Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Team Collaboration

  • Bits & Pieces: #AFHTO2023 call for abstracts and more

    Bits & Pieces: #AFHTO2023 call for abstracts and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • AFHTO 2023 Conference: call for abstracts
    • Reminder- CPS: Beyond the Monograph webinar tomorrow April 26
    • Choosing Wisely Canada’s National Meeting: 50% OFF for Members
    • Doctors’ Day is May 1
    • Happy Health Administration Day April 26
    • PhD Dissertation: The Micropsychosocial effect of Accounting: A Health Care Context
    • Upcoming events including How peer counsellors can extend interprofessional teams and enhance care and more

     

    text says Team Based Care: Making it a reality for all in white font on a blue streaked background, like hyperspace

    AFHTO 2023 Conference: call for abstracts

    It’s time to highlight primary care. We’ll be selecting sessions and posters for our 4 core themes and we want to hear from you. This is YOUR opportunity to showcase the great work being done in your team, to share innovative approaches occurring in primary care, and to highlight initiatives that are making an impact on your communities’ health needs. Your submissions allow us to recognize the high-quality care each of you provide as we strive to make team-based care a reality for all.

    Find out more here.

    And don’t forget, the deadline to join a working group and/or Bright Lights review committee is next Tuesday, May 2. Come behind the scenes of our hybrid conference and be the first to learn about new developments in the field, influence conference programming, and discover the latest innovators in areas directly relevant to your work. Working group members also receive a discount off their registration fee. Deadline May 2.

    CPS: Beyond the Monograph webinar April 26

    Reminder – CPS: Beyond the Monograph webinar April 26

    In February we sent an email to EDs and Admin Leads titled “Introducing our new benefit- discount on CPS Full Access” (triad access only). It gives a 40% discount to members for CPS Full Access. For those who’d like a demonstration, Canadian Pharmacists Association is hosting a webinar on April 26, 12:30 pm. Register here.

    They have also extended their free trial until May 1, 2023 for those who’d like a more hands-on approach.

     

     

     

    Choosing Wisely Canada’s National Meeting: 50% OFF for Members

    Registration is open for Choosing Wisely Canada’s National Meeting on May 11 and 12 in Toronto at the Globe and Mail Centre. Join the two-day event to engage with the Choosing Wisely community in an energized exchange of ideas on overuse. Choosing Wisely Canada is currently offering 50% off 10 tickets to AFHTO members. To register and use this offer, please use the promocode AFHTO_CWC_50.  This offer is available on a first-come-first-serve basis while tickets remain available.

    Join keynote session available in-person or via livestream:

    • Overuse and Health Care Equity on May 11 at 9 AM ET
    • The State of Overuse in Canada on May 12 at 9 AM ET
    • Choosing Wisely and the Climate Crisis on May 12 at 2:30 PM ET

    Discuss and network in smaller breakout sessions on topics including:
    Quality Improvement and Data Analytics | Reducing Overuse and Our Carbon Footprint | Preventing Burnout | Choosing Wisely in the Emergency Department | Using Blood Wisely | Appropriate Prescribing | Reducing Overuse in Hospitals | Patient and Public Engagement | Policy as a Tool to Reduce Overuse | Choosing Wisely in Pediatrics | Antibiotic Stewardship | & More

    Earn credits- This one-credit-per-hour Group Learning program meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been certified by the University of Ottawa’s Office of Continuing Professional Development for up to 9.00 Mainpro+ credits.

    Check out the agenda to see the in-person and livestream options available.

    Register now: https://choosingwiselycanada.org/cwc-2023/#registration

    Doctors’ Day is May 1

    Monday, May 1, the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) and health care organizations across the province will be recognizing contributions made by Ontario’s doctors. Ontarians can say thank you by picking a flag here.

    You can also join the conversation with hashtag #DoctorsDay.

    A special thank you to all the family doctors working with our teams for the great care you provide to your patients and your communities every day.

    Happy Health Administration Day April 26

    For all the bookings, checking patients in and making things just run better- we know it’s like herding cats, but we literally wouldn’t be able to do it without you.

    Happy Health Administration Day tomorrow!

    PhD Dissertation: The Micropsychosocial effect of Accounting: A Health Care Context

    Physicians are invited to participate in the dissertation of Dr. Makini McGuire-Brown. This anonymous online survey explores policy and physician patient-related decision making through 10 medical cases featuring common medical illnesses. It does not directly test clinical knowledge and will take less than 30 minutes. Physicians from across Canada may participate to contribute to the gathering of academic knowledge about how policies affect work! This can help more conscientious accounting and policy decisions to be made. You may direct any questions to makinidm@yorku.ca. This study has been approved by the REB of York University (STU 2022-134).

    Survey link: https://us.psytoolkit.org/c/3.4.4/survey?s=7szDB.

    How can peer counsellors extend interprofessional teams and enhance care? Apr. 28, 2023
    Part of the DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series, join a virtual fireside chat on incorporating peer counsellors into interprofessional care teams to enhance care. Register here.

    Mental Health Week, May 1-7, 2023
    CMHA toolkit will be available here

    Eating Disorders Quality Standard Webinar, May 5, 2023
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Eating Disorders quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

    The roadmap to eliminating hepatitis C in Ontario, May 10, 2023
    This webinar will share an overview of the roadmap, including key priorities and strategies for how we can carry out its recommendations in Ontario. Register here.

    2023 University of Toronto DFCM Conference, May 11-12, 2023
    This year’s theme is “DFCM: Strengthening health systems through academic excellence, connection and collaboration.” Find out more.

