To: Family physicians and nurse practitioners
10-30-2020
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Online COVID-19 Testing Appointments Available
Online booking for COVID-19 testing appointments is now available for any Nova Scotian getting a test through primary assessment centres in the Central Zone or at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax.
Central Zone includes Halifax Regional Municipality, Eastern Shore and West Hants. Online booking is expected to be available in the Northern, Western and Eastern Zones by the second week of November.
Tests can only be booked online after completing the online self-assessment and should be scheduled within 48 hours of completing the assessment. People who complete the online self-assessment and require a test will automatically be directed to the online booking site to book an appointment.
People living in a health zone that does not have online booking available will continue to receive a phone call within 24 to 48 hours of completing the online self-assessment to book a test until online booking is rolled out in their area.
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New Brunswick COVID Cluster Update
The COVID Network, in collaboration with NS Public Health, continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreaks in New Brunswick(NB). NB Public Health reported the last new case associated with the travel-related outbreak in the Manoir Notre-Dame facility in Monton, NB on Oct. 18, 2020. The investigation has not reveled any evidence of community transmission associated with this outbreak. Given this, New Brunswick has lowered the Alert Level in Zone 1 (Moncton, Riverview area, Shediac area, Bouctouche area, Sackville area, Dieppe area and Salisbury area) to YELLOW. The COVID Network recommends that, effective immediately, Zone 1 no longer be designated as a Community Cluster when completing the COVID-19 Risk Assessment tool.
Given the ongoing outbreak in Manoir Notre-Dame, the COVID Network recommends that patients who live or work at Manoir Notre-Dame in Moncton be deemed to reside in a Facility Cluster and managed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the COVID Risk Assessment tool.
The second outbreak being followed in the Campbellton area (Zone 5) remains under investigation by NB Public Health and the Alert Level in Zone 5 (Campbellton area, Dalhousie area) remains at ORANGE. The COVID Network recommends that for the purpose of defining appropriate infection prevention and control practices, patients who reside within Zone 5 (Campbellton area, Dalhousie area) continue to be deemed to reside in a community cluster and managed in accordance with the guidance outlined in the COVID-19 risk assessment tool. Clinic appointments and planned surgeries should not be cancelled, but rather patients managed under appropriate precautions and testing done as appropriate.
Healthcare providers who reside in these regions may continue to work unless advised otherwise by Public Health or Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness. Healthcare providers must adhere to current guidelines including hand hygiene, masking and self- monitoring for symptoms. Should healthcare providers develop symptoms they should not report to work and should contact Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness at 1-833-750-0632 for screening. This line is currently available 7 days per week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Healthcare Worker general inquiries should be directed to the local OHSW department or [email protected].
These measures will be reevaluated on an ongoing basis as more information becomes available.
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2020 Influenza Immunization Campaign
Nova Scotia Health’s annual Flu Campaign for health care workers, physicians, learners and volunteers is underway and will run for eight weeks, wrapping up on Dec. 15, 2020.
Currently, appointments are only available for the first three weeks of the campaign. As the campaign progresses, more schedules will be uploaded and will be available for online booking.
To access the online booking application through your Nova Scotia Health computer, use Microsoft Edge to open your browser window. Copy either https://clicsante.ca/nsh/vaccination or https://clients3.clicsante.ca/1067/take-appt and paste it in the Microsoft Edge browser window. Confirmation and reminder emails will be send to the email address designated in your appointment booking. SMS (text) reminders can also be sent by the system.
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New Medical Record Policy Starts November 1
On November 1, 2020, Nova Scotia Health’s (NSH) Physician Incomplete Notification Policy will be coming into effect. The policy was posted to the OP3 site on September 1, 2020. Physicians are asked to review the policy in preparation for the upcoming change.
While the new policy will come into effect, there have been challenges with dealing with outstanding deficiencies between May 1, 2020 and October 31, 2020. As such, effective November 1, all *new* charts going forward will fall under the new policy.
The outstanding deficiencies between May 1 and October 31 will be reviewed and categorized by the health records team. The health records team will work with individual physicians and their leaders to address all outstanding deficiencies in the coming months.
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COVID Alert App Available in Nova Scotia
When installed, the app communicates using Bluetooth with nearby phones which also have the app installed. An app user who tests positive for COVID-19, is given a unique code by the Nova Scotia Health Authority to input into COVID Alert. If any other user with the app, whose phone was within two metres/six feet for at least 15 minutes of the infected person's phone, will be notified that they may have been exposed to COVID 19.
