statutory holiday on September 30th called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is intended to be a time for Canadians to spread awareness of and reflect on the tragedies experienced by Indigenous people as a result of the country’s former residential school system. It is also meant to commemorate the intergenerational harm these schools have caused to Indigenous families and communities, honoring those who have been affected by this injustice. Read more here.

    AFHTO 2021 small logo

    AFHTO 2021 Conference: less than a month to early bird deadline & social media panel update

    There is less than a month to our early bird deadline, Oct. 20, 2021. Register today (member access code provided to team leadership- contact them to get your discount).

    The Power of Social Media during COVID
    The Information Age started in the 20th century, but the misinformation age exploded with social media. Before COVID, we marvelled at how fast it could connect people across the globe, unite them in common cause and help bring important issues into the light. We also saw how easily it could be used to sow discord about even benign topics. Learn more about this session and our speakers.

    Cancer screening digital toolkit
    As previously shared, Ontario Health has developed cancer screening resources to help support you and your patients to get caught up on cancer screening tests during COVID-19. While orders for printed materials have now ended, the digital cancer screening awareness toolkit is now available here. All materials are available in English and French, and select materials are available in additional languages, including Indigenous languages. While some resources have been developed for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cervical Cancer Awareness Week and Colon Cancer Awareness Month, they can be used at any time.  

    Please feel free to use them when sharing information about cancer screening with your patients. Please do not share this link to a public audience (e.g., patients), but rather share only the resources themselves if you wish to use them in your practice.

    If you ordered printed products you can expect to receive them by early October. If you have any questions, please reach out to Ontario Health at primarycareinquiries@ontariohealth.ca.

    Medical exemption resource, impact in Australia and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Seeking female patients’ input on technology-based care

    HeLTI Canada is a collaboration between researchers in Canada, China, India, and South Africa, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a technology-based type of care can improve the health of families in the preconception phase, during pregnancy, and into early childhood and prevent the development of chronic diseases.

    HeLTI is currently recruiting women living in the GTA, Hamilton, Niagara, and Ottawa, who have no children; have one child between 0-12 months of age; or have 2 children and youngest child is between 0-12 months of age and are planning a pregnancy within the next 3 years.

    Please visit www.helticanada.com for more information. If you have any questions or concerns, please email helticanada@smh.ca.

    Free online CPD course – safer, more inclusive STBBI care

    The Canadian Public Health Association recently launched Provide safer, more inclusive care for sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections – a free online continuing professional development (CPD) course.

    Intended for family physicians and other clinical care providers, this modular course explores the stigma and discrimination often encountered by patients seeking treatment for sexual health, substance use or STBBIs. It can be completed in less than 4 hours, in your own time, and is designed to increase the comfort levels of care providers and the satisfaction and health outcomes of patients.

    Providing Excellent Care for Older Persons During the Pandemic and Beyond, Nov. 5, 2021
    Content provided by Sinai Health and University Health Network and Dr. Samir K. Sinha (edited for length)

    Please join Sinai Health and UHN at their 9th Annual CME Course which has been designed to provide primary care providers with the latest practical and evidence-based knowledge for delivering geriatric care. Their CME course has been accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for up to 5.0 Mainpro+ credits. This year’s edition is titled “Providing Excellent Care for Older Persons During the Pandemic and Beyond” and will take place on Friday November 5th, from 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM EST.

    This program will be delivered virtually. All sessions will be recorded and available to paid registrants. For further information, please visit the website. View the Agenda Here.

    Infectious Disease Emergency Leave update
    The Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (“IDEL”) provisions of the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 have been extended to December 31, 2021. They were previously set to expire on September 25, 2021. More information here.

    Are We Using Antibiotics Wisely in Primary Care in the Era of COVID-19? Oct. 6, 2021
    Choosing Wisely Talks will reflect on what we’ve learned about antibiotics and over-prescribing, a long-standing issue of global significance. Find out more.

    Expanding your differential diagnosis, Oct. 14
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario at UHN, this presentation provides an overarching schema of rheumatic diseases. Find out more and register here

    Public Health 2021 Program, Oct. 6-8, 2021
    Hosted by the Canadian Public Health Association. Find out more.

    Tapering and Stopping Opioids, Oct. 19, 2021
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship (UHN). Register here.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference, Oct. 27-28, 2021
    Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild. Members get a significant discount on the registration fee. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: 8 new OHTs announced, Pfizer for 5-11 yr-olds and more

    Bits & Pieces: 8 new OHTs announced, Pfizer for 5-11 yr-olds and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Eight new OHTs announced
    • Virtual funding opportunities for primary care materials available
    • Malnutrition in primary care: sum zero slides and video available
    • Pfizer for 5-11 yr olds, 3rd dose recommendations, medical exemptions and more
    • Upcoming events regarding cyber security and more

    Eight new OHTs announced
    Congratulations to the eight new Ontario Health Teams and to our member teams that are engaged and participating in the development of OHTs. You can see the full list here.

    If you’re in one of these OHTs and you don’t see your team listed, please let us know.

    Virtual funding webinar title slide

    Virtual funding opportunities for primary care materials available

    On Sep. 16 we held a webinar with Ontario Health to provide information and answer questions about FY2021-22 digital and virtual care provincial funding opportunities for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) and In Development Team, including support for online appointment booking and virtual primary care projects. Slides, video and resources, including proposal templates are now available.

