Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Success Stories

  • Bits & Pieces: Bright Lights coming soon and more

    Bits & Pieces: Bright Lights coming soon and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Bright Lights nominations open soon- reviewers needed
    • Reminder- Advancing equity in cancer screening for gender-diverse clients, June 17
    • Cyber Security Centre of Excellence updates
    • Speak Up Ontario is now Advance Care Planning Ontario
    • Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 and more
    • Psychological impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare workers
    • EMR best practices, tips & advice
    • Deadline approaching for 2023 OCFP Family Medicine Summit call for abstracts
    • Upcoming events including Indigenous Health Care Conference and more

     

    Bright Lights nominations open soon- reviewers needed
    Bright Lights nominations open soon. If you didn’t get a chance to submit an abstract or would just like to raise your profile at the conference and beyond, consider nominating your team for an award.

    We just need a couple more people on the review committee. If you’d like to learn more about your peers’ contributions and get a $35 discount on your registration fee, please apply here. Deadline June 22, 2022.

    Reminder- Advancing equity in cancer screening for gender-diverse clients, June 17

    New, gender-affirming cancer screening guidelines have been developed to support the health and wellbeing of Transgender and Non-Binary clients. These groups often have lower screening rates than their peers due to outreach that misses eligible clients and screening practices that can trigger gender dysphoria. Register here.

    Cyber Security Centre of Excellence updates
    The latest email from this centre, part of the Cyber Security Division, Ministry of Government and Consumer Services, features upcoming modules (e.g., Structuring Your Organization’s Cyber Security Program) and an updated resources page. Read more and sign up for updates here. 

    Install the Advance Care Planning App Today

    Speak Up Ontario is now Advance Care Planning Ontario

    Along with this rebranding they have multiple new resources to assist the public and health service providers with Advance Care Planning conversations and Goals of Care discussions.

    Websites:

    • www.advancecareplanningontario.ca – a guide for the public
    • www.pcdm.ca – for Health Care Professionals to learn about their role in Advance Care Planning conversations, Goals of Care discussions and Consent and Capacity 

    Advance Care Planning Ontario Mobile App

    Videos:

    Translated Resources– new edition of the Advance Care Planning Guide is available for purchase in English, French, Punjabi, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog

    Management of Cases and Contacts of COVID-19 and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Psychological impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare workers

    Researchers from the University of Victoria and University of Toronto are inviting healthcare workers to take part in an online survey examining the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ wellbeing. They aim to understand how people who work in healthcare settings have been impacted, and what kinds of policies, practices or supports could help support this vital workforce.

    Whether you provide direct patient care, work in a supportive role, or provide administrative support/leadership, they would like to hear from you and understand your experiences through this pandemic. The survey takes around 40-50 minutes to complete and can be directly accessed by clicking here: https://bit.ly/3tJCvPN

    Participants will be offered a $5 Tim Hortons gift card and be entered into a draw to win one of several prizes up to $500.

    This study’s Research Ethics ID number is H21-02858. Further information can be obtained from Principal Investigators Brianna Turner (briannat@uvic.ca) and Theone Paterson (tpaterson@uvic.ca).

    EMR best practices, tips & advice

    Do you wish you could discuss your electronic medical record (EMR) with other healthcare providers who also use it and get useful and time-saving tips? You can join an OntarioMD (OMD) EMR Community of Practice (CoP).

    CoP members share best practices, tips, and advice on digital health tools at quarterly meetings. Your EMR vendor is also there so you can ask them questions. CoPs are available for Accuro® (QHR Technologies), Clinic Information System (P&P Data Systems), OSCAR Pro (WELL Health), and TELUS PS Suite electronic medical record (EMR) users.

    Find out more about OMD EMR Communities of Practice

    Join the CoP for your EMR

    Deadline approaching for 2023 OCFP Family Medicine Summit call for abstracts
    In 2023, FMS will be presented virtually, including live-stream days on January 27 and 28. Find out more about the application process on their site. Deadline June 12, 2022.