    Collaborating Across Borders Conference, May 16-18, 2023
    Hosted by UHN, University of Toronto, and Cache. Find out more.

  • Guide for Interprofessional Primary Care Teams – Roles, Responsibilities, and Scopes of practice

    Dear Members,  

    AFHTO has released updated guidance regarding roles, responsibilities, and scopes of practices within the Interprofessional Primary Health Care Team. The guidance document is available on AFHTO’s website. This document has been validated by relevant associations and stakeholders to ensure it captures critical and updated information – we thank our colleagues and stakeholders for their efforts and collaboration with this work.
     
    Though extensive, this document does not serve as an exhaustive review of health care practitioners and their potential roles in a primary care team or a replacement of the current roles and responsibilities you may have identified within your IHP team. Rather, it serves as a guide to provide basic information to aid in the design, coordination, and scope of work of an Interprofessional Primary Health Care Team.

    Next Steps:  
    Collaboratively with our partners, we will hold a webinar series which will focus on each scope of practice. The purpose of this is to bring colleagues together and have a deep dive conversation around challenges, success factors, and changing roles using the guidance document as a starting point. Plans are underway to begin this work in Summer 2023. This discussion will also be included as a session at AFHTO’s conference this Fall.
     
    Going forward, the guidance document will be updated as required to be inclusive of the full scope of practice within the interprofessional health team and to reflect the changing roles and responsibilities. The webinar series and conference session will inform the next update.  

    If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

  • Bits & Pieces: Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap and more

    Bits & Pieces: Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Ontario charting the path to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030
    • Member stories
    • New digital tools with implementation support- heart failure; anxiety disorders and depression
    • Help advise which health care services and medical devices should be publicly funded
    • Refreshed Indigenous relationship and cultural awareness courses
    • Upcoming events including How can peer counsellors extend interprofessional teams, and more

    Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap Ontario

    Ontario charting the path to eliminate hepatitis C by 2030

    The Ontario Hepatitis C Elimination Roadmap is guiding policy and practice action to end hepatitis C as a public health threat by 2030. This is a collaborative, multi-sector initiative led by hepatitis C experts and with contributions from government, clinicians, community and more. AFHTO has been one of the partners in its development.

    Expanding the number of primary care providers who can deliver hepatitis C care is essential to reach elimination. Hepatitis C care is easier than ever, however is still primarily delivered by specialists. As trusted, familiar providers, you can expand access to care, particularly among priority populations.

    Hepatitis C is among the most burdensome infectious diseases in Ontario. However, an effective cure, widespread testing and proven prevention strategies mean elimination is within reach. Visit on.endhepc.ca find out more.

    Member stories

    Cottage Country FHT – Gravenhurst council endorses expansion plans

    Grandview Medical Centre & Two Rivers FHTs – Pilot program underway for mental health and addictions treatment

    Norfolk FHT – Team moving to enhance services

    New digital tools with implementation support- heart failure; anxiety disorders and depression

    Evidence2Practice Ontario (E2P) makes it easier for primary care clinicians to access up-to-date, evidence-based information at point-of-care. Working with topic experts across Ontario, E2P is developing a suite of user-friendly digital tools that seamlessly integrate quality standards and best practices into EMRs.

    E2P is currently focused on three common conditions in primary care settings: heart failure (available now in TELUS PS Suite EMR); anxiety disorders and depression in adults (available in late April in OSCAR Pro and Accuro QHR EMRs); and pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes (coming this summer). They also provide complimentary MainPro+ accredited change management and academic detailing sessions (1-on-1 discussions with a clinical pharmacist). Clinicians can sign up via the E2P website.  

    E2P brings together multi-disciplinary, cross-sector expertise under the joint leadership of the Centre for Effective Practice, eHealth Centre of Excellence and North York General Hospital. It’s funded by the Ministry of Health as part of Ontario’s Digital First for Health Strategy, with support from Ontario Health.

    Help advise which health care services and medical devices should be publicly funded

    Ontario Health is seeking expressions of interest for the Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee (OHTAC) and the Ontario Genetics Advisory Committee (OGAC), a standing sub-committee of OHTAC. This group of experts helps make evidence-based funding recommendations to the Ministry of Health regarding which health care services and medical devices should be publicly funded. Deadline April 19, 2023.

    Refreshed Indigenous relationship and cultural awareness courses

    Providing care that acknowledges, respects, and incorporates cultural and language considerations is an essential part of person-centred care. Ontario Health’s Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Awareness courses have undergone a major refresh and now contain current content with a more interactive look and feel.

    These courses have been designed to summarize 500 years of history into bite-sized chunks of information, providing you with knowledge about First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and urban Indigenous peoples, including their governance structures, communities, and histories. All courses are free self-paced learning modules publicly available to all.

    Certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, you can register today and earn up to 19.5 Mainpro+ credits. 

    Surgical Site Infections Quality Standard Webinar, Apr. 13, 2023
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Surgical Site Infections quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

    QI Innovations: Better Data, Better Decisions, Better Outcomes, Apr. 18, 2023
    This year’s free QI Innovations conference is for mental health and addiction providers and system planners who are interested in data driven decision making and quality improvement. Register here.

    ONCA Compliance Webinar, Apr. 20, 2023
    Hosted by Mills & Mills LLP, this free webinar will address steps organizations can take and what to be mindful of as we approach the Oct 2024 deadline. Register here.

    Autistic people and the COVID-19 pandemic – what have we learned so far? Apr. 27, 2023
    Hosted by CAMH. Register here.