     

    Malnutrition in primary care webinar title slide

    Malnutrition in primary care: sum zero slides and video available

    On Sep. 20 we held a webinar where attendees gained a greater awareness of prevalence of malnutrition in primary care and the impact of undiagnosed malnutrition on quality of life, health outcomes and health care dollars.

    Slides and video are now available.

    Pfizer for 5-11 yr olds, 3rd dose recommendations, medical exemptions and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    OMD Digital Health and Virtual Care Day, Sep. 30, 2021
    This virtual day will focus on leveraging digital health and virtual care tools to complement the in-person delivery of patient care. Register here.

    Cyber Security conference – Building Cyber Resilience: Securing Ontario’s Public Sector, Oct. 6, 2021
    Hosted by: Cyber Security Division, Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. Find out more here.

    Expanding your differential diagnosis, Oct. 14
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario at UHN, this presentation provides an overarching schema of rheumatic diseases. Find out more and register here

    Tapering and Stopping Opioids, Oct. 19, 2021
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship (UHN). Register here.

    Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act: What Directors Need to Know, Oct. 21, 2021
    Complimentary education session for Senior Leaders and Boards of Directors on ONCA by Miller Thomson’s Health Industry Group. Register here.

    NB: AFHTO is also working on an ONCA 101 session specifically for members. Details TBA.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference, Oct. 27-28, 2021
    Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild. Members get a significant discount on the registration fee. Find out more here.

  • Directive 6 Must Apply To Patient-Facing Team-Based Primary Care Providers During COVID-19

    Directive 6 Must Apply To Patient-Facing Team-Based Primary Care Providers During COVID-19

    Picture test

    To: Hon. Doug Ford, Premier
    Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health
    Cc: Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ministry of Health
    Matthew Anderson, CEO, Ontario Health
    Helen Angus, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health (outgoing)
     

    Re: Directive 6 must apply to patient-facing team-based primary care providers during COVID-19

    September 3, 2021

    Dear Premier and Deputy Premier,

    First, we want to take the opportunity to thank your government for the leadership you’ve shown with the
    introduction of the vaccine certificate and Directive #6, which requires the implementation of a mandatory
    vaccine policy for employees, staff, contractors, volunteers and students in certain health care settings. As
    associations representing team-based primary care providers and other front-facing health professionals in every
    community of Ontario, we see Directive #6 as integral to protecting as many people as possible while giving
    options to our providers to mandate policies that work best for their organizations’ environments.
    Directive #6 is also an approach that allows us to take seriously and respond empathically to concerns about
    mistrust in the health system from populations and communities who’ve faced discrimination in the health
    system, while still making it clear to Ontario health care workers that getting vaccinated is a top priority in keeping
    health care settings safe for everyone. Every serious illness and death we can prevent, every outbreak we can
    prevent, every ICU admission we can prevent – will bring us closer to the end of the pandemic.

    So we’re writing to you today to ask you to expand Directive #6 to include team-based primary care settings that
    include our organizations – community health centres, family health teams and nurse practitioner-led clinics.
    Premier, Deputy Premier, as you know, our organizations deliver primary health care and social services to many
    of the populations most vulnerable to COVID-19 and its related impacts. Our members’ staff do outreach, both in
    shelters, urban areas and to isolated seniors; we provide harm reduction services and supports, often meeting
    people where they’re at; and our providers are also on the front lines of testing, community supports and
    vaccination rollout efforts. Simply put, providers at our member organizations are face to face with the virus,
    working with people most vulnerable to it, on a daily basis.

    Our members stand ready to implement Directive #6 and its guidance on how to encourage staff and related
    workers to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Many are ready to use their authority as laid out by the Chief Medical Officer
    of Health to, like University Health Network, go beyond the minimum requirements of the Directive. Your
    leadership can help enable this vital path of actions to get key Ontario health care settings to the highest levels of
    vaccination possible, and to protect more vulnerable Ontarians.

    We hope to hear back from you as soon as possible about the inclusion patient-facing primary care providers in Directive #6, and we are ready to meet to address any concerns or questions.

    Sincerely,
    Sarah Hobbs, CEO, Alliance for Healthier Communities
    Katie Hogue, President Elect, Nurse Practitioner-led Clinic Association
    Kavita Mehta, CEO, Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO)

    See Full PDF Here

  • Bits & Pieces: member stories, virtual funding opps and more

    Bits & Pieces: member stories, virtual funding opps and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Reminder- virtual funding opportunities for primary care, Sep. 16
    • Reminder- COVID-19 malnutrition – how to identify and treat in team-based primary care, Sep. 20
    • AFHTO 2021 Conference: AI panel update & poster confirmations
    • Additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised individuals and more
    • Relevant news and updates: EMR data uses for performance measurement & climate change
    • Submit an abstract for Trillium Primary Health Care research day
    • Reminder- seeking pharmacists’ input on experiences and contributions to mental health care during COVID-19
    • Upcoming events regarding keeping our kids safe at school and more

    Member stories
    Humber River FHT– Humber River Hospital vaccinates 1,500 in 2 days as city says vaccine hesitancy dropping in Toronto
     

    Manitoulin Central, Municipality of Assiginack and Northeastern Manitoulin, FHTs– The rate of first shots as of Sep. 1 was 88% for Manitoulin Island vs. 74.4% across Ontario, thanks to FHTs, volunteers & the community.
     

