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From the Primary Care Alliance
I want to talk you about a crucial topic this month, something that is becoming increasingly important as the impacts of the pandemic continue. That concern is physician and team fatigue, burnout and mental wellness. I’ve said it before; we have made amazing strides in patient care in an unimaginably short period of time, and as family physicians with our healthcare teams, we have stretched ourselves and our skills to new heights during this unprecedented situation.
All that effort; the changes and situations we’ve adapted to, to keep practices viable, patients cared for, and ourselves and our loved ones safe, comes at a cost. And the cost includes a high risk of wearing ourselves too thin. My encouragement to you is remember to look after yourselves as well as your patients.
The AMA, ACFP, and other partners and programs have stepped up to provide webinars and other supports to help you adjust, adapt and recover. The most recent AMA webinar focuses on physician wellness, including understanding loss and finding meaning. You will also find a number of videos and tools on the Alberta College of Family Physicians website under physician well-being. There are further resources available through the Physician and Family Support Program, and links to others in several articles in this issue.
In closing, as we’re heading into a couple of months of summer, I would encourage you to take breaks where possible. It’s important to recognize when you are nearing your limit and the need to remain mentally healthy. Rest and recharge with your family and loved ones. Take the time necessary to refill that tank, so you can return to your practice with renewed energy and perspective.
Take care and enjoy your summer. Primary Care News returns in September.
Dr. Brad Bahler
Chair
Primary Care Alliance
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Section of Family Medicine/Section of Rural Medicine Update
Rural physicians are bringing continued awareness to the crisis their communities are facing.
In the most recent Bulletin (link below), AMA Section of Family Medicine President Dr. Craig Hodgson shares information on new advocacy efforts taking place in rural communities and more.
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ACFP Presents - Virtual Doctors' Lounge on July 16
Join Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons President-elect Sudha Koppula, Thursday July 16 from 7- 8:15 p.m. for ACFP’s first Virtual Doctors’ Lounge.
Have a question or theme suggestion for this meet-up? Submit them here and register below to join your colleagues for an engaging conversation!
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One Nail at a Time podcast – Weathering the Storm: A Candid Discussion
Join Dr. Heather La Borde and Dr. Brad Bahler as they discuss their mutual sense of grief and loss related to the changes and uncertainty that COVID has brought, as well as how they’re finding hope and taking steps to prevent burnout.
Listen online at the link below or through your favourite podcast app.
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Closing the loop: How eNotifications are making a major difference in patient care
Dr. Lisa Stevenson dislikes information gaps. When her patients attend the emergency department, have surgery or a hospitalization, she wants know what happened before they return to her clinic. Participating in the Community Information Integration / Central Patient Attachment Registry initiative has made that possible. Click below for her story.
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Project in Review and Opioid Process Improvements Training module
In the last two years, through the combined efforts of several partner organizations, individuals with lived experience, family physicians, and multi-disciplinary team members, the Primary Health Care Opioid Response Initiative has been able to improve and save the lives of Albertans who use opioids. Check out the PHC ORI Project in Review.
In addition, the Opioid Process Improvements training module is now available online. This course is designed to help physicians and team members implement practice changes that improve care for patients who use opioids. You can learn more and take the course on the AMA Accelerating Change Transformation Team website. This self-learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Alberta Chapter for up to 4 Mainpro+ credits.
Help for your practice
Over these past few months, physicians have endured rapid and unprecedented changes. Between working through a pandemic to care for patients, trying to maintain viable practices and keeping yourselves and your families safe, the circumstances have been challenging to say the least. The AMA has adapted to this new world and remains committed to bringing you relevant, timely and practical information to help you as you focus on what matters most - delivering care for your patients.
The AMA has been offering a webinar series called Maintaining and Optimizing Your Practice During Times of Rapid Change. We’ve covered a variety of topics, including virtual care, business viability, Alberta’s COVID-19 relaunch plan, ARPs, and much more. Members are encouraged to visit the Webinars & Online Learning page of the AMA website to view recordings and related materials, and to find out what’s coming up next.
Restoration of lab services
In order to serve the needs of Alberta patients who require blood work or other tests, Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) has developed and released a plan to resume collection services across the province. Read more in this memo.
We want you back at PEIP - October 23-24, 2020!
The ACFP says it has worked hard to adjust to the current global situation. They will be delivering Practical Evidence for Informed Practiced (PEIP) to the majority of attendees via webcast while hosting a small group in person. Registration will launch in early August, more details on how speakers, topics, and how to register can be found here: www.peipconference.ca.
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© 2020 Alberta Medical Association
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