    How can peer counsellors extend interprofessional teams and enhance care? Apr. 28, 2023
    Part of the DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series, join a virtual fireside chat on incorporating peer counsellors into interprofessional care teams to enhance care. Register here.

    Eating Disorders Quality Standard Webinar, May 5, 2023
    This session will introduce Ontario Health’s recently released Eating Disorders quality standard and describe how it can drive quality improvement and improve care for Ontarians across the health system. Register here.

  • Bits & Pieces: CIRA grants and more

    Bits & Pieces: CIRA grants and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • CIRA grant deadline April 12
    • Diagnosing and treating POTS in Long COVID patients and more
    • Reminder- Q & A with Fernando Tavares for EDs, Mar. 28
    • Perkopolis Day at Canada’s Wonderland
    • Relevant reports – networks of care in resource constrained settings & socioeconomic gradient in mortality

     
    • Feedback on supplemental screening as adjunct to mammography for breast cancer screening in people with dense breasts
    • Upcoming events including Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope – and What it Means for Appropriate Prescribing, and more

     

    CIRA grant deadline April 12
    AFHTO members and/or their partners may be eligible for Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) grants. Grants are available up to $100,000. You can learn more about eligibility, key dates and priority funding areas for 2023 on their site. You can also watch their information webinar here.

    Diagnosing and treating POTS in Long COVID patients and more

    Recent updates include:

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

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

    Reminder- Q & A with Fernando Tavares for EDs, Mar. 28

    Fernando Tavares will join us for another Q&A session to provide a brief update on the Annual Operating Plan (submission timelines + process), discuss further details on the FHT contract extension including updates to the Governance & Attestation document, and review details of the “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care” investment of $30 million to help bridge the gap in accessing interprofessional primary care. All EDs/Admin Leads are invited to attend the session on March 28th @ 12:00pm. Register here.

    Picture of people with their legs dangling as they sit at the top of a rollercoaster on a sunny day. The background shows trees and neighbourhoods. Text- early bird special .99

     

    Perkopolis Day at Canada’s Wonderland

    Perkopolis Day at Canada’s Wonderland is April 29th. This is an exclusive opportunity to spend a day enjoying Wonderland before the park opens. If your team isn’t registered under the AFHTO account yet, please email info@afhto.ca. Early bird deadline is March 31st. Find out more.

     

    Relevant reports – networks of care in resource constrained settings & socioeconomic gradient in mortality

    Feedback on supplemental screening as adjunct to mammography for breast cancer screening in people with dense breasts

    Ontario Health invites you to share your thoughts about a health technology assessment and draft funding recommendation Supplemental Screening as an Adjunct to Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening in People With Dense Breasts. Open for feedback until April 6, 2023. Learn more here.

    Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope – and What it Means for Appropriate Prescribing, Mar. 22, 2023

    In several provinces, the scope of pharmacist prescribing has expanded, enabling them to assess and prescribe treatments for common syndromes. With other provinces and territories expected to adopt similar approaches, how do we support pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals in promoting resource stewardship and appropriate prescribing practices? Hosted by Choose Wisely Toronto. Find out more here.

    Journey with depression: Experiences accessing treatment and services, Mar. 23, 2023
    Virtual town hall hosted by ODPRN Citizens’ Panel with Dr. Noah Ivers. Find out more here.

    Together We Care 2023, Mar. 27- 29, 2023
    Together We Care is the largest and most comprehensive learning and networking experience for professionals in long-term care and retirement living. Find out more here.

    Engaging primary care – from the inside out, Mar. 24, 2023
    Part of the OHT Impact Fellows- Knowledge Translation Lunch and Learn Series. Register here.

    DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Mar. 31, 2023
    Join a conversation with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of Wellesley Institute and Professor of Psychiatry at U of T, on how family doctors and primary care providers can better link their work in education, research, and quality improvement to the social determinants of health, and how to partner with organizations that serve communities to be more socially accountable in their work. Learn more here.

    Primary care data reports for OHTs, Mar. 29, 2023

    Hosted by INSPIRE-PHC. Primary Care Data Reports for all OHTs are available here. Join here.

  • Bits & Pieces: inclusive community grants and more

    Bits & Pieces: inclusive community grants and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • Applications open for 2023-24 Inclusive Community Grants
    • Member stories
    • Infant Moderna shelf-life extension, Canada investing in Long COVID research and more
    • Join the Ontario First Trimester Preeclampsia Screening Task Force- deadline Mar. 15
    • Call for expression of interest: Ontario MHA Oversight Table
    • It’s never too early to begin preparing for National Advance Care Planning Day
    • Community Legal Education Ontario wants to understand your legal needs
    • Upcoming events including Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope – and What it Means for Appropriate Prescribing, and more

     

    Applications open for 2023-24 Inclusive Community Grants
    Members and/or partners may be eligible for Inclusive Community Grants. The grants provide municipalities, non-profit organizations, and Indigenous communities with up to $60,000 for local projects that will help older residents and people with disabilities participate in community life. Deadline April 20, 2023. Find out more here.

    MPP Robin Martin stands with MD, social worker and pharmacist and leadership team at North York FHT and their Board Chair in front of windows in a room. All are masked.

     

    Member stories

    North York FHT – MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health Robin Martin visited North York FHT last week.

    Picture left: MPP Robin Martin with physician, social worker, pharmacist, leadership team and Board Chair at North York FHT.