    Powassan and Area FHT- East Ferris breaks ground on new medical centre

    Reminder- virtual funding opportunities for primary care, Sep. 16
    Co-hosted with Ontario Health, this webinar will provide information and answer questions about FY2021-22 digital and virtual care provincial funding opportunities for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) and In Development Team, including support for online appointment booking and virtual primary care projects.
    Find out more and register here.

    Reminder- COVID-19 malnutrition – how to identify and treat in team-based primary care, Sep. 20, 2021

    Gain a greater awareness of prevalence of malnutrition in primary care and the impact of undiagnosed malnutrition on quality of life, health outcomes and health care dollars. Find out more and register here.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference: AI panel update & poster confirmations

    AFHTO 2021 small logo

    More information on Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Primary Care. The Future is Now is now available. Register here.

    And if you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact has received an e-mail including the words AFHTO 2021 Conference in the subject on Sep. 9. (Please have them check their junk mail as well.)

    If your contact person has NOT received this notification, please contact info@afhto.ca before Thursday, September 16, 2021. We are currently awaiting confirmation for 10 posters.

    Additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine in immunocompromised individuals and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Relevant news and updates: EMR data uses for performance measurement & climate change

    Submit an abstract for Trillium Primary Health Care research day

    You are invited to submit your research for presentation at the virtual 2021 Trillium Primary Health Care Research Day on Oct. 15. Deadline to submit Oct. 1.

    Reminder- seeking pharmacists’ input on experiences and contributions to mental health care during COVID-19

    If you are a primary care pharmacist, University of Toronto researchers want to hear from you! Their study seeks to examine primary care team pharmacist contributions to patient mental health care, and understand pharmacists’ experiences with collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 15 to 20 min survey includes a mix of multiple choice and open response questions.
     
    This study from the University of Toronto is co-led by Dr. Rachelle Ashcroft, Assistant Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, and Dr. Lisa Dolovich, Professor & Dean at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy.
     
    To take the survey, please click on this link: https://bit.ly/SplPharm.

    Keeping our kids safe at school, new IPAC guidance, and more, Sep. 17, 2021
    The next meeting of OCFP COVID-19 CoP. Register here.

    NPAO 2021 Virtual Annual Conference, Sep. 23-24, 2021
    This years’ Conference theme is Nurse Practitioner: Innovative Influencers of Health and Wellness. Find out more and register here.

    Expanding your differential diagnosis, Oct. 14
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario at UHN, this presentation provides an overarching schema of rheumatic diseases. Find out more and register here

    Tapering and Stopping Opioids, Oct. 19, 2021
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship (UHN). Register here.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference, Oct. 27-28, 2021
    Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild. Members get a significant discount on the registration fee. Find out more here.

    Transforming Care: Supporting Older Adults Post-COVID in Ontario, Oct. 19-21, 2021
    Hosted by Specialized Geriatric Services East. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: virtual funding opps, aggregate report update, and more

    Bits & Pieces: virtual funding opps, aggregate report update, and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Virtual funding opportunities for primary care, Sep. 16
    • Expanding your differential diagnosis, Oct. 14
    • 3rd dose referral and guidance
    • Update on COVaxON Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report
    • Reminder – Pandemic PPE Transitional Supports (PPTS)
    • Keeping our kids safe at school, new IPAC guidance, and more
    • New telementoring program for health-care providers in occupational medicine
    • PSHSA workplace violence toolkits: work refusal and emergency response to workplace violence (code white)
    • Opportunity to bring Early Words program to your team – at no cost
    • Upcoming events regarding COVID-19 malnutrition and more

    Virtual funding opportunities for primary care, Sep. 16
    Co-hosted with Ontario Health, this webinar will provide information and answer questions about FY2021-22 digital and virtual care provincial funding opportunities for Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) and In Development Team, including support for online appointment booking and virtual primary care projects.
    Find out more and register here.

    Expanding your differential diagnosis, Oct. 14
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario at UHN, this presentation provides an overarching schema of rheumatic diseases, with a focus on types and patterns of articular involvement, and extraarticular and serologic correlates. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to apply this schema when approaching common rheumatic disease presentations.
    Find out more and register here.

    3rd dose referral and guidance

    Since Ontario announced third doses of COVID-19 vaccine for some populations, the Ministry has prepared a draft sample letter that physicians and nurse practitioners may wish to use to provide their patients with the necessary referral and attestation in the cases where the patient’s own primary care provider/specialist are not administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Your local public health unit may also have additional forms/information so please also check with them too.

    The updated guidance on third does for special populations can be found in this link.

    Update on COVaxON Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report

    Please find attached a memo from Ontario Health highlighting two important changes that have made to the COVaxON Aggregate Primary Care Vaccination Report:

    • The full list of rostered patients (everyone born in 2009 and older) will be available to PEM primary care providers not just those who received one or two doses; and
    • The refresh cycle is moving from monthly to weekly to provide data in a timelier manner.

