GREEN INHALER CHOICES FOR ASTHMA & COPD

Did you know that (depending on type) one aerosol inhaler (Metered Dose Inhaler or MDI) has the same carbon footprint as driving up to 170 km in a gas car? Find out more about green alternatives to MDIs in these handy quick reference tools, created by Dr. Merunka Mordasiewicz:

• Green Inhalers for Asthma & COPD: A Summary for Healthcare Professionals
• Green Inhaler Choices & BC PharmaCare Coverage

EMR UPDATE TO M2 MOST ORDER

Confusion around the Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST) M2 designation is common among health care professionals, particularly in acute care settings. On Tuesday October 8, the description text for M2 in Cerner was changed to read: “M2 - symptom management, less invasive approach." This change seeks to provide clarity around M2 and encourage patient-centered “intensive caring” that promotes day-to-day quality of life, without intensive tests and treatments. If you have questions about M2, please reach out to the Expressed, Heard & Respected team (ACP & MOST) at Island Health.

CANADIAN MAID CURRICULUM

The Canadian MAiD Curriculum (CMC) is the first nationally accredited, comprehensive educational program to support the practice of MAiD in Canada on behalf of the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP). CAMAP has launched 24 free CMC fall sessions and a new events webpage. Sessions are free of charge and open for licensed physicians and nurse practitioners to register and attend.

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH & RECONCILIATION

Monday, September 30 marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, which honours survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. On September 18 the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) publicly apologized for its role in the past and ongoing harms to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in the Canadian health system. The apology was an important step in the CMA’s reconciliation journey, the beginning of a new chapter focused on ongoing learning and action.

Physicians and healthcare teams are encouraged to integrate cultural safety and humility into their practices, and access resources such as Queen's University's free course Indigenous Healthcare Education and Practice: Applying Digital Teaching and Learning Resources to the TRC’s Calls to Action. The Indigenous Primary Health Care Council is another excellent resource; to access engagement toolkits, land acknowledgement resources and more, click here.

A MESSAGE FROM THE FPSC: UPDATE ON LTC SUPPORTS

"While the changes in long-term care compensation have been positive for some communities, through your feedback we have heard clearly that more work is required. A time-limited Long-Term Care Initiative Advisory Group will quickly be set up to work with divisions, family physicians, and other long-term care system leaders to gain your insights and recommendations about better supporting care to this patient population through further improvements to the Long-Term Care Initiative. More information about how you can become involved will be shared shortly."

Read the full update here.

LTCI PROGRAM TEAM UPDATES

JOIN THE LTCI COMMUNITY!

The following sites are looking for MRPs to join their team; please reach out to the Vic-SI LTCI if interested.

• Aberdeen
• Amica on the Gorge
• Glenwarren Lodge
• Gorge Rd LTC
• Sunset Lodge
• The Heights at Mt View
• The Summit
• The Priory

LOOKING FOR LTC CHAMPIONS IN VICTORIA/SOUTH ISLAND

Do you know a family physician interested in winding down their community practice, but not quite ready to retire? Or how about a recently graduated family physician looking to gain experience in a rewarding and team-based environment? We need local physicians to champion LTC by spreading the word about why they love the field, and encouraging others who may be interested to reach out to the LTCI at victoriasouthisland.ltci@victoriadivision.ca for more information!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The LTCI’s most recent Learning Series, Wound Infections in Long-term Care, was held on September 26^th and presented by Clinical Nurse Specialist Educator, Erin Ballard. See below to access resources from the session.

• Wound Infections in Long-term Care presentation slides
• Wound Infections in Long-term Care session recording

Previous Learning Series resources can be found here.

RESOURCES

Doctors of BC, Truth & Reconciliation in Health Care: The Light of Irene Art Print for Medical Offices

Health Quality BC Cultural Safety and Humility - Sharing Concerns: Principles to Guide the Development of an Indigenous Patient Feedback Process

WHO Toolkit - Communicating on climate change and health: Toolkit for health professionals

Health Quality BC Patient Engagement Resource: Tips for Effective Communication

Elearning Course - Falls: Predictable and Preventable

Victoria Division of Family Practice - Professional Development Funds for MOAs

EVENTS

October 24, 2024, 8:30 - 4:00pm: Health Quality BC Workshop - Improving Health Care Systems Through Patient Safety Event Reviews

October 30, 2024, 6:00pm (dinner available by 5:30pm): LTCI Leadership Dinner (for more info and to RSVP, please contact victoriasouthisland.ltci@victoriadivision.ca)

November 4, 2024, 5:15pm: VDFP Annual General Meeting

November 12, 2024, 5:00 - 6:30pm: LTCI Learning Series, Palliative Care Approach in Long-term Care

November 22, 2024, 7:30am - 3:30pm: UBC Division of Palliative Care CME Day 2024

February 6-8, 2025: UBC Care of the Elderly Intensive Review Course 2025

YOUR VANCOUVER ISLAND COMMUNITY

October 2 - December 7: Rooting for Reclamation, UVic Legacy Art Galleries. Free and open to the public.

October 5 - November 1: Saanichton Pumpkin Patch

October 19 - 27: Halloween Weekends at Bilston Creek Farm

November 13: 3rd Annual Sip and Shop Holiday Market