No images? Click here In This Issue - October 2020
Physicians' CornerOn October 8, Niagara Health and Niagara Region Public Health hosted a joint presentation: COVID-19: How we got here and what comes next. The panel examined the origins and characteristics of the COVID-19 virus, epidemiology in Niagara, test accuracy (symptomatic only!, unless otherwise recommended by Public Health) and identified strategies to help flatten the curve moving forward. Presenters also reinforced the importance of a bundled approach to help prevent the spread of the virus. This includes remaining vigilant with masking, hand hygiene and physical distancing. The video recording has been included below as this month's broadcast. ____ Review our FAQs for health care professionals or call our COVID-19 Health Care Professionals information line (905-688-8248, press 7 then press 1) if you have any questions. Have your say - tell us what you would like to hear discussed in next month's Physicians' Corner broadcast. We'd love to hear from you! Note: Having trouble viewing the video? Right click on the top of the email and select "download pictures" or view the email in your web browser. UPDATE: Niagara's Primary Care Advisory & Liaison Group - Call for ApplicantsBased on learnings to date from the pandemic, Niagara Region Public Health (NRPH) has initiated a search for 3-5 family physicians/Nurse Practitioners who would serve at an advisory and liaison table to support two-way communication between NRPH and Niagara’s primary care sector. These limited term stipend positions would provide clinical expertise and communication support as relevant to the needs of both Public Health and primary care during the pandemic. Selection is based on the below criteria, to achieve effective representation of primary care across Niagara. In Niagara, there are over 260 family physicians and many other primary care providers, with a diversity in practice models. During the pandemic, this advisory group would enable:
Interested applicants are invited to complete the short questionnaire by Sunday, November 8. More information about these positions is also available by clicking the link to the questionnaire. UPDATE: The Pandemic & Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)In the May edition of this newsletter, it was shared that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful and traumatic events experienced during childhood with long-term and negative consequences into adulthood. The physiology of this phenomenon has become much more clear in recent years. In the face of this unprecedented public health crisis, families continue to experience high levels of stress from social isolation, altered routines, income insecurity and growing uncertainty. Many parents indicate that their children are worse off in terms of behaviour and mood since the COVID-19 pandemic started. With increased familial stress the risk of ACEs increases and the pandemic has been officially recognized as an environmental stress for ACEs. The Ontario Parent Survey findings around the consequences of the initial lockdown confirmed the negative impacts of COVID-19 on families, children, and broader society. The survey, with results specific to Niagara found (compared to before the lockdown, self report):
Ontario-wide, 10% of parents indicated increased verbal or physical conflict in their relationship with their partner/spouse since the pandemic started. Perhaps the best analogy is to think of the impacts on household functioning as “pressure cookers”. As we head into the winter months, often the most challenging time of year for many families, it is important to continue conversations about household functioning to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19 related stress on physical and mental health. For clinical support and resources:
UPDATE: Antivirals in Congregate Settings for the 2020-2021 Influenza SeasonPublic Health Ontario has released updated documents for antiviral medication, that will help answer common questions on treatment and use during respiratory virus outbreaks in congregate settings. If the health care professional answers yes to these three (3) questions, antiviral medication would be recommended:
Treatment should be started as soon as possible. Antiviral medications works best if administered within 48 hours of symptom onset and can be considered for use beyond that time period. Laboratory confirmation is not required to initiate antiviral treatment. Resources If you require assistance, please call the Infectious Disease program at 1-888-505-6074 or 905-688-8248 ext. 7330, Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. REVIEW: Respiratory SurveillanceSurveillance Update: Influenza Activity Low
For more detail or the most recent data, please visit Public Health Ontario’s page for the Ontario Respiratory Pathogen Bulletin. REVIEW: Niagara EMS Palliative Care Team (PAL)Niagara EMS Palliative Care Team (PAL) works in the community bridging the gaps for clients who are not connected to palliative care or for those who are connected, but unable to get in touch with their team during a crisis. The PAL team provides crisis pain and symptom management for all patients receiving palliative care; this can help patients in crisis avoid a distressing transport to the hospital, and remain at home as desired. All trained PAL paramedics provide patients with Dilaudid, Glycopyrrolate and Haldol, as well as Versed and Morphine during a pain crisis, agitation, delirium, shortness of breath or end of life.
REVIEW: November is Fall Prevention MonthFalls among older adults continue to be the leading cause of unintentional injury that result in emergency room visits and admissions in the Niagara region. The Fall Prevention Month site offers information and resources for health care practitioners around:
The Fall Prevention Community of Practice (Loop and Loop Junior), sponsored by the Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation, connects more than 2,000 members across Canada to problem-solve and share how to implement evidence-informed and promising fall prevention practices. The Community of Practice provides access to evidence-informed tools and resources, networking opportunities, training and education. MEDICAL ADVISORIES & MEMOS October 2020
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