    Reminder – Pandemic PPE Transitional Supports (PPTS)

    Just a reminder about the availability of PPE for Primary Care Providers and Interprofessional Primary Care Teams from the provincial stockpile. As part of the Pandemic PPE Transitional Support (PPTS)  for Primary Care Providers, Specialists (Community-based Physician Specialists), Community Health Service Providers, and Indigenous Communities and Health Service Providers, it is imperative to follow the steps in the ‘How-To Complete Remedy Form’ document before submitting a request. For more detailed instructions on how-to complete the Remedy Intake Form, please reference the ‘Detailed How-To’ document. For additional information related to the transitional support, please reference the ‘FAQ’ document.

    Please note the below attestation, which is at the bottom of the “General” section of the intake form, does not apply to the Pandemic PPE Transitional Support. Primary care providers, specialists (community-based physician specialists), community health service providers, and Indigenous communities and health service providers are asked to please select this box to continue with the intake process.

    ☐   By selecting this box, your organization confirms it still has a supply shortage of under 14 days of stock despite following Steps 1-3* and requires PPE from the pandemic stockpile to continue providing services. Additionally, I have verified or will verify and confirm that any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) I receive from Ontario Health will remain in Ontario, and will be used for direct patient care. Further, the PPE received will not be resold or redistributed without the express written consent of Ontario Health.
     
    The ministry provides guidance on the use of PPE that can be found on the Ministry of Health (MOH) COVID-19 website and in the Guidance for Primary Care Providers in a Community Setting.

    Keeping our kids safe at school, new IPAC guidance, and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Someone whose hands and torso are visible sits in front of an open laptop with stehoscopre beside it and a clipboard with pen in front of it

    New telementoring program for health-care providers in occupational medicine

    Primary health-care providers in Ontario are invited to join ECHO Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ECHO OEM). The new program will increase provider capacity to recognize occupational and environmental exposures, and support patients in recovery and return to work. Over 12 weekly, 1.5-hour sessions, an interprofessional team of specialists will guide and mentor providers as they discuss patient cases and pertinent topics in OEM. Health-care providers will also gain CME credits, confidence in providing comprehensive care for their patients, and a new community of practice.  

    The ECHO OEM sessions run on Fridays from September 17 to December 3, 2021. Learn more and register here.

    PSHSA workplace violence toolkits: work refusal and emergency response to workplace violence (code white)
    PSHSA’s Violence, Aggression and Responsive Behaviours (VARB) toolkits were developed in partnership with healthcare and labour stakeholders to support healthcare workplaces in reducing and preventing the risk of workplace violence.

    Two new toolkits are now available on Work Refusals and Emergency Response (Code White). These join their five initial toolkits on Workplace Violence Risk Assessment, Individual Client Risk Assessment, Risk Communication/Flagging, Security and Personal Safety Response System.

    Opportunity to bring Early Words program to your team – at no cost
    Early Words, the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation’s literacy program is expanding and accepting expressions of interest from clinics and hospitals.

    The program launched in Iqaluit in 2020 and is now operating in 12 clinics in Nunavut, as well as two clinics in Winnipeg. They provide free books, training, and resources to support healthcare professionals integrate early literacy into their practice.

    They’re seeking Expressions of Interest from healthcare clinics and hospitals whose patient population includes children aged five and under experiencing barriers to literacy – such as families with low literacy, limited access to programs and resources, and low socioeconomic status. They provide access to books and resources to help professionals counsel families on early literacy.

    For more information, you can visit their site or register for the September 14 info session.

    The deadline to apply for the Expression of Interest is October 1 at midnight local time. If you have any questions, you can contact Zoe Keefer at zkeefer@childrensliteracy.ca.

    COVID-19 malnutrition – how to identify and treat in team-based primary care, Sep. 20, 2021

    Gain a greater awareness of prevalence of malnutrition in primary care and the impact of undiagnosed malnutrition on quality of life, health outcomes and health care dollars. Find out more and register here.

    NPAO 2021 Virtual Annual Conference, Sep. 23-24, 2021
    This years’ Conference theme is Nurse Practitioner: Innovative Influencers of Health and Wellness. Find out more and register here.

    OMD Digital Health and Virtual Care Day, Sep. 30, 2021
    This virtual day will focus on leveraging digital health and virtual care tools to complement the in-person delivery of patient care. Register here.

    Promoting Resiliency in Children, Youth, and Families in Primary Care, Sep. 30, 2021

    ECHO Ontario Child and Youth Mental Health Special Interest ECHO Session. Register here.

    Tapering and Stopping Opioids, Oct. 19, 2021
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship (UHN). Register here.

