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From the Primary Care Alliance
We are headed toward another year with a pandemic still in place around the world, it would be easy and perhaps expected to feel exasperated by the environment we find ourselves in. As Alberta physicians, we’ve weathered almost as many political battles as medical ones in the past couple of years. Relationships are always difficult, and health care system relationships will always go through cycles of productivity and cycles of disillusionment. There are some early signs to suggest a turning point may be coming which would hopefully lead to a rebuilding of our partner relationships.
Just last week, physician leaders from the Sections of Family Medicine and Rural Medicine and the Primary Care Networks hosted a moderated panel conversation on primary care with Health Minister Jason Copping.
This webcast was an opportunity to hear directly from the minister about his priorities for improving primary care and Alberta's health system overall. The ninety-minute session touched on a variety of topics, including the long-term vision for primary care, priority areas for family physicians and PCNs, sustainability of rural care, COVID-19 and others. It also provided Minister Copping with opportunities to ask questions of his own, and seek information and clarification from the physicians on the panel. If you weren’t able to join the event, I invite you to log in with your AMA member number and watch the recording.
Of course, I must acknowledge that conversation alone is not enough at this point, and every physician in Alberta is looking for actions that would signal respect and appreciation for primary care. But dialogue is often the first step towards action, and along with ongoing AMA discussions, I see this dialogue as a good first step to calming the chaos of our environment, allowing physicians to refocus on primary care development and evolution – and the most important goal of improving care for our patients.
Take care and stay safe,
Dr. Brad Bahler
Chair
Primary Care Alliance
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Free privacy and security training for clinics
The AMA is offering Fundamental Privacy Training at no cost to community-based physicians, privacy officers and their whole clinic team.
This training was made possible by a limited time grant provided by Alberta Health and has been accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for CME and by the College of Family Physicians of Canada for Mainpro+ up to a maximum of 3.5 hours.
Clinic teams can enrol by following the instructions at the link below or contacting PrivacySPaDS@albertadoctors.org for more information.
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Physician improves continuity of complex care with CII/CPAR
Dr. Chris Le is a Family Physician who joined the Community Information Integration/Central Patient Attachment Registry program to improve continuity for his patients.
Dr. Le recognizes that sharing even small amounts of information can lead to significantly better outcomes.
In the short video clip linked in the article below, he describes how sharing information benefits patients, particularly the vulnerable and complex, when they are seen in acute care.
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2021 Alberta College of Family Physician award recipients
The ACFP is proud to celebrate the physicians, students, residents, and clinics who demonstrate what “Excellence in Family Practice” truly means.
Check out the 2021 Award recipients at the link below and consider nominating a peer for a 2022 award today! |
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"Not another New Years' resolution: Patient motivation and goal-setting in primary care"
A Virtural Collaboration Forum
Start 2022 on the right foot!
Join the ACFP’s CMN and clinical psychologist, Dr. Arlene Cox on Jan. 27, 2022, at 7:30 PM (MT), to discuss strategies for setting realistic expectations and developing an effective treatment relationship.
Register below.
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Pediatric resources added to AMA COVID-19 toolkit!
A parent’s decision to vaccinate their child against COVID-19 is a personal one based on their values and an understanding of the risks and benefits of vaccination, versus the risks of their child contracting and spreading the disease.
Vaccine hesitancy is substantially reduced after patients receive educational resources and information from a trusted physician. You know your patients and their story, and they trust you more than anyone else for their healthcare.
To help parents reach a decision and guide the discussion, the Alberta Medical Association is providing resources for your use and to share with parents.
Screening for and preventing thromboembolic events (VTEs) in COVID-19 patients
Download a PDF of the Scientific Advisory Group’s latest rapid evidence brief.
Free PPE while supplies last
The Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) maintains a 60-day stockpile of PPE for future public health emergencies. Extra supplies of hand sanitizer, medical and non-medical masks and disinfectant solutions are now available at no cost.
News release with information
PPE Request Form
Contact email for surplus PPE
New Long COVID resources and video series
Rehabilitation advice line information
Albertans who’ve had an injury, orthopedic surgery, neurological condition or are recovering from COVID-19 can call the Rehabilitation Advice Line at 1-833-339-0563
(9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Friday) or visit ahs.ca/RAL.
A clinician will offer advice to help:
- Recover from a loss of function or ability to manage day to day activities
- Keep active and strong while awaiting or recovering from surgery
- Locate rehabilitation services that are open for in-person or virtual services
- Find alternatives to home and community activities that maintain wellness, including community support services.
Public-facing posters for the Rehabilitation Advice Line – print and post!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Rehabilitation Advice Line
Resource reminder: Togetherall - support and resources for mental health
The holidays are often a stressful time of the year with increased need for mental health supports for patients. Togetherall is a free, safe, online peer-to peer mental health community for Albertans over 16, that empowers individuals to anonymously seek support. It is available 24/7 and monitored by trained clinicians.
More than 15-thousand Albertans have taken advantage of the service.
Provincially funded, Togetherall also acts as a hub of courses and resources that foster positive mental health.
Promotion tools are already available like talking points, flyers, posters and scripts. Read more about it on the Canadian Mental Health Association website. You can also watch a webinar to learn more about the service.
March 4-6, 2022 - the ACFP's 67th Annual Family Medicine Summit
Back for a fully virtual delivery, the Alberta College of Family Physicians Family Medicine Summit 2022, will feature all-new content on contemporary issues in family medicine. Connect, learn, and celebrate with colleagues while sharing best practices in primary care.
Registration launches soon!
Visit the ACFP website for event details.
Reminder: Falling Through the Cracks: Greg's Story
Register now to see the film that has sparked important conversations about challenges with our healthcare system—including transitions in care. The next virtual viewing of Greg’s Story is Dec. 8 at 7 PM.
A question-and-answer session with members of Greg’s family follows the 30-minute film.
Watch the trailer; sign up for the free viewing here.
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