    Clearing the Air on Asthma and COPD: When Undertesting Leads to Overdiagnosis, June 8, 2022
    What are the barriers to pulmonary function testing? And how might clinicians and patients be supported to avoid over-diagnosis and over-treatment? They’ll discuss these questions and more on June’s Choosing Wisely Talks. Register here.

    Indigenous Health Care Conference, June 10, 2022
    Virtual event hosted by NPAO. Register here.

    On-Demand Insomnia Interventions: First-Line Treatment for Insomnia in Primary Care program

    Courtesy of Queen’s Health Sciences CPD team. Find out more here.

    Palliative Care in Practice, June 16 & 17, 2022
    2-Day in-person CPD event for NPs, MDs, PAs hosted by Queen’s Health Sciences. Find out more here.

    Online Appointment Booking, June 21, 2022
    Ontario Health webinar featuring a panel of primary care providers to learn about the benefits of using online appointment booking in primary care practices. Register here.

    Ontario Fall Prevention Collaborative webinar June 23

    In this webinar, we will hear about the work of the Ontario Fall Prevention Collaborative as it pertains to identified priorities around fall indicators and falls risk screening and assessment and how we can better align our efforts across the province. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: member stories, multiple kids 5 -11 webinars and more

    Bits & Pieces: member stories, multiple kids 5 -11 webinars and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Member stories
    • Introduction to ONCA slides and video available
    • Reminder- information webinar: COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old, Nov. 29, 2021
    • Reminder- Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing, Dec. 1, 2021
    • Letter for patients regarding children’s vaccine and more
    • Perkopolis for AFHTO members
    • Update on the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)
    • 2022 Alliance conference- call for learning proposals
    • Call for AMS 2022 Fellows in Compassion and Artificial Intelligence
    • Upcoming events regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children age 5 to 11 years and more

    Member stories

    Belleville NPLC- New programs tackling mental issues

    City of Kawartha Lakes FHT– receives diversity and inclusion award. Examples not mentioned in the article:
    – offered Indigenous culture and 2SLGBTQ+ and training for staff and as part of FHT annual Education Day(s);
    – participated in diversity and education training though the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion;
    – consulted and created enhanced capacity for transgender health including via Gender Journeys locally and Rainbow Health Ontario; and
    – increased physical accessibility at the Fenelon site.

    North Simcoe FHT – Midland COVID-19 assessment centre moving to new location

    Introduction to ONCA title slide

     

    Introduction to ONCA slides and video available
    On Nov. 17 Benjamin Miller from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) held an education session for members on what is new in the Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), and steps nonprofits can take to set themselves up for success in transitioning to the new requirements under the Act. Slides and video are now available.

     

    Reminder- information webinar: COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old, Nov. 29, 2021

    Dr. Janine McCready, infectious diseases physician at Michael Garron Hospital, will share details of the expected or approved vaccine for children, share insights for how to counsel parents and guardians, and address commonly asked questions and concerns. Register here. (in partnership with the Alliance and NPLCA)

    Reminder- Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing, Dec. 1, 2021
    Join Dr. Dee Mangin as she speaks to approaches to the issues and problems around polypharmacy and deprescribing in primary care patients; discuss approaches to the integration of patients’ goals and priorities with evidence; and demonstrate the TAPER tool. Register here.

    Letter for patients regarding children’s vaccine and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Screenshot of Perkopolis newsletter

     

    Perkopolis for AFHTO members

    This is an early reminder AFHTO members are eligible to sign up for free access to over 5000 perks through Perkopolis. Get discounts on shopping, attractions and more. We know you’re probably on top of your holiday shopping, but given potential supply chain ssues this year, another source can’t hurt.

    EDs, if your team doesn’t have access yet, please email info@afhto.ca.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Update on the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)

    On March 10, 2021, Ontario Health communicated that an adjusted strategy for the 2021/22 QIP would be forthcoming, designed to provide organizations with flexibility to reflect where they are with their QI efforts given the pandemic, local needs, pressures, and goals for the recovery period.
     