    AFHTO 2021 Conference, Oct. 27-28, 2021
    Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild. Members get a significant discount on the registration fee. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 malnutrition, conference registration and more

    Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 malnutrition, conference registration and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • COVID-19 malnutrition – how to identify and treat in team-based primary care
    • AFHTO 2021 conference registration now open
    • Thank you for your 2021 Bright Lights nominations
    • Order printed cancer screening awareness materials by Sep. 3 for your team
    • Member consultation forum on election strategy postponed
    • Fall preparedness, balancing in-person vs. virtual care and more
    • World Health Organization Long COVID Core Outcome Set Study, Deadline Sep. 1
    • Upcoming events regarding tapering and stopping opioids and more

    COVID-19 malnutrition – how to identify and treat in team-based primary care

    After attending this webinar, participants will:

    1. Gain a greater awareness of prevalence of malnutrition in primary care and the impact of undiagnosed malnutrition on quality of life, health outcomes and health care dollars
    2. Learn about malnutrition screening happening in primary care settings across Canada
    3. Walk away with tips and tools to implement screening within your site
    4. Be introduced to a Malnutrition Toolkit complete with screening tools, care pathways and outcome measures for malnutrition screening in primary care

    Find out more and register here.

    Mamta Gautam

    AFHTO 2021 conference registration now open

    Primary care has risen to the challenge of COVID-19 and while we wouldn’t dare say we have become used to its sweeping impacts on our work and lives, we can say we have adjusted to provide the best care possible for patients under trying circumstances.

    We only have an inkling of what lies ahead – delayed care, ongoing effects of the pandemic and the complex interactions of these with our society- but we need to prepare for it.

    Join your peers tuning in throughout Ontario and beyond as we learn how to respond, recover, and rebuild.

    Featuring Dr. Mamta Gautam, on “MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER: The Power of Resilience”

     

    Thank you for your 2021 Bright Lights nominations
    We received over 30 nominations yesterday and a confirmation email has been sent.
     
    If you are part of a group that has prepared a nomination, please ensure your contact has received the email with the subject: “Thank you for your 2021 Bright Lights nomination!”. (Please have them check their junk mail as well.)

    If your contact person has NOT received this confirmation, please contact info@afhto.ca by Sep. 2.

    Order printed cancer screening awareness materials by Sep. 3 for your team

    As you know, Ontario’s health care system has been significantly impacted by COVID-19, including preventive care like cancer screening. To help support you and your patients get caught up on cancer screening tests, Ontario Health will be sharing a cancer screening awareness tool-kit.

    The tool-kit has digital and print options. This is to provide information to members who wish to order print materials – read more here. Please complete the form by September 3rd, 2021 at 6pm.

    Member consultation forum on election strategy postponed
    After some discussion with our government relations firm, Enterprise Canada on current circumstances with wave 4, back to school, the federal election, and other areas, we will be rescheduling this forum for mid-November.
     
    We will still have the fireside chat with Enterprise at our conference and the forum will follow in mid-November. Material will be updated and circulated by the end of November, with webinars or training will follow. You will then be ready to go – and supported along the way – for conversations and advocacy with all your local candidates! The new date for the November forum will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks.

    Fall preparedness, balancing in-person vs. virtual care and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    World Health Organization Long COVID Core Outcome Set Study, Deadline Sep. 1

    Researchers at Johns Hopkins are working with the World Health Organization on a long COVID outcome study and need North American clinician/researcher participants. Per Dale M. Needham, FCPA, MD, PhD:
    “We desperately need PASC/Long COVID researchers/clinicians (and patient/caregivers) to share their expertise for this Core Outcome Set done in collaboration with the World Health Organization, ISARIC, and COMET Initiative.”  Note: this Delphi is directed for adult, rather than pediatric Long COVID. We have about 1000 respondents but are very under-represented by clinicians and researchers (including non-clinician researchers), and especially under-represented for geographic regions outside of Europe.  
     
    This Delphi survey will take only 5 to 10 minutes since many of you have already thought deeply about these issues.
     
    This URL will take you to the Delphi: https://delphimanager.liv.ac.uk/PC-COS/Delphi

    Who can take part?
    1.    People who have long COVID/PASC and their caregivers
    2.    Health professionals (including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists, etc.)
    3.    Researchers of long COVID
    4.    Organizations who use the research (e.g., those approving new treatments) representatives.
    Final deadline Sep. 1.

    The Canadian/Global COVID-19 Policy Response, Sep. 1, 2021

    Lung Health Foundation & McMaster’s Global Nexus Policy Forum, moderated by Heather Bakken, Deputy Publisher and VP, Business Development, iPolitics.ca Register here.

    COVID@Home Monitoring for Primary Care Connecting Call, Sep. 8, 2021
    Hosted by Ontario Health, the webinar will cover some thoughts on the QI evaluation to date, review any new or emerging evidence and discuss the groups needs moving forward. Find out more here.

    Project ECHO OBN: Etiology, Assessment and Treatment of Obesity, starting Sep. 9
    They have expanded the curriculum to offer you the opportunity to update your knowledge of post-bariatric care and explore treatment options for individuals living with obesity. Find out more here.

    Tapering and Stopping Opioids, Oct. 19, 2021
    Co-hosted with ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship (UHN). Register here.

  • Aug. 24 Update on COVID Vaccines and Resources

    Dear Members,

    Like many of you we share the collective disbelief that we are in Wave 4 of the pandemic, with numbers increasing daily and back to school being just around the corner. We know how tired you are but despite that exhaustion, you are and have always been there for your patients and community.

    Thank you again for all you do day in and day out, especially during these unprecedented and challenging times. Please find below some additional resources and supports you may find helpful.

    As primary care continues to ramp up in-person care, the Ministry of Health released updated primary care guidance and the CPSO provided new information on striking the right balance between providing in-person care and virtual care.  