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Expanded Online Appointment Booking Service
Nova Scotia Health continues to expand its online appointment booking service. Online appointment booking is now available at the following sites:
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Barrington blood collection
- Clare blood collection
- Oxford blood collection
- QEII’s Victoria General (VG) X-Ray
- Victoria County Memorial Hospital (EKG, X-Ray and blood collection)
Online appointment booking is also available for the following locations:
- Aberdeen blood collection in New Glasgow
- All Saints Springhill Hospital blood collection, X-ray and EKG
- Bayers Road blood collection in Halifax
- Cape Breton Regional Hospital blood collection
- Cobequid Community Health Centre blood collection and X-ray
- Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro
- Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre blood collection
- Dartmouth General Hospital in Dartmouth
- Eastern Kings Memorial Community Health Centre blood collection in Wolfville
- Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital blood collection
- Glace Bay Hospital blood collection and X-ray
- Hants Community Hospital blood collection and X-ray
- Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital blood collection
- Lloyd E. Matheson Centre in Elmsdale
- New Waterford Consolidated Hospital blood collection
- Northside General Hospital blood collection
- QEII Halifax Infirmary blood collection
- Soldiers Memorial Hospital blood collection
- Spryfield blood collection in Halifax
- St. Margaret’s Bay blood collection
- St. Martha’s Regional Hospital blood collection
- Strait Richmond Hospital blood collection, X-ray and EKG
- South Shore Regional Hospital blood collection
- Sutherland Harris Memorial Hospital blood collection
- Valley Regional Hospital blood collection
- Western Kings Memorial Health Centre blood collection
- Woodlawn Medical Centre in Dartmouth
- Yarmouth Regional Hospital blood collection
Patients without internet access will continue to be able to make blood collection or X-ray appointments by phone. Phone numbers can be found by location on the NS Health blood collection web page.
The expansion of online appointment booking will continue in phases, with a few locations being introduced at a time. Additional locations will continue to be added to the online booking service over the coming weeks and months.
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Network Leads Wrap Up Work, Opportunities Available
The Department of Family Practice and Primary Health Care would like to send a big THANK YOU to Network Leads who concluded their roles at the end of this month.
Dr. Greg Thibodeau, Network Community Family Practice Lead
Lunenburg & Queens County, Western Zone
Thank you to Dr. Thibodeau, who concluded his Network Lead role this past summer. Dr. Thibodeau was actively engaged locally in his community and at the provincial Network Lead table. He brought great perspective, leadership and experience to our planning during his time as Network Lead. All this while balancing the role of Site Director Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship Program. Thank you for all of your work to support your community. Tthe Department of Family Practice and Primary Health Care teams wish you all the best!
Dr. Kelly Morris, Network Community Family Practice Lead
Cumberland Community, Northern Zone
Dr. Morris, thank you for your continuous support to your colleagues across the system. The Department of Family Practice and Primary Health Care teams appreciate your leadership and support to the community family physicians and hospitalist staff, especially during the past year with COVID. Thank you for the contributions you made to our provincial team from a planning and operational perspective.
Dr. Thomas Law, Network Community Practice Lead
Cape Breton County, Eastern Zone
Thank you, Dr. Law, for your support over the past year to your Network colleagues, the Department of Family Practice and Primary Health Care teams. You stepped into the role with positivity and an eagerness to support a constantly changing environment, especially in the time of COVID. Your contribution to our provincial team is very much appreciated. Wishing you all the best.
Dr. Karl Tennessen, Network Community Family Practice Lead
Eastern Shore- Musquodoboit, Central Zone
Dr. Tennessen has been a Network Lead since the beginning! Thank you for supporting your Network and advocating at the provincial level for your community. Your work to establish the role in your Network and build relationships is very much appreciated. The Department of Family Practice and Primary Health Care teams wish you all the best.
Expressions of Interest will be posted for the Lunenburg & Queens County and Cape Breton County Community Health Network Lead positions on the More than Medicine Site. Links will be included along with announcements for the Cumberland and Eastern Shore Network replacements in next week's update.
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Family Physician Opportunities |
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Canadian Certified Physician Executive Opportunity
The Canadian Certified Physician Executive (CCPE) credential recognizes and advances physician leadership and excellence through a national, peer-generated, standards-based assessment process based on the LEADS in a Caring Environment Capabilities Framework.
Recipients have the leadership capabilities, knowledge and skills needed to succeed ― and to direct, influence and orchestrate change in Canada's complex health care system.
Interested?
Application Deadline: Oct. 31.
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Physician Assessors - Practice Ready Assessment Program
The Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (NSPRAP) is an assessment program to ensure that international medical graduates who wish to practice family medicine in Nova Scotia possess appropriate clinical skills and knowledge to provide quality patient care. NSPRAP operates within the Dalhousie Department of Family Medicine with the financial support of the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, in collaboration with Nova Scotia Health recruitment process and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.
How long is the commitment?
As a physician assessor, you will work alongside and supervise these candidates in family practice settings for a 6-week period to help determine whether they are ready to practice independently with defined licenses in Nova Scotia.
What’s in it for me?