    After careful consideration, they have made the decision to not reopen Navigator for the 2021/22 QIP submission. You are not required to submit your 2021/22 QIP to Ontario Health. They do, however, encourage you to develop and post your 2021/22 QIP on your website and to share it with your staff, clinicians, and patients/clients and their family members. Please reach out to the team at QIP@OntarioHealth.ca if you have any questions about this. You can read the full email in English and French here.

    2022 Alliance conference- call for learning proposals

    Action Now! Building Equitable Futures Together will be held June 8-9, 2022. The call for workshop proposals now open. Visit their website to review the conference criteria, priority topics, formats and terms and conditions. Deadline for submissions is January 10, 2022.

    Call for AMS 2022 Fellows in Compassion and Artificial Intelligence
    The call for the AMS 2022 Fellowships in Compassion and AI is open. The program focusses on promoting the integration of digital technology and compassionate care in the delivery of health care services, education of health professionals as well as facilitating the leadership needed to realize the promise of technology. For more information visit their site.

    Employment Standards & Occupational Health and Safety Related to COVID-19, Nov. 24, 2021

    The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is hosting an online information session to help you understand your employment standards and occupational health and safety rights and obligations as they relate to COVID-19. Register here.

    Starting the Conversation: Perinatal Mental Health, Nov. 24, 2021
    Hosted by the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) to support healthcare providers in their understanding and awareness of the delivery of mental healthcare to pregnant and postpartum people in Ontario. Register here.

    Getting Kids Back to Being Kids: COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children 5-11, Nov. 26, 2021
    Hosted by OCFP, the session will begin with Dr Kieran Moore and Dr Daniel Warshafsky sharing current information regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in children ages 5-11, and the provincial roll-out plans. They will be followed by a panel of professionals who will provide an overview of implementation through a variety of lenses, and answer questions. Register here.

    Virtual Partnership Conference, Dec. 1, 2021
    Hosted by Canada Health Infoway. Register here.

    2022 Legal Issues for Primary Care Team Webinars, Jan. 6- Dec. 1, 2022
    Led by Kate Dewhirst, with early bird pricing until Nov. 30, 2021. Learn more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: OCFP recognises AFHTO members and more

    Bits & Pieces: OCFP recognises AFHTO members and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • OCFP recognises AFHTO members at 2021 Awards Ceremony
    • Reminder- Introduction to ONCA tomorrow, Nov. 17, 2021
    • Implementing social interventions in primary care: article
    • Vaccine administration update, the side effects of bad news and more
    • Workplace violence during care transition toolkit
    • OISE Psychology Clinic welcomes child/youth and family therapy referrals
    • Feedback needed on draft quality standard for transitions from youth to adult health care services
    • Upcoming events regarding COVID-19 vaccination in children age 5 to 11 years and more

    OCFP recognises AFHTO members at 2021 Awards Ceremony
    AFHTO congratulates physicians in our member family health teams who were recognized on Wednesday, November 11, 2021, at the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) 2021 Awards Ceremony.
    Congratulations to all those recognized this year including Dr. Barb Zelek of Marathon FHT, named 2021 Reg. L Perkin Ontario Family Physician of the Year as well as Regional Family Physician of the Year

    See the full list here.

    Reminder- Introduction to ONCA tomorow, Nov. 17, 2021
    Join Benjamin Miller from Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) for an education session on what is new in the Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA), and steps nonprofits can take to set themselves up for success in transitioning to the new requirements under the Act. Register here.

    Implementing social interventions in primary care: article

    According to research published in in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), most family physicians now report that they engage in some degree of social intervention in the management of patients. However, outside of community health centres, social interventions are still not a routine part of primary care practice and are not yet considered “standard of care.” Coauthored by Dr. Gary Bloch, St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT, you can read more here.