    These individual decisions should be made by each provider and team and these resources may help in your decision-making.  The OCFP’s Considerations for In-Person and Virtual Care document has also been updated and we are waiting for additional clinical decision-making tools on striking the right balance between in-person and virtual care which we will share once it becomes available.

    As announced on August 17th, the Ministry will begin to offer third doses to the most vulnerable Ontarians including those in high-risk congregate settings and those that are immunocompromised – you can read more about that announcement here*. To help with identifying those eligible for third doses, the eHealth Centre of Excellence (eCE) is currently developing the queries for PS Suites, Oscar and Accuro – more details to follow.

    Let’s get closer to 100% – Every health care team member, every patient, every encounter
    In collaboration with all health sector partners, the OMA has supported the development of some messaging to encourage every health care visit include a discussion around vaccines. Whether the visit is in-person or virtual, health professionals and teams can be powerful influencers when it comes to vaccine acceptance. At check-in, during the encounter, or at the end – just the act of asking about vaccine status makes a difference:

    1. Ask: “Have you had a chance to get the COVID-19 vaccine yet?” Every health care team member, every patient, every encounter.
    2. Share: “I got the vaccine. I helped my friends and family to get it too”. Listen to your patients’ concerns, share your personal experiences of vaccination, your knowledge about the vaccines, and your hope for an optimistic Canada once more of us are vaccinated. If you are comfortable doing so, tell the patient why you think a vaccine is a good decision for them.
    3. Connect: “This is where you can get a vaccine.” Know where vaccines are being offered locally (e.g., your team, other primary care clinics, pharmacy, mass clinics, pop up clinics) and point your patients there.

    By making this concerted push now, we can limit the effects of the fourth wave this fall, one patient at a time. To help support those opportunistic vaccine visits, please see the attached memo from the Chief Medical Officer of Health (Dr. Kieran Moore) and the Chair of the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force (Dr. Homer Tien) on managing those unused vaccine doses vials.

    As in other jurisdictions, there are early indicators of slowing vaccination rates for the 12-17 age group. There appears to be a variety of reasons for increasing hesitancy, but the main rationale is the perceived safety of vaccines, including:

    • Concerns from parents about what the long-term effects of a new vaccine will be on their children; and
    • Concerns about the evolving reports of adverse health events resulting from vaccine administration, including myocarditis.

    Here are some key messages to use in your conversations about the vaccines with children/youth:  

    • All vaccines provided in Ontario provide strong protection against COVID-19 and its variants.
    • Health Canada approved vaccines are conveniently available at hospitals, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and mass vaccination sites.
    • Vaccinating as many people as possible is the most important thing we can do to protect against COVID-19 and help us all get back to normal life as soon as possible.
    • Every dose brings us closer to what we’ve missed.
    • Vaccines are the best way to protect your child and your family from COVID-19, including highly contagious variants.
    • The faster everyone gets vaccinated, the sooner we can all safely resume doing the things we’ve missed.
    • When you and your kids 12 and over get vaccinated, it helps protect other family members too, such as those under 12 who can’t get vaccinated yet, or older individuals who may have a lower immune response to the vaccines.
    • Ensuring youth 12-17 are vaccinated means getting them back to class, to sports, to band practice, and to being kids again.

    Resources for patients:

    Resources for health care providers:

    COVID@Home
    Ontario Health will be hosting its next COVID@Home CoP on September 8th at 8:00 a.m. They will share their thoughts on the QI evaluation to date, review any new or emerging evidence and discuss the group needs moving forward. Please click here to register or see attached flyer for more details.

    If you are a clinician or staff who participated in the implementation of, or patient care for, the COVID@Home initiative OH would be grateful to hear about your or your patients’ experiences. Please fill in this survey link or contact Julie Datta (dattaj1@mcmaster.ca) to participate.

    Additional Resources you may find helpful:  

    We look forward to continually updating you on the provincial vaccination strategy and hope you continue to stay safe. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or ideas.

    Yours in good health,
    The AFHTO Team

    *Please note that the news release also speaks to mandatory vaccination policies for high-risk health care settings. At the moment this is limited to hospitals, home and community care and paramedic services. To help support our teams with their policies, we have invited EDs, Admin Leads, lead MDs/NPs and board chairs to a webinar with an HR lawyer to address your questions. If this is relevant to your role, please discuss your participation with your leadership. If you are part of the triad mentioned above and have not received the registration email, please contact us and we will send the information to you.

     

  • Bits & Pieces: last chance for Bright Lights, member stories and more

    Bits & Pieces: last chance for Bright Lights, member stories and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Bright Lights nomination deadline this Friday, Aug. 27
    • Member stories
    • Memo re unused doses, tracking COVID-19 through race-based data and more
    • Call for the government to implement vaccine certificates
    • ECHO Ontario Autism registration open
    • Upcoming events regarding election strategy and more

    Bright Lights nomination deadline this Friday, Aug. 27

    Don’t wait until the last minute to shine a light on your team’s achievements. You can nominate an outstanding team or individual for a “Bright Lights” Award even if:

    1. You’re a small, rural, or Northern team- we have an award dedicated to you.
    2. Your team has already won a Bright Lights Award- you just need to nominate a new program or individual
    3. You’re not sure if it’s eligible- just ask! Email info@afhto.ca or call 647-234-8605 x1200. We’re here to help!

