One Person One Record (OPOR) Program Updates | | |
OPOR Training Registration Now Open for Central Zone
Registration for training is now open, as OPOR prepares for Central Zone launch on May 9 (Wave Two).
Wave Two training builds upon lessons learned from the IWK Health training and incorporates feedback and improvements to support a smoother learning experience. Training will officially begin in February, and will include a blend of in-person, virtual and asynchronous learning.
NS Health providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, residents and fellows) can register themselves or can delegate their registration to an administrative support person. Providers need to attend a classroom course and a scenario lab – both can be registered for through the Registration Form on the OPOR Education & Learning Registration Portal. Course spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Training is mandatory and must be completed before login credentials are assigned.
Training is one part of the learning pathway for all future users of the clinical information system (CIS). Other activities such as Practice Labs will provide added learning and skill-sharpening opportunities.
More information can be found at Provider Corner or the OPOR Hub.
| | |
The OPOR team is hosting roadshow events across Central Zone until January 30. These drop-in events are designed to immerse future users in the functionalities of the CIS, with interactive stations and hands-on experience. All providers, clinicians and employees are welcome. Registration is not required. Dates, times and locations for the roadshow are available on the Physician Portal or on the OPOR Hub.
Please note: This communication is intended for Nova Scotia Health physicians and staff in relation to OPOR. Nova Scotia Health or IWK network access is required for registration and to access links above, with the exception of the Physician Portal.
| | Sepsis Improvement Package Provider Survey | | |
The Nova Scotia Health Provincial Sepsis Team, in collaboration with the Implementation Science Team (IST), is evaluating the Emergency Department Sepsis Improvement Package. We invite Nova Scotia Health staff, leaders, and physicians to complete a brief survey about your experience with the Sepsis Improvement Package. Your feedback will help inform future actions related to sepsis management and support implementation in other zones.
Complete the survey here (approximately 10-15 minutes to complete).
The goal of the Sepsis Improvement Package is to reduce sepsis-related mortality by targeting key drivers of improvement, including reducing time to antibiotics, within emergency departments and urgent treatment centres. Learn more here.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Evaluation Coordinator, Emily Wright, at emily.wright@nshealth.ca.
| | Recent eReferral Form Enhancements | | |
Since launching Nova Scotia eReferrals, dozens of enhancements have been made to forms and functionality in response to user feedback. Recent eForm enhancements from October 2025 to January 2026 can be found here. Users can submit feedback on eForms through the form feedback button and provide general feedback on the eReferral tool through the general feedback button on the eReferral hub.
| | IPAC and C3 Collaboration for Efficient Patient Flow | | |
Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) and Care Coordination Centre (C3) have partnered to create a working group to improve communication and patient flow, particularly during flu season. IPAC now uses the C3 Patient Manager (PM) tile in daily huddles to share patient status, enabling better decisions on cohorting and bed allocation. This ensures the Right Patient, Right Bed, Right Service, Right Care, Right Outcome.
Key Accomplishments:
-
Standardized PM Tile Use: Customized and standardized the PM tile to communicate IPAC details to patient flow managers and front-line teams.
-
Risk Assessment and Mitigation:
- Developed Compass site for IPAC best practices
- Prioritization of private rooms
- Principles for cohorting patients with Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (ARO)
- Placement guidelines for suspected/confirmed respiratory illnesses
-
Capacity Building Education:
- Orientation on infection control principles for patient flow
- Application of tools and PM tile
- Principles for managing patients with viral respiratory infections
-
Teamwork: Solidified local partnerships between Infection Prevention and Control Practitioners and Patient Flow Managers, enabling up-to-date information sharing and problem-solving at the ground level.
The working group continues to collaborate to identify additional tools and resources that will enhance coordination, improve efficiency, and work towards efficient and safe care.
| | CPSNS Council Nominations for District 5 Now Open | | |
An election will be held in March 2026 to elect two physicians from District 5, county of Halifax, including HRM, to serve on the College's governing Council.
If you are interested in running for the College's governing Council, or know someone who is, please review the nomination package. It contains information about serving on Council and instructions for submitting a nomination.
Nominations must be received by the College by 4 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026.
| | Physician Learning Opportunities | | |
Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program
Mental health concerns are part of everyday primary care, but they rarely fit neatly into a short appointment.
The Adult Mental Health Practice Support Program supports family physicians, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants and allied health clinicians with practical, trauma-informed tools to manage mild to moderate mental health concerns within routine practice.
“This program equips clinicians with tools to care for patients they are already seeing,” says Dr. Ajantha Jayabarathan. “It helps them be effective, efficient and compassionate.”
This activity has been certified by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Nova Scotia Chapter for up to 44 Mainpro+® Certified credits. Winter 2026 cohorts are now open, with Tuesday and Saturday options available.
Reserve your spot today.
Learn more.
| | |
AI Beyond the Buzzword: A Practical Discussion of AI in Medicine with Dr. Matthew Clarke
This session will provide the fundamentals on how AI works and its real-world applications in medicine today – from enhancing diagnostic imaging to reducing administrative workloads. This will include an exploration of why high-quality data is the essential engine for AI and how Nova Scotia’s data modernization strategy is building the foundation for future innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to examine the future of AI in healthcare, including its potential in predictive analytics, eliminating documentation with generative AI, and enabling personalized medicine. Discussion will be led around the practical steps NS physicians can take to become ‘AI-ready’ and their vital role in guiding the safe and effective integration of these powerful new tools.
🗓 Date: February 11, 2026
🕚 Time: 5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
💻 Location: Virtual
Register Here.
Dr. Matthew Clarke is an Emergency Physician in Central Zone and the Associate Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) for NS Health and IWK Health. In these roles, he has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the system. He leads digital health projects with a core mission: to empower patients and providers by using technology to help people better manage their health and navigate our complex system.
This session is part of the Medical Affairs' webinar series: Inspired Leadership for Physicians – Leading with Presence, Empathy and Purpose.
| | |
Practice-Ready, Proven: How PACE Assesses Physician Competence
The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) and Physician Recruitment team invite you to an upcoming webinar led by Dr. Keri McAdoo, CEO of PACE, in collaboration with Shelley Stoyles, Manager, Physician Recruitment, Medical Affairs. This webinar will provide a clear, transparent look at how competence is assessed at PACE, the standards applied, and why physicians who successfully complete the program are safe to practice in Nova Scotia communities.
🗓 Date: February 4, 2026
🕚 Time: 6:00 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
💻 Location: Virtual
This session will cover:
- Why PACE
- The eligibility and selection criteria for PACE
- How PACE conducts workplace-based assessment
- What evidence is collected to support recommendations to the College for licensing decisions
- How concerns are identified, escalated, and addressed
- Why completion of PACE represents demonstrated competence
- Understanding Return of Service
- Why be an assessor or supervisor
Why this matters
Internationally trained physicians are essential to Canada’s health system – but only when assessment is rigorous and defensible. This session is designed to answer common questions with a focus on data, process and transparency.
Register here.
| | Physician Wellness Resources | | | | |
If you're a physician seeking support for your practice or wishing to provide feedback, please reach out to our hotline. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
In the event we're engaged in another call, rest assured your voice message will be promptly addressed within one business day. Your concerns will be directed to the Medical Affairs team and our health system partners for resolution.
Our task force is committed to returning calls and scheduling meetings with practices at mutually convenient times.
| | Physician Wellness Resources | | |
Wellness resources for physicians have been migrated to an actively monitored page on the Physician Information Portal. You can access it here.
If you have an item to submit, please reply to this newsletter.
| | | | | |