    Vaccine administration update, the side effects of bad news and more

    Recent updates include:

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

    Blonde female healthcare provider wiht hair in a bun, coat and blue scrubs pushes brunette male patient in blue shirt and khakis in a wheelchair

     

    Workplace violence during care transition toolkit

    PSHSA has released the new Violence, Aggression and Responsive Behaviours (VARB) toolkit: Workplace Violence During Care Transition. This free toolkit provides information on sound practices for planning a course of action, gathering resources, and collaborating with workplace parties and other care organizations to transition care recipients with a risk of violence. Register to attend the free webinar Thursday, November 17, 2021 for more information.  

    Visit www.workplace-violence.ca/tools to access all eight workplace violence prevention toolkits.

     

     

    OISE Psychology Clinic welcomes child/youth and family therapy referrals

    Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Psychology Clinic, a University of Toronto training site, has expanded services and is currently welcoming child/youth and family therapy referrals. Sliding scale fees are available. The clinic also offers opportunities for onsite visits to talk about the services being offered. To learn more, visit their site and see their poster

    Feedback needed on draft quality standard for transitions from youth to adult health care services

    Ontario Health, in partnership with the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health has drafted a quality standard for care for young people who are transitioning from youth to adult health care services. View the draft quality standard in the online form (links below). The deadline to provide feedback is November 22, 2021.  

    Share your feedback online – English or French.

    COVID-19 vaccination in children age 5 to 11 years: part 2, Nov. 19, 2021
    32nd in the series ‘Changing the way we work’ for the COVID-19 CoP for Ontario Family Physicians. Register here.

    Saving Lower-Limbs: Launching a new Ontario Lower-Limb Preservation Strategy, Nov. 26 & Dec. 2, 2021

    CorHealth Ontario (CorHealth) has announced its Lower-Limb Preservation Strategy and will host 2 free provincial webinars. Register here.

    Information webinar: COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11 years old

    Dr. Janine McCready, infectious diseases physician at Michael Garron Hospital, will share details of the expected or approved vaccine for children, share insights for how to counsel parents and guardians, and address commonly asked questions and concerns. Register here.

    Crossroads: Re-Imagining Better Mental Health Care for Kids And Families, Nov. 22- Dec. 3, 2021
    Free CMHO virtual conference. Find out more here.

    Practical approaches to polypharmacy: the gentle art of deprescribing, Dec. 1, 2021
    We will explore approaches to the issues and problems around polypharmacy and deprescribing in primary care patients; discuss approaches to the integration of patients’ goals and priorities with evidence; and demonstrate the TAPER tool. Register here.

    Eating Disorder Sensitive: Education for Physicians and Primary Care Providers
    Accredited course to help practicing professionals and students build their confidence and capacity when working with clients who are experiencing disordered eating. Find out more.

  • OCFP recognises AFHTO members at 2021 Awards Ceremony

    AFHTO congratulates physicians in our member family health teams who were recognized on Wednesday, November 11, 2021, at the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) 2021 Awards Ceremony.

    Congratulations to all those recognized this year:

    Dr. Barb Zelek of Marathon FHT, named 2021 Reg. L Perkin Ontario Family Physician of the Year as well as Regional Family Physician of the Year

    Family Medicine Resident of the Year – Ontario’s Rising Star

    • Dr. Kaitlin Siou, Sunnybrook Academic FHT

    Ontario College of Family Physicians Award of Merit

    • Dr. Alicia (Lisa) Rosenkrantz, West Carleton FHT

    Leader for a Healthy Ontario Award

    • Dr. Shane Teper, Queen Square FHT

    Regional Family Physicians of the Year

    • Dr. Laura Lyons, Thames Valley FHT
    • Dr. Sarah Gower, Upper Grand FHT
    • Dr. James Pencharz, Credit Valley FHT
    • Dr. Warren Rubenstein, Mount Sinai Academic FHT
    • Dr. Kimberley Ann McIntosh, Couchiching FHT- chair of 2020 Bright Lights Awards winner Couchiching OHT Social Determinants of Health Working Group

    Award of Excellence recipients:

    • Dr. Josée Adam and Dr. Shoshanah Deaton, Clarence-Rockland FHT
    • Dr. Ali Damji, Credit Valley FHT
    • Dr. Allan Grill, Markham FHT
    • Dr. Louisa Marion-Bellemare and Dr. Julie Samson, Timmins Academic FHT
    • Dr. Karim Vellani, St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT

     

    Relevant Links:

  • Annual Report 2021 (Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild)

    It has been a challenging 20 months, and primary care teams have been leaders.