    Two awards also have education grants! The deadline is this Friday, August 27, 2021. Find out more here.

    Health For All c19-vaccines Mar-Jul 2021

     

     

     

    Member stories

    Health For All FHT– COVID-19 vaccines March- July 2021 infographic

    North York FHT- ‘Getting to the last 20 per cent is challenging.’ Why a mobile health team is bringing COVID-19 vaccines to the hidden unvaccinated

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Memo re unused doses, tracking COVID-19 through race-based data and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Call for the government to implement vaccine certificates

    The Alliance for Healthier Communities, the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario, and the Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic Association strongly encourage all Ontarians to protect themselves and others against COVID-19 by getting the vaccine and call on the government to implement vaccine certificates. Read the full news release here.

    ECHO Ontario Autism registration open

    The ECHO Autism program, at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, is now registering paediatricans, family physicians and nurse practitioners for their September 2021 to June 2022 sessions. Funded by the Ministry of Health, this free online program provides training that will help screen, diagnose, and manage children and youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). MOC credits awarded.

    Other health team members, including occupational therapists and psychologists, are also welcome to attend sessions as observers. For more information, visit their site or email Salina Eldon seldon@hollandbloorview.ca.

    Member Consultation Forum on Election Strategy, Sep. 15, 2021

    The 2022 provincial election is fast approaching, and we need to hear from you! Register here.

    The Canadian/Global COVID-19 Policy Response, Sep. 1, 2021
    Lung Health Foundation & McMaster’s Global Nexus Policy Forum, moderated by Heather Bakken, Deputy Publisher and VP, Business Development, iPolitics.ca Register here.

    COVID@Home Monitoring for Primary Care Connecting Call, Sep. 8, 2021
    Hosted by Ontario Health, the webinar will cover some thoughts on the QI evaluation to date, review any new or emerging evidence and discuss the groups needs moving forward. Find out more here.

    ECHO Care of the Elderly (COE): Community series, Sep. 15- Dec. 15, 2021
    Hosted by Baycrest Health Sciences, in partnership with North East Specialized Geriatric Centre. Apply here.

    ECHO UHN FALL Programs, starting Sep. 2, 2021
    Multiple weekly series include Chronic Pain & Opioid Stewardship, Rheumatology, Liver, Concussion and Managing COVID-19. Register here

    Mood Disorders: Comprehensive and Realistic Strategies for Primary Care, Sep. 13 and 17
    Hosted by OCFP. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: election consultation, last chance for board award and more

    Bits & Pieces: election consultation, last chance for board award and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • It’s election time! Please register for AFHTO’s member consultation forum
    • Board Award nomination deadline this Friday, Aug. 20
    • Ontario makes COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory for high-risk settings and more
    • Federal Holiday on September 30, 2021 – Does NOT impact health care and other provincial employers
    • Seeking family physicians’ input regarding routine screening of patients for poverty
    • Upcoming events regarding caregivers, COVID-19 CoP and more

    It’s election time! Please register for AFHTO’s member consultation forum

    The 2022 provincial election is fast approaching, and we need to hear from you! We’re asking all members in all professions to join our member consultation forum with our government relations firm, Enterprise Canada, on Wednesday, September 15, from 12 PM to 1:30 PM.

    Enterprise will present the election material they’ve drafted, and then we’d like your input. Is the proposed messaging effective? What would you change? What tools do you need for successful local advocacy that we may be missing?

    Please register here to receive your individual join info.

    We ask leaders to circulate this important invitation across your teams.

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

    Board Award nomination deadline this Friday, Aug. 20

    Bright Lights logo

    For the first time ever, the AFHTO board invites all members to help them select the recipient of a Board award. Submit a nomination online for the Board Award category by August 20, 2021.

    Find out more about the criteria here. You can find the nomination template here.

    And don’t forget to shine a light on your team’s achievements. Nominate an outstanding team or individual for a “Bright Lights” Award by August 27, 2021. Find out more here.

    Ontario makes COVID-19 vaccination policies mandatory for high-risk settings and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Federal Holiday on September 30, 2021 – Does NOT impact health care and other provincial employers

    Per Maria McDonald, McDonald HR Law regarding the new Sep. 30th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

    “The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is ONLY for FEDERAL workplaces, such as banks, Canada Post, Federal public servants, etc.

    It is NOT a holiday for provincial employees, such as those working in healthcare.

    Here’s a tip to determine if you are federal employer or not. If you are governed by the Ontario Employment Standards Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, or the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act; then you are NOT a federal employer and the September 30, 2021 holiday does NOT apply to your workplace.”

    Seeking family physicians’ input regarding routine screening of patients for poverty

    Queen’s University researchers are conducting an online survey study titled, ‘Identifying barriers and facilitators for family physicians in Ontario around routine screening of patients for poverty’.

    Poverty has been recognized as a risk factor for many health conditions, and family physicians may be well-positioned to identify poverty among their patients. They are seeking participants who are licensed family physicians currently involved in or previously have been involved in office-based primary care in Ontario.  

