Here we are again – heading into the summer months, the typical slow down period for many things including the impacts of the pandemic. This year looks very different from the July and August of 2020 where, while cases were dropping, vaccines were still just a future promise. 

Thanks to vaccinations, infection rates and hospitalizations are heading in the right direction with hopes that they will never again reach the heights they did in the spring. With easing restrictions, it is encouraging that there are now opportunities for families to enjoy this season, balanced, of course, with the need for caution, by continuing to protect safety and as physicians, having conversations with patients about getting vaccinated. The AMA has partnered with Primary Care Networks, the pharmacists’ association, and the Alberta College of Family Physicians to maintain the vaccine momentum. Check out the article in this issue.

I also wanted to remind you of the most recent webinar addressing vaccinations in the series of COVID Talks for Docs. There are now eight presentations and recordings available. It is expected the webinars will resume in the fall.

All of this is positive news, but the past 16 months of non-stop effort has been very difficult. Stress levels remain high for us and for our patients, and with that in mind, I would really encourage you to take time to rest and recharge in the next couple of months, especially if you’ve not had a break in some time. The burn-out risk is very real, but there is also assistance available. The Physician and Family Support program is there to help mitigate issues before they become a crisis. Please do not hesitate to reach out to them if you need support. 

Take care and enjoy your summer. Primary Care News returns in September.

Dr. Brad Bahler
Chair 
Primary Care Alliance

AMA has launched a joint campaign with the Alberta College of Family Physicians, Primary Care Networks and the Alberta Pharmacists’ Association to encourage vaccine uptake. The messages are largely being shared via social media, and are that vaccines are safe, effective and our best way out of the pandemic. Also, that Alberta family physicians and pharmacists are working together to get more Albertans vaccinated.

Read the joint statement at the link below and feel free share in your social feeds by using the campaign hashtag #VaccinesWork.  

Primary care research team members from both the University of Alberta Faculty and Department of Family Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta Hospital, and the AMA Accelerating Change Transformation Team are sharing results of their study that is an example of efforts to improve integration between primary and specialty care in cirrhosis management in Alberta.

You can read more in the latest issue of the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the link below. 

In addition, check out the well-organized Cirrhosis Care website with both patient and provider information and tools. 

• A symptom self-management guide to help patients recover after COVID-19
• General information related to COVID-19 and seniors/continuing care; mental and spiritual health; cancer; and expectant and new parents

• Care pathways and toolkits
• Post COVID-19 Rehabilitation and Functional Screening and Assessment Tool to help providers determine what rehabilitation supports may be required moving forward.