     

     

    Infant Moderna shelf-life extension, Canada investing in Long COVID research and more

    Recent updates include:

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

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

    Join the Ontario First Trimester Preeclampsia Screening Task Force- deadline Mar. 15

    Prenatal Screening Ontario (PSO) is seeking experts to join the First-Trimester Preeclampsia Screening Task Force to advise on implementation considerations for first-trimester preeclampsia screening, should it be made available in Ontario. This is a short-term task force (find terms of reference here). To apply, fill out this survey and forward your CV to PSO@bornontario.ca  by Mar. 15, 2023.

    Call for expression of interest: Ontario MHA Oversight Table

    Ontario Health has sent out a Call for Expression of Interest for members of the Mental Health and Addictions Oversight Table. The table will define, guide, monitor and lead the development and delivery of standardized, high quality mental health and addictions services to address the needs of Ontarians per the mandate of the Mental Health and Addictions Centre of Excellence.

    The table will have input from the Clinical Council, the Planning and Performance Council and other, more focused, Centre of Excellence advisory tables, and the broader mental health and addictions stakeholders across Ontario. Senior clinical and administrative system leaders are invited to submit an expression of interest as a member of the Oversight Table. Please see the Call for Expression of Interest and terms of reference for more information. Submissions should be sent by Friday, March 24, 2023 to mhacoe@ontariohealth.ca.

    It’s never too early to begin preparing for National Advance Care Planning Day

    Content provided by Hospice Palliative Care Ontario

    National Advance Care Planning Day is on April 16, 2023, and Hospice Palliative Care Ontario has tools and resources to help you prepare.

    The Person-Centred Decision-Making Online Learning Portal was developed to assist you with having Advance Care Planning conversations and Goals of Care discussions with your patients. This program is intended to increase awareness and knowledge as well as build capacity across Ontario’s health care system. If you are a health professional or administrator and are interested in learning about Advance Care Planning, Health Care Consent, and Goals of Care, you can access the course here.

    We also have resources to support you whether you plan on providing an educational event within your organization or community, or plan on having a conversation with your patients. The guides, posters, postcards, wallet cards, and bookmarks are great resources to incorporate into your Advance Care Planning Day initiatives or ongoing conversations.

    To encourage these important conversations, all orders placed on materials until March 31 at 4:00 P.M. will be provided with a discount of 20% off. Visit our website to order materials.

    Community Legal Education Ontario wants to understand your legal needs

    Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) is launching a survey to get a picture of the legal needs of nonprofits relating to governance, employment law, and privacy/record keeping. By participating, you will be helping to inform CLEO about the legal supports your organization needs. The survey has 15 questions and should take about 15 minutes. Please take a moment to complete the survey. To learn more about the Nonprofit Law Ontario project, visit nonprofitlaw.cleo.on.ca.

    Pharmacists’ Expanded Scope – and What it Means for Appropriate Prescribing, Mar. 22, 2023

    In several provinces, the scope of pharmacist prescribing has expanded, enabling them to assess and prescribe treatments for common syndromes. With other provinces and territories expected to adopt similar approaches, how do we support pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals in promoting resource stewardship and appropriate prescribing practices? Hosted by Choose Wisely Toronto. Find out more here.

    Journey with depression: Experiences accessing treatment and services, Mar. 23, 2023
    Virtual town hall hosted by ODPRN Citizens’ Panel with Dr. Noah Ivers. Find out more here.

    Together We Care 2023, Mar. 27- 29, 2023
    Together We Care is the largest and most comprehensive learning and networking experience for professionals in long-term care and retirement living. Find out more here.

    Engaging primary care – from the inside out, Mar. 24, 2023
    Part of the OHT Impact Fellows- Knowledge Translation Lunch and Learn Series. Register here.

    DFCM New Horizons Speaker Series with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, Mar. 31, 2023
    Join a conversation with Dr. Kwame McKenzie, CEO of Wellesley Institute and Professor of Psychiatry at U of T, on how family doctors and primary care providers can better link their work in education, research, and quality improvement to the social determinants of health, and how to partner with organizations that serve communities to be more socially accountable in their work. Learn more here.

    Primary care data reports for OHTs, Mar. 29, 2023

    Hosted by INSPIRE-PHC. Primary Care Data Reports for all OHTs are available here. Join here.

  • Bits & Pieces: 2023 pre-budget submission and more

    Bits & Pieces: 2023 pre-budget submission and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • 2023 pre-budget submission and a new Canada Health Transfer agreement
    • Collaboration in team-based primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic: study
    • COVID vaccinations and digital supports materials
    • Member stories
    • Coming soon: Updated High Risk OBSP genetic assessment referral criteria and forms
    • Seeking participants for an online survey about improving osteoarthritis care
    • Seeking patients for early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
    • Upcoming events including Using Culturally Safe Practices to Build Meaningful Relationships with Indigenous Communities and more

     

    2023 pre-budget submission and a new Canada Health Transfer agreement

    over of AFHTO 2023 prebudget submission titled Primary Care: The Foundation of the Healthcare System. It's an overhead view of five people in blue scrubs and white coats meet around a white table with coffee, paper and laptops.

    On February 6, 2023 AFHTO submitted our recommendations to the government for their 2023 budget. Recommendations 1 and 2 of our 2023 pre-budget submission was done in collaboration with partners in the Primary Care Collaborative and recommendation 3 and 4 are two other recommendations AFHTO is advocating for.

    Our recommendations are broken into four sections:

    1. Make team-based primary care available to more Ontarians through an investment of an additional $75 million per year for 10 years.
    2. Address the health human resource (HHR) crisis in primary care through the creation of a primary care HHR table.
    3. Provide mental health and addictions services and home and community care in coordination with primary care.
    4. Provide resources to support the implementation of primary care networks (PCNs) and recognize PCNs as the organizing model for primary care.

