Dear Colleagues,

As family physicians, we love our clinical work, care deeply for patients and want to make a difference in our communities. But the current challenges in the system are taking the joy out of our work.

It’s not ok.

We need our government and our partners in health care to know this too.

I want you to know that the OCFP has your back. We are calling for meaningful changes to help family physicians today.

• The OMA will begin negotiations for the Physician Services Agreement and the OCFP has been providing input into the SGFP's work. More to come.
• The OCFP has been leading calls for all family doctors, regardless of payment model, to have access to team supports. The Ontario government is investing $30 million to support 18 new or existing teams. It's a start, but it's not enough. An Expression of Interest will be shared later this month.
• The OCFP will be sharing updates from a recent survey with members regarding the administrative burden we face in practice. More to come.
• Read our Advocacy Alert.

We know more needs to be done and we will continue to update you on the work we are doing to advocate on your behalf.

Below you will find information and tools to support you in your practice.

In this Email:

• COVID-19 | COVID-19 Vaccines
• Tools for Your Practice
• From the OCFP
• Other Opportunities
• Important Announcements

COVID-19 | COVID-19 Vaccines

• As discussed at the April 14, COVID-19 Community of Practice, Public Health Ontario has not updated masking guidance for primary care. See the OCFP’s most recent IPAC guidance summary from October 2022.
• A reminder that there is no ongoing six-month interval recommendation for boosters for any group, however, the Chief Medical Officer of Health is recommending high-risk individuals get a booster this spring.
• Ontario Health has communicated that most Assessment Centres will close by June 30, except where access to testing is limited. A list of those remaining open is available. Similarly, most Clinical Assessment Centres are expected close by June 30, except those working with their Ontario Health regional team to plan for transition.
• Join us for further updates at "Changing the Way We Work" (COVID-19 Community of Practice) on Friday, May 5.

Tools for Your Practice

• A new fee code for periodic health visits for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (K133) is available. Access a medical record template, developed by the CFPC’s Developmental Disabilities Member Interest Group.
• Ontario Health is now offering patient resources related to the "Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care – Primary Care" in 14 languages.
• Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is making care recommendations as a result of an identified case of gonorrhoea with a resistance pattern similar to the multidrug-resistant strain of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
• The Ontario HIV Network has updated its testing guidelines. The OCFP has developed a tool clarifying what is new.
• Public Health Ontario (PHO) has a new Lyme disease test information sheet and investigation tool. Clinical guidance for managing tick bites and investigating Lyme disease has been updated.
• Earth Day is April 22. Several family physicians have contributed to an updated Green Office Toolkit with practical and easy ways to make eco-friendly clinical office improvements. A pdf is also available.
• ParkRx reminds family doctors that you can become nature prescribers and access tip sheets for patients.

From the OCFP

• OCFP is currently recruiting faculty to deliver the Practising Wisely Workshop. Please email [email protected].
• Save the date for the OCFP’s next CFPC Certification Exam Orientation workshop on August 19-20.

Other Opportunities

• CFPC is continuing member outreach and engagement through their survey and a Town Hall on April 24.
• Register for a CPSO webinar on April 25, focused on using an equity-oriented approach to improve disparities in health care and health outcomes.
• "New Horizons", hosted by DFCM Chair, Dr. Danielle Martin on April 28, will discuss incorporating peer counselors into the interprofessional care team to extend and enhance care. Speakers include Dr. Ruth Heisey and Dr. Bjug Borgundvaag.
• Refreshed Indigenous Relationship and Cultural Awareness courses are available from Ontario Health and are certified for up to 19.5 MainPro+ credits.

Important Announcements

• The CPSO announced the removal of supervision and assessment requirements for U.S. Board Certified physicians, allowing them to begin independent practise in Ontario immediately. 
• The Ministry of Health has announced an expansion of its biosimilar drug coverage policy to promote the use of biosimilars funded through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. Changes are effective December 29.
• Starting in the fall, pharmacists will be able to prescribe medications that treat moderate acne, canker sores, diaper dermatitis, yeast infections, pinworms and threadworms and nausea and vomiting related to pregnancy.

Recently, I was asked to participate in the Healthcare Salute project, led by Dr. Margaret McKinnon through the Trauma and Recovery Lab at McMaster University. This project shares the personal stories of frontline health care workers through the pandemic. You can watch the video here, where I share my thoughts, feelings and challenges.

As always, thank you for all that you do to care for your patients during this difficult time in our health care system. You are making a difference.

Mekalai