    Participation in the study involves completing a 15-minute online anonymous survey; participants can be entered into a draw for a $100 gift card, as a token of appreciation. For more information, please contact Ashvini Yogarajah at ashvini.yogarajah@queensu.ca or Dr. Amrita Roy at amrita.roy@queensu.ca.

    Pandemic Recovery and Chronic Disease Management: Primary Care for Adults with Asthma, August 19, 2021
    Hosted by Ontario Health and the Lung Health Foundation. Find out more here.

    Caregivers And Puppets: The Perfect Pair, Aug. 19, 2021
    Hosted by the Ontario Caregiver Organization. Find out more here.

    COVID-19 CoP- OCFP, Aug. 20, 2021
    “The vaccine, virus and in-person visits as we head into Fall”. Register here.

    Health Law: A primer for family caregivers in the mental health and addictions sector, Aug. 26, 2021
    Hosted by the Ontario Caregiver Organization. Find out more here.

    ECHO Ontario Child and Youth Mental Health, starting Sep. 7, 2021
    Limited spots available. The next cycle begins on September 7, 2021.  These weekly sessions take place via Zoom from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. EST every Tuesday for 24 weeks. Register here.

    COVID@Home Monitoring for Primary Care Connecting Call, Sep. 8, 2021
    Hosted by Ontario Health, the webinar will cover some thoughts on the QI evaluation to date, review any new or emerging evidence and discuss the groups needs moving forward. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: tapering opioids, Bright Lights and more

    Bits & Pieces: tapering opioids, Bright Lights and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Tapering and stopping opioids, Oct. 19
    • AFHTO Bright Lights Awards – nominations now open
    • Updates on aggregate primary care vaccination reports and more
    • Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) changes
    • Seeking input from healthcare professionals who provide nutrition information and advice  
    • Upcoming events regarding asthma and more

    Tapering and stopping opioids, Oct. 19

    Cohosted with ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship (UHN).

    There is evidence that chronic opioid therapy has a negative impact on patients’ quality of life and increasing the risk of serious complications like opioid use disorder, unintentional overdose, and death.

    Tapering opioids can be challenging to the prescriber and to the patient, and there is not a lot of guidance on how to do it safely, comfortably, and effectively. In this webinar, Dr. Furlan will summarize the 10 years of experience of the pain clinic at Toronto Rehab UHN where she works with an interprofessional team to help patients come off long term opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer pain. Find out more and register here.

    AFHTO Bright Lights Awards – nominations now open

    Bright Lights logo

    Shine a light on your team’s achievements. Nominate an outstanding team or individual for a “Bright Lights” Award by August 27, 2021. Five awards will be presented this year:

    1. Demonstrating a community response to COVID-19
    2. Small, rural, and Northern teams that have taken care of their communities during COVID-19
    3. Local-level research
    4. Reducing unnecessary care *
    5. Integrated care for older adults living with complex health conditions**

    * Education grant will be given to the award recipient in this category above thanks to the generous donations of our sponsor Choosing Wisely Canada.
     
    ** Education grant will be given to the award recipient in this category above thanks to the generous donations of our sponsor Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario.

    Find out more here.

    And don’t forget- for the first time ever, the AFHTO board invites all members to help them select the recipient of a Board award. Submit a nomination online for the Board Award category by August 20, 2021.

    Find out more about the criteria here. You can find the nomination template here.

    Updates on aggregate primary care vaccination reports and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) changes

    The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services has revised the Disability Determination Package (DDP) for Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) applicants and developed a new Medical Review Package (MRP) Self Report for recipients.

    The objective is to improve the ODSP adjudication process by introducing updated forms which will be easier for health care professionals (HCPs) and ODSP applicants and recipients to complete. Relevant documents include:

    Seeking input from healthcare professionals who provide nutrition information and advice 

    Laval University researchers would like to assess training and education among Canadian healthcare professionals who provide nutrition information and advice in their clinical practice.
     
    Participants are asked to complete a short online survey of 14 questions, which takes about 10 minutes to complete. The survey can be accessed here. Anyone who chooses to participate can provide their email address at the end of the survey (optional), for a chance to win one of three $50 grocery store gift cards. If you have any questions/concerns, please email justine.horne.1@ulaval.ca.

    OHT Virtual Engagement Series: collaborative Quality Improvement Plans, Aug. 11, 2021

    Hosted by the Ministry and Ontario health, this Information Session will be focused on the development and planning of collaborative Quality Improvement Plans (cQIPs). Find out more.

    Applying the Ontario Health Asthma Quality Standards for Children and Adolescents in your practice, August 12, 2021
    Hosted by Ontario Health and the Lung Health Foundation. Find out more here.

    Pandemic Recovery and Chronic Disease Management: Primary Care for Adults with Asthma, August 19, 2021
    Hosted by Ontario Health and the Lung Health Foundation. Find out more here.

    NPAO 2021 Virtual Annual Conference, Sep. 23-24, 2021
    This years’ Conference theme is Nurse Practitioner: Innovative Influencers of Health and Wellness. Find out more.

    OMD Digital Health and Virtual Care Day, Sep. 30, 2021
    This virtual day will focus on leveraging digital health and virtual care tools to complement the in-person delivery of patient care. Find out more here.