    Read more here.

    And in related news, read the Primary Care Collaborative’s release on today’s meeting between the Prime Minister and premiers here:

    Collaboration in team-based primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic: study

    Now published in BMJ Open, “A qualitative study of collaboration in interprofessional primary care teams during the COVID-19 pandemic” is our study with Drs. Rachelle Ashcroft, Catherine Donnelly and others. “Results revealed the importance of collaboration for provider well-being, and the challenges of providing collaborative team-based primary care in the pandemic context. Caution against converting primary care collaboration to predominantly virtual modalities postpandemic is recommended.” Read more here.

    COVID vaccinations and digital supports materials

    Recent updates include:

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

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

    Member stories

    Markham FHT – Dr. Allan Grill on how primary care is dealing with demand

    St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT – Dr. Tara Kiran contributes to The Globe and Mail– “We need bold reform to fix family health care”

    Coming soon: Updated High Risk OBSP genetic assessment referral criteria and forms

    Ontario Health wishes to inform everyone of some upcoming changes to the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). The High Risk OBSP was launched in 2011 to support organized screening of people at high risk for breast cancer. The program now screens approximately 13,000 participants each year with mammography and screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (or screening breast ultrasound if breast MRI is not medically appropriate). Read the full email here.

    Seeking participants for an online survey about improving osteoarthritis care

    With funding from the Arthritis Society, Dr. Anna Gagliardi and University Health Network (UHN) researchers interviewed 27 women with osteoarthritis (OA) and 31 healthcare professionals to identify strategies needed to improve OA care for diverse women, and possibly other disadvantaged groups. They are now seeking women with OA, family physicians, and healthcare researchers to participate in a two-round online survey. They will ask you to complete the Round One online survey (about 20 minutes). A few weeks later, they will send you anonymous results, and ask you to complete the Round Two survey (about 10 minutes).

    ELIGIBLE WOMEN:
    — Have suspected or confirmed osteoarthritis
    — Are aged 40 or older
    — Were born in or have lived in Canada for 10 years or more
    — Can speak and understand English language
    — Represent the following ethno-cultural group(s): Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, African, Caribbean
    ***If you are a woman interested in participating or wish to learn more about the study, please contact: Angelina.abbaticchio@uhn.ca. Women will receive an e-giftcard for their participation.

    ELIGIBLE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
    — Are a family physician practicing in Canada
    — AND/OR are a researcher in the area(s) of health services research on OA or inequities in women’s health
    ***If you are a healthcare professional interested in participating or wish to learn more about the study, please contact: madeline.theodorlis@uhn.ca.

    Seeking patients for early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease

    The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST), Toronto Memory Program, Retispec and Summerhill Optometry are conducting a study, funded by the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative. The aim is to enable early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease through increased awareness and assessment in accessible community-based settings. While they have 3 assessment locations in Toronto, they are also open to travel to your location if there is significant interest. Cognitive Assessments are delivered by trained social workers. The completed assessments will be provided to the patient’s primary care provider for interpretation and follow-up. AST will provide services to those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
    The study is open to individuals 65 years and over who are experiencing memory problems, but do not have a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia.

    Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

    Inclusion - Adults (≥ 65 years of age); Able and willing to provide informed consent; Have a memory complaint. Exclusion- Prior diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or MCI; Exclusion Criteria for RetiSpec scan Have contraindications to the use of mydriatic (dilation) drops (for RetiSpec imaging procedure only)

    To learn more:

    If you would like to find out more by speaking to someone directly, please contact Sangeeta Semwal at DACstudy@alz.to or 416-708-8423.

    Canadian Health and Well-Being In Developmental Disabilities, Feb. 8, 2023
    Digital conference hosted by Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Find out more here.

    Using Culturally Safe Practices to Build Meaningful Relationships with Indigenous Communities, Feb. 9, 2023
    Hosted by Indigenous Primary Health Care Council. Register here.

    New Horizons Speaker Series webinar, Feb.10, 2023
    What are the roles of virtual only clinics and technology-enabled care in the future of the health care system? How will these shape the future of primary care in Ontario? Join U of T Department of Family and Community Medicine faculty members for this discussion. Register here.

    Cybersecurity and Canadian Health Care: Where do vulnerabilities lie? Feb. 14, 2023
    Hosted by The Globe and Mail. Register here.

    OHT Engagement Learning Series – Session 3 of 7: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Feb. 21, 2023
    Hosted by Institute for Better Health and Trillium Health Partners. Register here.

    Strategies to Increase Client and Family Engagement, Feb. 27, 2023
    Hosted by RNAO and presented by Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). Register here.

  • Evaluation of an Enhanced Primary Care Team Model to Improve Diabetes Care

    Research article published in The Annals of Family Medicine November 2022, 20 (6) 505-511

    Evaluation of an Enhanced Primary Care Team Model to Improve Diabetes Care

    Abstract

    PURPOSE Primary care practices manage most patients with diabetes and face considerable operational, regulatory, and reimbursement pressures to improve the quality of this care. The Enhanced Primary Care Diabetes (EPCD) model was developed to leverage the expertise of care team nurses and pharmacists to improve diabetes care.

