No images? Click here In This Issue - November 2021
Physicians' Corner
Information Sessions
You can now view the dedicated COVID-19 Information for Health Care Professionals webpage. Here you will find statistics, vaccine information, testing options and a link to our FAQ page for health care professionals. Don't see the response to your question on the FAQ page? Call our COVID-19 Health Care Professionals information line Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. at 905-688-8248, press 7 then press 1. UPDATE: HCP Risk AssessmentBefore every patient interaction, health care professionals must conduct a point-of-care risk assessment to determine the level of precautions required. Due to asymptomatic spread and breakthrough cases, it's strongly advised that you wear a medical mask and goggles when within two metres of a patient to prevent any high-risk exposure. For information on different types of interactions and exposure risk, review the Health Care Worker Risk Assessment tool. For more information, visit the HCP COVID-19 FAQ webpage and view the 'infection prevention and control' section. UPDATE: Patient-Facing Communication for your PracticeWe know that as you welcome more patients into the office, protecting yourself, your staff, and the public is a top priority. On Oct. 19, the province updated their COVID-19 guidance document for primary care providers in community settings. For additional Public Health guidance, please refer to the COVID-19 Guidance for Providing Primary Care and In-person Visits, COVID-19 Vaccinations & Testing memo. Mask use and physical distancing of 2 metres remain important measures in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and are required regardless of a person’s immunization status. Patients may need passive reminders that these measures must be followed in your office setting, just as it is in other public places. To ensure all patients and staff can safely maintain 2 metre distance from one another, consider
To support your communications to patients on the importance of practicing public health measures while in the office, we have
REVIEW: Respiratory SurveillanceSurveillance Update: Influenza Activity Low
Data source: Public Health Ontario’s Ontario Respiratory Pathogen Bulletin. Last refreshed: November 19, 2021. Please refer to Niagara Region’s Flu Activity page for up-to-date local influenza data, updated every Tuesday. REVIEW: Benefits of Long Acting Injectable (LAI) Antipsychotics for SchizophreniaStudies have shown that those with schizophrenia can benefit from taking long acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics. There are many advantages to prescribing a LAI to your patient
Niagara Region Mental Health approaches clients about LAIs in the Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) program early on in treatment, and re-approach throughout service. The EPI and Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams provide injections to clients at the office or in the community. If you have questions about these services, or would like more information, please contact Kerri Nagy or call 905-688-2854 ext. 7356. For patients who would benefit from Niagara Region Mental Health services, please complete an online referral. DON'T MISS OUT - Final opportunity to provide your feedback!Understanding the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Early Child Development Support in NiagaraIn 2018, four domains measured by the Early Development Instrument indicated that the vulnerability of children in Niagara had risen above the provincial average. This is even more concerning as we see growing evidence of the negative child and family outcomes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The enhanced 18-month well-baby visit (EWBV) provides an opportunity to promote healthy child development and identify developmental concerns early. Please complete the online survey. Results will help to inform new early child development campaigns, opportunities to enhance the implementation of the EWBV, and tools, resources and/or professional development that might benefit our primary care partners. It is important that every provider in the practice completes the survey. Responses can be submitted until Dec. 17, 2021. Looking for for education and professional development opportunities? Several opportunities are available to support health professionals in Niagara. Clinician-Client Communication to Enhance Health OutcomesEffective clinician-client communication underlies successful medical care. Students and clinicians in active practice in all specialty areas are invited to join us Jan. 12 from 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. This half-day, online interactive training session will help to improve the awareness of the clinician’s role regarding the importance of communication as an essential aspect of healthcare. Participants will gain an understanding of the four communication skills: Engage, Empathize, Educate, and Enlist. There is no cost to attend, but registration is limited. Visit our registration page for more information. MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS
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