Many physicians view the NSPRAP as a unique recruitment tool to attract physicians who are committed to practicing in communities with acute physician shortages. Others see the role as a chance to give back to their profession by participating in a program which will provide medical care to under-serviced areas. Finally, many see this as an opportunity to gain valuable skills that they can apply to other teaching roles.
How can I get more information about the NSPRAP?
For more information about being an assessor please see the PRAP website
How do I sign up?
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Upcoming Webinars & Learning Opportunities |
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Advance Care Planning and Personal Directives – INSPIRED Program
Explore what advance care planning is and what to include when creating a personal directive.
To register, please call Andrew Comstock at (902) 483-8943.
- Tuesday, November 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (online via Zoom for Healthcare)
- Tuesday, December 8 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm (online via Zoom for Healthcare)
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Organ and Tissue Donation – Understand Your Responsibilities
Beginning in January 2021, physicians may need to talk to patients and families about their organ and tissue donation wishes. Join a webinar with Dr. Jennifer Hancock and Dr. Robin Urquhart. They will discuss the changes to Nova Scotia’s Human Organ and Tissue Donation Act (HOTDA) and its impact on clinicians and patients. Learn how to identify and refer potential donors to Legacy of Life, provide guidance on conducting conversations with families and substitute decision-makers, and discuss barriers to implementing HOTDA in your practice.
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Supporting You and Your Practice: Enhancing Access to Primary Health Care Workshop Series
To support primary care providers and teams, Nova Scotia Health Primary Health Care is offering an interactive virtual workshop series to support the practical application of access and efficiency concepts and strategies highlighted during the summer webinar series. This Workshop Series is aimed at primary health care providers and teams, as well as staff and leadership supporting providers and teams.
More information can be found in this one-pager. Registration links are included below.
Questions can be directed to [email protected] or to a Primary Health Care leader in your area.
This Group Learning program has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Nova Scotia Chapter for up to 4 Mainpro+ credits.
Workshop 3: Strategies to enhance scheduling
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Thursday, November 5, 2020 8:00 – 9:00 am Register
Workshop 4: QI approach for enhancing access
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Thursday, November 19, 2020 8:00 – 9:00 am Register
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Opioid Use Disorder Practice Support Program
Primary Health Care's Opioid Use Disorder Practice Support Program provides training and support for primary care providers and teams to build competencies for the care of patients with opioid use disorder.
The program uses a quality improvement approach delivered during three, half day interactive workshop sessions interspersed by two 6-8 week implementation action periods. Participation is limited.
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Prescribing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV Online Training Course
A free training to provide education for physicians, nurse practitioners, and other health care workers to meet the needs of patients seeking support regarding HIV prevention. This course also hopes to address the gap in PrEP prescribing capacity in Nova Scotia.
There are several stages to this program. Participants will…
- watch a recorded presentation titled “HIV Prevention, Treatment, & Advocacy” by Garry Dart of the AIDS Coalition of Nova Scotia (approximately 50 minutes)
- watch a recorded presentation titled “Prescribing PrEP” by Dr. Glenn Andrea, MD (approximately 20 minutes)
- watch a recorded Q&A and discussion with Garry Dart and Dr. Andrea (50 minutes)
- complete an online quiz to demonstrate learning (approximately 10 minutes)
- complete a training evaluation (approximately 5 minutes)
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Gender Affirming Hormone Prescription Training – Free Online Training
Are you a primary care provider in Nova Scotia who wants to learn more about prescribing gender-affirming hormones for trans and gender diverse patients?
This training is completed independently, using recorded presentations and interactive quizzes. The time to complete the course is approximately 3 hours. While all healthcare providers are welcomed to take this course, the focus is for doctors, residents, and nurse practitioners who have the capacity to prescribe.
The course is currently scheduled to be available online until August 2021 (when the Mainpro certification ends).
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Working with Transgender Patients - Free Online Training
30 minute course: this course is intended to offer basic information for staff working directly or indirectly with gender diverse clients within health care, mental health, and social work services.
60 minute course: this course is for those interested in a more in-depth cultural competency training, which further explores gender diversity.
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Surveys for Family Practice |
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Physicians’ use of social media during the time of COVID-19
COVID-19 has impacted physicians’ use of social media, specifically how they cross boundaries virtually. This study aims to better understand how COVID-19-initiated changes are impacting physicians’ practices and their use of social media tools and platforms.
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Physician Resilience COVID-19 Survey
Dr. Jackie Kinley (NSH mental health and addictions) and Dr. John Chiasson (DNS peer support program) and their colleagues ran daily open Zoom sessions, skills training sessions, delivered live and recorded webinars, and other custom initiatives to prepare Nova Scotia physicians for the pandemic.
They need your feedback to guide their preparation for the next wave. Your input is vital to this process and you are invited to complete this brief survey to help them serve you better.
Note: There is a request for consent at the beginning of the survey (that is to protect your safety and privacy). Please take a few minutes to complete this questionnaire.
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