    METHODS Using a retrospective, interrupted-time series design, we evaluated the EPCD model’s impact on D5, a publicly reported composite quality measure of diabetes care: glycemic control, blood pressure control, low-density lipoprotein control, tobacco abstinence, and aspirin use. We examined 32 primary care practices in an integrated health care system that cares for adults with diabetes; practices were categorized as staff clinician practices (having physicians and advanced practice providers) with access to EPCD (5,761 patients); resident physician practices with access to EPCD (1,887 patients); or staff clinician practices without access to EPCD (10,079 patients). The primary outcome was the percentage of patients meeting the D5 measure, compared between a 7-month preimplementation period and a 10-month postimplementation period.

    RESULTS After EPCD implementation, staff clinician practices had a significant improvement in the percentage of patients meeting the D5 composite quality indicator (change in incident rate ratio from 0.995 to 1.005; P = .01). Trends in D5 attainment did not change significantly among the resident physician practices with access to EPCD (P = .14) and worsened among the staff clinician practices without access to EPCD (change in incident rate ratio from 1.001 to 0.994; P = .05).

    CONCLUSIONS Implementation of the EPCD team model was associated with an improvement in diabetes care quality in the staff clinician group having access to this model. Further study of proactive, multidisciplinary chronic disease management led by care team nurses and integrating clinical pharmacists is warranted.

    Authors:

    • Joseph R. Herges, Mayo Clinic
    • John C. Matulis, Mayo Clinic
    • Dr. Maya E. Kessler, Mayo Clinic
    • Lisa L. Ruehmann, Mayo Clinic
    • Kristin C. Mara, Mayo Clinic
    • Dr. Rozalina G. McCoy, Mayo Clinic

    Relevant Links:

     

  • QI in Action eBulletin #124: Celebrating the Resilience of Teams in 2022, QIPs 2023-2024

    In this Issue:

    • Thank You to our Wonderful Teams
    • Celebrating Teams: Collaborating to Improve Palliative Care
    • Celebrating Teams: Filling Gaps in the Community
    • Healthcare Excellence Canada: Partnering on Appropriate Virtual Care
    • Physician Consultations on PHIPA Changes
    • Support Tools for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care Guidance in Primary Care
    • Quality Improvement Plans (QIPS) 2023/24
    • Farewell and Thank You from Raveen Bahniwal
    • Upcoming Events

     

    Thank You to our Wonderful Teams
    2022 has been a difficult year for primary care and we want to thank our teams for their resilience and capacity to adapt to the constant challenges that came their way. You have all continued to support not only your patients but non-rostered patients in your communities, collaborated with partners to advance your programs and continued to advocate for the ongoing expansion of team-based care. We aren’t able to highlight all the wonderful work for teams in 2022 in this short newsletter, but we encourage you all to read our Annual Report and explore our Bright Lights Nominees and Award Winners.

    Celebrating Teams: Collaborating to Improve Palliative Care

    Care for Palliative End of Life Patients with Bancroft FHT

    Content developed by Bancroft FHT
    In April 2022 the Bancroft Community Family Health Team formed a partnership and collaboration with North Hastings Hospice in Bancroft Ontario to provide an alternative level of care to their palliative end of life patients and residents of the community.

    Through the System Navigation Program, patients can be referred directly from physicians, nurse practitioners, Home and Community Care Services, Hospitals, and other community support agencies. The Palliative System Navigator RN will complete the initial intake process by meeting with the patient to discuss their end-of-life care and wishes. The nurse will then make the appropriate arrangements for the patient, coordinating in home services or admission to Hospice House in collaboration with one of the BCFHT FHO physicians.

    The goal is to provide effective, quality, compassionate, and coordinated care to palliative end of life patients and community residents in an appropriate setting while at the same time reducing hospital admissions. For any questions, please email mkelly@bancroftfht.com.

    Couchiching FHT Streamlines Access to Palliative Care Resources

    Couchiching FHT has provided leadership and resources to the Couchiching Palliative Care Working Group for several years. With the creation of the Couchiching Ontario Health Team (COHT), this working group was able to leverage the strong collaboration within the COHT to make incredible strides towards accomplishing their goals.

    This group of service providers and system users has created a central referral system which went live in February 2022. There is one referral form to access all palliative care services in the sub-region and a list of primary care practitioners who will accept non-rostered palliative patients, so no palliative patient in Couchiching is going without primary care. In addition, they have streamlined and coordinated resources to reduce duplication and make it easier for patients and their caregivers to find the right resources at the right time. For more information, please email a.munday@cfht.ca.

    Celebrating Teams: Filling Gaps in the Community

    Community Newborn Program at the Belleville NPLC

    Content provided by Belleville NPLC
    The purpose of the Community Newborn program is to provide follow up care to newborns who do not have a primary care provider in the community. Infants are seen by the program staff within 72 hours of discharge from the hospital. The Community Newborn Program consists of a Nurse Practitioner-Paediatrics, a Registered Nurse, and an Admin Support who each work 20 hours per week to support patients in this program. The NP and RN provide routine follow up care and non-emergent assessments for the infants up until 6 months of age. They also provide routine vaccinations for siblings of their infant patients who also do not have a primary care provider. For any inquiries about this program, please email admin@bnplc.ca.

    Prenatal and Well Baby Program at Barrie and Community FHT

    The Prenatal and Well Baby (PNWB) Program provides prenatal and well-baby care for women and children (up to the age of 6) without a family physician in the Barrie and surrounding area. The program has nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians and lactation consultants that provide care, education and referrals into community supports. The program also performs tongue tie releases and has a paediatrician available for consultation.

