December 2021
From the Primary Care Alliance

Note: Primary Care News is being published early due to the holiday period.

While 2021 has been another challenging year, it has also been a year of continued progress in the development of the Patient’s Medical Home Model and the
Primary Care Alliance thanks you for your firm commitment, and your continued efforts to drive change and improve patient care in Alberta. 

On behalf of the PCA, Alberta Medical Association and the editorial contributors to this newsletter, we wish you and your family all the best for a safe, peaceful holiday season and a happy, healthy New Year in 2022!
FEATURE STORIES
Using clinical pathways for cancer diagnosis in primary care: Understanding family physicians' mental models - Study results

Cancer related illnesses have a significant impact on the health system. Creating clinical pathways to streamline the diagnostic period could enhance symptom management and care delivery while improving the experiences of health care providers and patients.

The objective of this study was to understand family physicians’ thinking and approach to using three specific Clinical Pathways for Cancer Diagnosis.

Read the summary document or access the full report at the link below.
CII/CPAR eNotification allows for early cancer diagnosis

Dr. Sunil Datar is a family physician within the WestView PCN.
He is participating in the Community Information Integration/Central Patient Attachment Registry, so he is notified via his clinic EMR when one of his CPAR-paneled patients has been discharged from emergency or hospital.

Recently, that eNotification process resulted in an unexpected diagnosis.

Read about his experiences and watch the short video at the link below to hear the story in his own words.
What are your perspectives on ordering imaging for uncomplicated low back pain?
 
University of Calgary researchers are looking to interview Alberta family physicians to better understand clinical perspectives related to the use of imaging in uncomplicated low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this research is to gain a better understanding of factors that influence imaging ordering practices.

Research findings will help design better interventions used to optimize recommendations in practice. Learn more at the link. 
Save on your registration for the ACFP's Family Medicine Summit


The ACFP are sharing Summit savings with Primary Care News readers!

Register for the annual event before Dec. 31 with the promocode SummitPCA to receive $50.00 off your registration price!

Virtually connect, learn, and celebrate with your colleagues this Mar. 4-6, 2022
IN OTHER NEWS
“Not Another New Years’ Resolution: Patient motivation and goal-setting in primary care” – A Virtual Collaboration Forum
Start 2022 on the right foot!
Join the ACFP’s CMN and clinical psychologist, Dr. Arlene Cox, Jan. 27, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss strategies for setting realistic expectations and developing an effective treatment relationship. Register here.

Immunization after COVID-19 infection
This document summarizes the Public Health Agency of Canada report on protective immunity (Aug. 13, 2021), the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools report on vaccine effectiveness in previously infected individuals (Oct. 15, 2021), and other select references, and develops key messages and recommendations grounded in the Alberta healthcare context.
Read the Scientific Advisory Group Summary (PDF).
 
Sotrovimab monoclonal antibody outpatient treatment for COVID-19
This FAQ for Healthcare Providers will update you on the essentials of the treatment and the program.
Physicians who identify a patient with potential eligibility for Sotrovimab should have the patient contact HealthLink at 1-844-343-0971

After COVID-19 recovery resources
  • A MyHealth Alberta document for those experiencing or caring for someone recovering rom COVID-19 who is experiencing ongoing health concerns (or “Long COVID”).
  • The Alberta Healthy Living Program also has a series of free classes for Albertans with ongoing symptoms: patients can register to see upcoming courses. Topics include breathing, eating, sleeping, stress, activity and more.
 
Equity, diversity and inclusion learning exchange
An online session Jan. 13 at 10:00 a.m., introducing eight different anti-oppression frameworks and ways to foster equity and inclusion in patient engagement work and the healthcare system.
For more information visit Healthcare Excellence Canada. 
 
Celebrate your peers with the ACFP Awards - Nominations now open
Tis the season to celebrate – Congratulations again to this year’s ACFP award recipients! As we reflect on the year that was, please consider nominating a family physician, student, resident, or clinics who demonstrates what “Excellence in Family Practice” truly means.
For award details and nomination forms, visit the awards page.

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