October 2020
From the Primary Care Alliance
Times of great adversity or challenge can bring out the best or the worst in ourselves. We never really know how we will respond until that time is upon us.  We’re in the midst of a global pandemic, severe economic fallout, and extensive challenges to our profession here in Alberta. At times like these it would be easy to fall prey to a mentality of self-preservation. Who could blame us? But that hasn’t happened. Family physicians have stepped up in every way possible to care for the health of Albertans, despite the situation and its personal and professional toll.

Our patients and partners greatly value our services and have publicly expressed their support and appreciation for what we do. We also need to acknowledge that we should care for and support each other, so we can continue to be there for those that need us. We’re strongest when we commit to working together.

To that end, I would encourage you stay connected with each other, whether that’s through clinic groups, participation in social media activities such as those led by the
AMA, the Alberta College of Family Physicians and others, or by taking advantage of webinars offered by AMA programs aimed at gathering input, sharing ideas, and developing our collective strength. 

Another way you can help:
Renew your AMA membership. Because if we commit to being united, we will come out of this situation in a firmer position and better able to advocate for our patients and each other. 

Let’s get through this together and come out stronger.

 
Dr. Brad Bahler
Chair
Primary Care Alliance
FEATURE STORIES
Section of Family Medicine/Section of Rural Medicine update

As we face the challenges that lie ahead for physicians in Alberta, every AMA membership renewal counts.

We must stand together in the face of government’s attempts to divide and conquer physicians.

The AMA is our voice in Alberta and is best positioned to advocate for physicians, patients and the future of our health care system. 

Stand with us! Read more about how your membership makes a difference at the link below.

 
Bridging the gap and creating connections

The Alberta College of Family Physicians is pleased to invite you to attend the Clinical Connections Conference (CCC) Webinar Series from October 2020 to May 2021.The engaging webinar series that brings together family physicians, specialists, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners and other providers to learn about, discuss and share new practical clinical tools, resources, and initiatives in Alberta developed by Alberta Health Services’ Strategic Clinical Networks. 

Don't miss November's consultative workshop on Building an Efficient and Sustainable Model that Improves the Cancer Diagnosis Experience in Alberta. Visit the link below for a full list of webinars. 

Finding a better path for advanced stage patients

Do you care for complex patients with advanced-stage chronic or non-curative conditions? Would you like better supports and improved coordination for yourself, and improved quality of life for your patients, while reducing system costs?

If this sounds like your clinic, one:carepath may be the answer for your practice.

Learn more at the link below about this pathway including information on funding for Primary Care Networks and practices participating in co-design and testing.

eNotifications: how a simple check-in can impact patient care and satisfaction

An eNotification delivered through the Community Information Integration/Central Patient Attachment Registry initiative can lead to better care coordination and an improved patient outcome.

As a CII/CPAR participant, Dr. Barney Truong receives eNotifications in his EMR. These notifications tell him if one of his patients has had an emergency department discharge or was admitted or discharged from hospital.

Dr. Truong received an eNotification recently and during a follow up phone call with his patient, he learned about changes to the patient's medications and resulting unintended consequences. Click below to read more about his experience and how he was able to assist his patient.
IN OTHER NEWS
Are you interested in improving symptom management for cirrhois care in Alberta?
Enhancing Alberta Primary Care Research Networks (EnACt), led by Dr. Lee Green, is conducting a qualitative research study seeking to understand the thinking and decision-making processes that take place when primary care physicians manage the symptoms of patients living with cirrhosis. 
Your involvement:
The team is looking to interview primary care physicians in a one-hour virtual (e.g., Zoom or telephone) interview to know more about their role and thinking within the process of symptom management in cirrhosis care. Honorariums will be offered for your time. Interested? Contact
Lynn Toon for more information.

Togetherall: Virtual mental health network available to Albertans
In an effort to enhance mental health supports for Albertans, Alberta Health Services is partnering with Togetherall — a free, online network that offers anonymous, peer-to-peer mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Through the network, Albertans 16 years of age and older can share, connect and support others in a safe online community. Members have access to a variety of clinically validated, self-guided resources, including assessments, courses, self-help journaling and goal-setting tools. Members can also join group courses to learn alongside others interested in the same mental health topics, such as depression and anxiety. The community is clinically moderated by registered mental health practitioners who ensure individuals are kept safe and feel supported.
Registration and other information is available on the 
AHS virtual mental health page. If you or your clinic team would like to schedule a live demo of the platform, contact Togetherall via the general inquires inbox.

A celebration of patient & family centred care across Alberta
Patient & Family Centred Care (PFCC) Week hosted by AHS, and held Nov. 2 to 6 across Alberta empowers individuals, teams, sites and zones to celebrate partnerships with patients, clients, residents and their families.
There will be a variety of
virtual events and webinars available throughout the week and events happening across the province and in the zones. Everyone is welcome to attend – patients, families, advisors, staff, physicians, volunteers, and all primary care partners. Find out more at together4health.
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