    Throughout the pandemic, the PNWB Program and Breastfeeding Services continued to see patients daily for essential care. During the pandemic, the Barrie area has seen an influx of new residents. Many of these new community members do not have a family doctor close to home, and the PNWB clinic is a place they can receive this essential service in the community they live. For more information, please click here and for any questions, please email jthomas@bcfht.ca.

    Healthcare Excellence Canada Opportunity: Partnering on Appropriate Virtual Care
    The Partnering on Appropriate Virtual Care collaborative will support primary care practices, organizations, and multidisciplinary teams from across Canada to determine when and how virtual care should be used in their respective healthcare settings. Participants will receive up to $20,000 in seed funding to develop a framework that supports shared decision-making with patients, ensuring choices around virtual care are based on patient needs and capabilities, their care requirements and clinician capacity. This program runs between January and November 2023 and involves a range of online learning and design activities. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.

    Physician Consultations on PHIPA Changes
    The Ministry of Health is seeking physicians interested in participating in a focus group to talk about their experiences with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA). This work is part of the Ministry’s Dialogue on Data engagement strategy. Your knowledge and experience will inform the development of a data strategy report to the Ontario Health Data Council that will be seen by the Minister of Health, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, and many other important stakeholders. Click here to learn more. Focus groups will take place January 17 to 19, from 12-1 pm and we are looking for 20 physician volunteers spread over the three days. If you are interested in participating, please email info@afhto.ca.

    Support Tools for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care Guidance in Primary Care
    The two patient-facing support tools for the Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care Guidance in Primary Care are now live on the Ontario Health website. The patient-facing tools, ‘Learning about Virtual Care Options’ and ‘Checklist for Use of Virtual Care’, are currently available in English and French. There is work underway to translate the patient-facing tools into additional languages. This will be made available on the Ontario Health website when ready. For feedback/questions, email PCP.Gudance@ontariohealth.ca.

    Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) 2023/24
    Ontario Health announced the start of the Quality Improvement (QIP) program cycle for 2023/24. This year’s QIPs will continue to focus on a small number of quality issues that are important to the health care system, such as issues that have been particularly impacted by COVID-19 and need our attention to help support health system recovery.

    Priority indicators have been developed in consultation with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Long-Term Care, and other teams across Ontario Health; however, organizations may also choose to focus on local issues that are important to their communities. Ontario Health encourages organizations to work on improving equity and supporting cultural safety and responsiveness. Organizations can choose to add custom indicators aimed at improving equitable access to care and/or share goals in the Narrative section.

    QIP Navigator, the online QIP development and submission platform, has been updated for this year’s submission and is now open for 2023/24 QIP submissions. Organizations can download pre-populated templates and current performance will be pre-populated with administrative data in January where available. Ontario Health will be hosting drop-in sessions on Zoom which are optional and will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions about the QIP program, QIP Navigator and learn about available quality improvement resources. QIPs must be submitted by March 31, 2023. Please email QIP@ontariohealth.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

    Planning Resources:

    Farewell and Thank You
    To end this ebulletin with some bittersweet news, I will be leaving AFHTO at the end of December to begin medical school in January. Thank you to all our members and partners for sharing your stories and initiatives with me. It was a pleasure for me to bring you these monthly ebulletins and KTE webinars. I will truly miss this community but hope our paths cross again someday. Stay tuned to the next ebulletin in January and have a wonderful holiday season. –Raveen Bahniwal, Quality Improvement and Knowledge Translation Specialist

    Upcoming Events

    HSPN: IFIC Canada and Health System Performance Network Virtual Community

    Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 12-1:30 pm
    Integration is the lever to enable population health and well-being. A key component of integration is the role of partnering with the volunteer sector to improve outcomes for our patients, caregivers, and our population. In this session, we will take a deep dive to learn firsthand about the role of engaging the volunteer sector from the perspectives of policymakers, researchers, and a person with lived experience. This session will discuss the available evidence, the volunteer sector’s role in policy, and share approaches and practical examples of local work that engages with the volunteer sector. Register here.

    ADVANCE Special Topic Series- Balancing Task and Process in Leading Integrated Care Systems
    Monday, January 9, 2023, 12-1 pm
    Developing integrated care systems often requires newly constituted intersectoral teams to form and rapidly engage in mutually reinforcing activities of integration, while attending, in parallel, with the processes by which these new teams engage in collaborative leadership, decision-making and/or system improvement. Professor Robin Miller, based at the University of Birmingham, will discuss the promise and pitfalls of collaborative leadership within integrated care systems and how attending to process can support inter-sectoral teams to achieve the aim of collaborative governance. To register, click here.

     

    In Case You Missed It: Check out eBulletin #123 or other back issues here!
    Questions? Comments? Contact us at improve@afhto.ca.

  • Bits & Pieces: improving IHP networking and more

    Bits & Pieces: improving IHP networking and more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • AFHTO’s IHP Directory: Improving IHP networking and communication
    • Farewell to Raveen Bahniwal
    • Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing webinar materials available
    • Consultations with physicians on PHIPA changes
    • Community Services Recovery Fund
    • IMPaCT survey
    • Updated recommendations on the use of Paxlovid and Evusheld
    • Reminder- join AFHTO’s Executive Director Mentorship Program!
    • CareCanvas: Better Care, Made Easier
    • OH updates- early psychosis intervention and Provincial Primary Care Lead, Cancer Screening
    • Upcoming events including Virtual Care and Pandemic Reflections and more

    AFHTO’s IHP Directory: Improving IHP networking and communication

    IHPs in AFHTO member teams are encouraged to sign up to AFHTO’s IHP Directory! This directory will help improve AFHTO’s communication to IHPs, and it will support IHP networking, information sharing, and collaboration.