    Throughout this pandemic, teams adjusted to new circumstances and continued to provide comprehensive care while extending reach to support their communities. They were leaders in organizing assessment centres, conducting tests, and administering COVID-19 vaccines. They collaborated with their partners to help keep communities safe, while keeping their doors open to provide care to their patients and others who needed it most.

    We have seen primary care teams respond to the challenges the pandemic presented. 

    They are working to recover, having faced extraordinary circumstances.

    And they are part of an important and foundational rebuild of our health and social systems. 

    This pandemic laid bare the inequities and the fragmentation in our healthcare system. As we continue with health system restructuring, there is an opportunity to build back even better than before the pandemic with the principles of equity and support for the most vulnerable at the forefront. 

    AFHTO’s annual report speaks to the response, the recovery, and the rebuild of teams during this pandemic and how we have been supporting this work.

    The 2021 annual report can be read here: Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild

  • Congratulations to the Bright Lights 2021 Award Winners!

    Congratulations to the Bright Lights 2021 Award Winners!

    Bright Lights award 2021 banner

     

    On October 27 AFHTO named the winners of our tenth annual Bright Lights Awards at our virtual ceremony. These innovators have improved access to primary care through their leadership, outstanding work and significant progress made toward improving the value delivered by interprofessional primary care teams throughout Ontario. Bright Lights Award winners are innovators and team players whose work has an impact on the healthcare system and in the lives of their patients and communities.

    The review committees made up of AFHTO members chose the winners from among dozens of nominations. AFHTO gave awards for excellent response to COVID-19, as well as two special awards for reducing unnecessary care and integrated care for older adults. The winners for response to COVID-19 will receive a $750 education grant each courtesy of Boehringer Ingelheim. The winners for the special awards will receive a $750 education grant each courtesy of Choosing Wisely Canada and Provincial Geriatrics Leadership Ontario respectively.

    In addition, AFHTO’s board presented an award to a physician leader who supported primary care providers in a hard-hit community and continues to tirelessly advocate for ongoing support.

    Board Award: Dr. Brian Klar
    In recognition of: Commitment to Integrated Healthcare with An Equitable Foundation In Primary Care

    This year, the board has recognized Dr. Brian Klar, Chief of Family Medicine at William Osler Health System (WOHS) , and the co-chair of the Collaboration Council of the Brampton Etobicoke Ontario Health Team (BEOHT), for his tireless advocacy on behalf of primary care and leadership in the sector.

    See the video for this award

    The six recipients of Bright Lights Awards are listed below. Click on the links to read a summary of their achievements:

    1. Sherbourne Health Centre, Inner City, St. Michael’s Hospital Academic Family Health Teams
    Award Category: Community Response to COVID-19
    Achievement: Collaborative Response to Care Needs in Downtown East Toronto

    Sherbourne Health Centre, Inner City, St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHTs collaborated to provide care and support to the most vulnerable populations living in Downtown East Toronto.

    See the video for this award

    2. Mental Health and Addictions Community Response Working Group of Hills of Headwaters OHT
    Award Category: Community Response to COVID-19
    Achievement: Taking Care of Mental Health During Covid 19 in Dufferin-Caledon

    The Mental Health and Addictions Community Response Working Group of Hills of Headwaters OHT came together to support the mental health of frontline colleagues, especially at long-term care homes.

    See the video for this award

    3. McMaster Family Health Team
    Award Category: Community Response to COVID-19
    Achievement: Creating COVID-19 Community Ward /COVID@Home Program

    McMaster FHT created the COVID-19 Community Ward, a proactive approach to addressing COVID-19 cases within the community, which was adapted for use across the province, and then became known as COVID@Home.

