Advocacy, statement on administrative burden and more
Updated: April 24, 2024
Family physicians are the foundation of Ontario’s health care system, and Ontario needs family physicians spending time with patients – not on paperwork.
The Ontario College of Family Physicians has been a strong advocate calling on Ontario to help reduce the administrative burden we are experiencing in our clinics. Today, the Ontario Government announced it will be introducing legislation on requirements for sick notes and piloting AI scribes. While the OCFP welcomes these steps in reducing the administrative burden, we know there is much more to do. We will continue to advocate on your behalf. Please see below related links and other updates from the OCFP.
Legislation is being introduced that could eliminate the need for sick notes for Ontario’s workers who are sick for three days or less. See our statement.
Also, today, the Government of Ontario announced it is piloting AI scribes for 150 primary care providers. See the news release.
The 2024 Ontario Budget referenced additional investments in new and expanded primary care teams, with timing and allocation to be determined. If your submission was not awarded funding through the government’s initial expression of interest process, we recommend contacting your Ontario Health representative. They are open to providing feedback to support success on a future submission.
OCFP has partnered with Women’s College Hospital to gain greater insight on the responsibilities and contributions of medical office assistants. If you have medical office staff, please encourage them to complete this brief survey. This will support efforts to ensure your clinic runs as efficiently as possible.
Join us on Friday, April 26 for the next “Changing the Way We Work” Community of Practice where we will discuss an overview of current infectious diseases and how to support patients with ADHD. Register here
Measles, spring COVID-19 vaccination, Mpox and more
Updated: March 27, 2024
Below you will find a one-page patient-facing measles tool, as well as updated information on measles, Mpox and COVID-19 spring vaccination. We will continue to share information and resources to support you in your practice.
Also below: a reminder about the OCFP Awards – the nomination deadline is March 31, 2024.
The OCFP has developed this one-page tool that can be shared with patients to help educate them on prevention, symptoms of measles and what to do if they become ill.
Right now, the top priority is making sure children are up to date with their measles vaccines. Children receive two doses (at age 1 and at 4-6 years of age) as part of routine childhood vaccinations. Read more on vaccines.
Also, see today’s memo (available in English and French) from the CMOH for further info on vaccines, managing patients with measles and more.
Reminder about post-exposure prophylaxis: The timely administration of immunoglobulin (IMIg and IVI) can be used to reduce the risk of infection in susceptible individuals exposed to measles. Prophylactic use of immunoglobulin (Ig) is indicated for immunocompromised people, susceptible pregnant women and infants less than 12 months of age.
This spring, NACI recommends that the following individuals who are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may receive an additional dose of XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine:
Adults 65 and older.
Adult residents of long-term care homes and other congregate living settings for seniors.
Individuals six months of age and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised (due to an underlying condition or treatment).
The Ministry of Health has noted an uptick in cases of Mpox, with a total of 28 this year (33 total in 2023). There have been 22 cases in Toronto and four in Ottawa.
The vast majority of cases are male.
The most common risk factors are sex with same sex, new/multiple sexual contacts, anonymous sex and met contact through internet.
Vaccination is very effective at preventing Mpox infection and anyone who is high-risk should receive two doses of the Imvamune® vaccine.
Additional opportunities from OCFP stakeholders and partners can be viewed here.
As a reminder, OCFP Award nominations close on March 31, 2024. I would like to encourage you to nominate a deserving colleague to show them how much you appreciate their work. Details are available here. I am so grateful for the work that all of you do to care for your patients.