    After you sign up, you will be emailed a link to a spreadsheet with the names, professions, team names, and work emails of all IHPs who have signed up for open communication. You may sort by profession to see the names of those in the same discipline as you.

    AFHTO will be checking the directory and emailing links to new registrants every 1-2 weeks. We look forward to improved communication from AFHTO to IHPs, and across IHPs in AFHTO-member teams!

    ravninder bahniwal headshot

    Farewell to Raveen Bahniwal

    We must announce that Raveen Bahniwal will be leaving AFHTO for a literal dream come true- we hate to see her go, but we’re happy say it’s for a great opportunity as she has been accepted to medical school.

    Raveen has only been with AFHTO for a short time as our Quality and Knowledge Translation Specialist, but so many of you had the pleasure of working with her, attended the webinars she has organized or the QIDSS session at the conference. She has also helped AFHTO with our growing research portfolio.

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

     

     

    video screenshot- 100 doses equivalent to a 290 km car journey

    Climate Conscious Inhaler Prescribing webinar materials available

    On Dec. 8. CASCADES and the Primary Care Collaborative hosted a webinar exploring the carbon footprint of healthcare systems and how inhalers contribute to it, and imagining practice change that results in “high value, low carbon care”. Slides and video are now available.

     

     

    Consultations with physicians on PHIPA changes

    The Ministry of Health is seeking physicians interested in participating in a focus group to talk about their experiences with the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA). This work is part of the Ministry’s Dialogue on Data engagement strategy. Your knowledge and experience will inform the development of a data strategy report to the Ontario Health Data Council that will be seen by the Minister of Health, the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, and many other important stakeholders. Learn more here.

    Focus groups will take place January 17 to 19, from 12-1 pm and we are looking for 20 physician volunteers spread over the three days. If you are interested in participating, please email info@afhto.ca. Please share this opportunity with physicians on your team.
     
    NOTE: at the moment they are only interested in talking to physicians affiliated with Family Health Teams

    Community Services Recovery Fund
    Members and/or their partners may be eligible for this fund, which is a $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support nonprofits and charities as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. Find resources here or sign up for January webinar here.

    IMPaCT survey

    IMproving performance in Primary Care Teams (IMPaCT) Survey is a survey of primary care physicians working in Ontario to understand what influences how physicians interact with data about their patients and their practice. You can find the survey and additional details about the study here. If you have any questions, please contact, Braeden Terpeu (braeden.terpou@thp.ca).

    Updated recommendations on the use of Paxlovid and Evusheld

    Recent updates include:

    • Updated recommendation on the use of Evusheld-EN and FR– OH, Dec. 12, 2022
    • Updated recommendation on the use of Paxlovid- EN and FR – OH, Dec. 8, 2022

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

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

    Reminder- join AFHTO’s Executive Director Mentorship Program!

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

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

    More information about the program is here.

    CareCanvas: Better Care, Made Easier

    The University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine and the POPLAR network have launched a new tool to support practice improvement.

    CareCanvas is an interactive online dashboard that that summarizes clinical information from a physician’s practice EMR to make it easier to care for patients. Three types of dashboards are available: one for physicians, one for clinics, and one for Ontario Health Teams.

    CareCanvas summarizes more than 15 quality of care measures including information on diabetes, hypertension, prescribing, and immunizations. You can see trends in your practice over time and can compare your practice to that of your peers. For some measures, you can see differences in care by age, gender, and neighbourhood income.

    CareCanvas is available to existing UTOPIAN contributors, with plans to expand the program to all of POPLAR in early 2023. Register here to access the dashboard. Sign up before December 31, 2022 to receive a dashboard with the next release.

    OH updates- early psychosis intervention and Provincial Primary Care Lead, Cancer Screening

    Virtual Care and Pandemic Reflections, Dec. 16, 2022
    54th in OCFP and UofT’s series “Changing the way we work” on Friday, December 16, 2022, at 7:55-9:15 am. Register here.

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

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

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

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

  • Belleville NPLC provides care for unattached newborns

    In a June article ‘QHC honours Belleville nurse practitioner-led clinic, Gateway centre’ we learned Belleville “has also received funding to provide follow up care to QHC newborns during their first two months of life,” Kearns continued. That program has yet to be established fully, but the clinic has so far accepted more than 100 “unattached” babies via QHC. Many of their relatives also have no primary-care provider and have received care through the clinic.

    Now  we have an update.

    Community Newborn program

    The Community Newborn program is a pilot program with staff who started at the end of September.

    The purpose of the Community Newborn program is to provide follow up care to newborns who have no primary care provider in the community. Infants are seen by the program staff within 72 hours of discharge from the hospital. 

    The Community Newborn Program consists of a Nurse Practitioner-Paediatrics, a Registered Nurse, and an Admin Support who each work 20 hours per week. The NP and RN provide routine follow up care and non-emergent assessments for the infants up until 6 months of age. They also provide routine vaccinations for siblings of their infant patients who also do not have a primary care provider.

     
    The benefits of this program include:   

    • Consistent and reliable access to care for infants with no PCP
    • Improve patient experience.
    • Decrease ED visits for non-emergency reasons ensuring the right care is provided at the right time in the right location.
    • Reduce the risks of injury in the infancy period by providing the recommended anticipatory guidance regarding infant safety, vaccine schedule and care more than once.
    • Increased opportunity to identify risks and connect families with appropriate community resources to optimize health outcomes in both the short and long term.

    Funding is secured until the end of March 2023. They hope to get funding to continue the program.