Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the end of summer, I’ve been experiencing mixed feelings - disappointment that the days flew by so quickly, enthusiasm for the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year and hope for new beginnings in the fall.
Like many of you, I’ve also been bracing myself a little for what’s ahead this respiratory illness season. In this message, you’ll find several new tools and resources to help you navigate the months ahead. You’ll also see more patient education tools, which many of you asked for through our recent survey.
Please continue reading to find information and tools to support you in practice.
In This Email
Respiratory Illness Season Tools and Resources
Advocacy
Announcements
Tools For Your Practice
From the OCFP
Other Opportunities
Respiratory Illness Season Tools and Resources
Health Canada has approved a new Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older.
- More information regarding required doses for specific populations is being shared.
- There is not yet confirmation on when vaccines will be available.
OCFP’s Screening for Respiratory Illness tool can help you and your office prioritize appointments for high-risk patients who are eligible for flu and COVID-19 antivirals.
- Ontario Health is encouraging family doctors to help high-risk patients to make a plan, so they know what to do if they become sick and need timely antivirals. See OCFP’s resource, Physician-Patient Discussions.
- As a reminder, OCFP is sharing information on eligibility and access to COVID-19 treatments, Paxlovid and Remdesivir. Further updated guidance on antivirals is expected.
Family doctors can order Rapid Antigen Tests through the PPE Supply Portal. Tests will also be made available to the general public through public health units and pharmacies.
- OCFP’s tool, COVID-19 Testing — Antiviral Treatments for COVID-19 and Influenza provides complete information on how to access tests.
See OCFP’s most recent IPAC Considerations, published July 2023. Updates are expected.
For patient education on staying healthy, managing illness at home and information on antivirals, see OCFP’s resources.
New RSV vaccines will be available to residents of long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges and some in retirement homes who are 60 years of age and older.
All OCFP tools can be found online. Updates to these documents will be made as new information becomes available.
Watch the recording for this morning’s “Changing The Way We Work” Community of Practice, to hear updates from Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health and Dr. Daniel Warshafsky, Associate Chief Medical Officer of Health.
Advocacy
The OCFP has expressed concerns on aspects of the proposed amended regulation that would enable pharmacy professionals to administer additional vaccines and treatments for RSV, COVID-19 and influenza.
- The Ministry of Health is also exploring the potential expansion of publicly funded vaccines to pharmacies, including childhood vaccines such as those for polio, pertussis and tetanus.
- Many members shared their perspectives on this issue, in response to our most recent Advocacy Alert, which helped to shape our response to the Ministry of Health.
The OCFP drew attention to the crisis facing family doctors working in emergency rooms in Northern Ontario. Note that:
- 86 stories appeared in media including two from the Globe and Mail, including one published today. Drs. Anjali Oberai, Sarah Newbery, Maurianne Reade, Sara Van Der Loo and Sarah Giles were interviewed.
- Ontario Health has made it easier to subscribe to notifications of locum opportunities.
The OCFP has long advocated for pan-Canadian licensure. The province recently enacted “As of Right” rules, enabling physicians practising in hospitals and long-term care homes, from outside Ontario to practice without having to first register with the regulatory college. This is a step in the right direction.
Together with our partners, the Alliance for Healthier Communities and the Association of Family Health Teams, the OCFP sent a letter urging the Minister of Health to ensure equitable access to team-based care in Ontario.
Announcements
Congratulations to family doctors in Northeastern Ontario who are a part of three new Ontario Health Teams: Cochrane District Ontario Health Team, Sudbury Espanola Manitoulin Elliot Lake Ontario Health Team, and Timiskaming Area Ontario Health Team.
The Ministry of Health has expanded midwifery services. Health care providers can submit funding proposals to expand access to midwifery service in primary health, team-based comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care.
Several changes to eye care services covered by OHIP, including the discontinuation of the Major Eye Examination Form, came into effect as of September 1, 2023 and more information is available.
Tools For Your Practice
Ontario Structured Psychotherapy Program: Adults experiencing depression or anxiety-related concerns can access cognitive-behavioural therapy and related services at no charge. Patients can self-refer.
Access to point of care, evidence-based tools to support more personalized management and improve patient health outcomes for the prevention and management of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes are now available from the Centre for Effective Practice.
From the OCFP
The deadline to submit an abstract for OCFP’s 2024 Family Medicine Summit (FMS) is September 22, 2023. FMS is taking place virtually on January 26 and 27, 2024 and registration is now open.
Other Opportunities
The OCFP is sharing opportunities from our partners, specific to primary care.
I hope that you’ve been able to find time this summer to rest and recharge. I wish you all the best as we settle into the fall. As always, thank you for all that you do.
Mekalai