    See the video for this award

    4. Dilico Family Health Team & Dilico Anishinabek Family Care
    Award Category: Small, Rural, and Northern teams that have taken care of their communities during COVID-19
    Achievement: Supporting the Robinson Superior Treaty Area during COVID-19

    Dilico Family Health Team & Dilico Anishinabek Family Care successfully reduced COVID-19 case numbers for local Indigenous communities in the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, which at one time had one of the highest case numbers per population in Ontario.

    See the video for this award

    5. Heather Griffin, Central Brampton Family Health Team
    Award Category: Reducing Unnecessary Care
    Achievement: Quality Patient Navigation Support

    Led by Heather Griffin, Central Brampton Family Health Team’s new mental health referral intake process has addressed a key team concern with wait times and re-referrals.

    See the video for this award

    6.  Couchiching Family Health Team
    Award Category: Integrated care for older adults living with complex health conditions
    Achievement: Integration of services for frail seniors in the Couchiching region

    Couchiching Family Health Team partnered with Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS) at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health to provide a One Door for All seamless, accessible program for all frail seniors in their region.

    See the video for this award

    Congratulations to all our winners and nominees! And to see all our nominees please visit the 2021 Hall of Fame.

    The call for nominations for the 2022 Bright Light Awards will go out in June 2022. All AFHTO members are welcome and encouraged to participate.

  • Extended Bright Lights nomination deadline- now Monday, August 30, 12 noon

    Extended Bright Lights nomination deadline- now Monday, August 30, 12 noon

    Bright Lights Hall of Fame banner cropped

    Bright Lights nomination deadline now Monday, August 30, 12 noon!

    We know you’re working hard on your nominations so we’re giving you a bit more time to submit.

    Awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2021 Conference Awards ceremony, which will be held on October 27th, 2021.

    We encourage small, rural, and Northern teams to apply. You can watch this 2016 webinar or view the slides if you’ve never submitted a nomination before.

    Don’t forget we have two education grants as well. For more information regarding eligibility please visit our site.

    To complete your nomination by August 30, 2021:

    • Review the nomination categories in advance (see nomination guide pg. 3 for descriptions).
    • Review the nomination evaluation criteria (see nomination guide pg. 2 for details).
    • Complete the online nomination form and send all supporting materials before August 30, 2021.

    For more information, you can visit the Bright Lights webpage.

    If you have any questions about the nomination process or want to know if your work is a good fit, email info@afhto.ca or call 647-234-8605x 1200. We’d be happy to help.

    We look forward to seeing your nominations and recognizing ALL the excellent work being done!

  • JUST ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your Bright Lights nomination

    JUST ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your Bright Lights nomination

    Bright Lights Hall of Fame banner cropped

     

    •    Are you proud of what your team has accomplished, especially during this pandemic?
    •    Do you want your colleagues to be recognized for the amazing work they do?
    •    Do you think it would be great to see your initiative spread across the province?

    If you’ve said yes to any of the above, submit a Bright Lights nomination!
    Don’t be left out- send in your nominations and supporting documents
    before the deadline, Friday, August 27.

    Awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2021 Conference Awards ceremony, which will be held on October 27th, 2021.

    We encourage small, rural, and Northern teams to apply. You can watch this 2016 webinar or view the slides if you’ve never submitted a nomination before.

    For more information regarding eligibility please visit our site.

    To complete your nomination by August 27, 2021:

    • Review the nomination categories in advance (see nomination guide pg. 3 for descriptions).
    • Review the nomination evaluation criteria (see nomination guide pg. 2 for details).
    • Complete the online nomination form and send all supporting materials before August 27, 2021.

    FINAL DAY TO NOMINATE FOR BOARD AWARD

    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 end of day today, August 20, 2021.

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

    If you have any questions about the nomination process or want to know if your work is a good fit, email info@afhto.ca or call 647-234-8605x 1200. We’d be happy to help.

    We look forward to seeing your nominations and recognizing ALL the excellent work being done!

  • 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.