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COVID-19

‘The New Normal?’: Living ‘with COVID’

Teaser: 

Dr. Marina Abdel Malak, MD, CCFP, BSc.N,

is a Family Physician in Mississauga, Ontario. She has served on several committees and groups, including The Primary Care Network and Collaborative Mental Health Network. She has a passion for medical education, patient empowerment, and increasing awareness about the relationship between mental, emotional, and physical health. Dr. Abdel Malak is highly involved in quality improvement initiatives, and her research interests include strategies to support physician wellness, patient self-management, and optimizing physician education.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is finally behind us. Now comes the challenges of learning to 'live with COVID-19'. But what exactly does that mean? This article will provide some answers to such questions as what does living 'with COVID' mean? Who should continue wearing masks? Should we change the way we think about infections? Should we wear personal protective equipment all the time? Does it mean leaving the pandemic life behind and returning to what was 'previously normal?'.
Key Words: COVID-19, pandemic, new normal, living with COVID, masks.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our lives the past two years.
We must learn to 'live with COVID' and open our eyes to the deficiencies and strengths of our current systems and practices.
Officials, physicians and patients should work together to optimize healthcare outcome and promote health systems and practices.
A key role of government and public health is managing misinformation.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Preventive Health, COVID-19, pandemic, new normal, living with COVID, masks
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Passing through the Pandemic—Turning our Stumbling blocks into Stepping Stones

Teaser: 

Dr. Marina Abdel Malak, MD, CCFP, BSc.N,

is a Family Physician in Mississauga, Ontario. She has served on several committees and groups, including The Primary Care Network and Collaborative Mental Health Network. She has a passion for medical education, patient empowerment, and increasing awareness about the relationship between mental, emotional, and physical health. Dr. Abdel Malak is highly involved in quality improvement initiatives, and her research interests include strategies to support physician wellness, patient self-management, and optimizing physician education.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting impacts on our lives. Issues such as access to healthcare, financial stability, socialization, burnout, and mental health have been highlighted by the pandemic. This article briefly highlights some of the challenges we have faced as communities— patients and healthcare providers alike­—and ends with a message of hope that stumbling blocks can be used as stepping stones for lasting, impactful change.
Key Words: COVID-19, pandemic, healthcare, socialization, burnout, mental health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on our lives the past two years.
At the forefront are such issues as access to healthcare, financial stability, socialization, burnout, and mental health.
Referrals to specialists have been delayed, prolonged, or nearly impossible to secure.
Gaps in our system should be identified, in equality, accessibility and lasting impactful changes should be made.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Preventive Health, COVID-19, pandemic, health care, socialization, burnout, mental health
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Common Myths about mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

Teaser: 

Zainab Abdurrahman, BSc, MMath, MD, FRCPC (Paediatrics), FRCPC (Clinical Immunology and Allergy)

Assistant Clinical Professor (Adjunct) of Paediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: There are many concerns the general population has over the new mRNA vaccines that have been produced and are now being distributed in countries around the world to help curb the spread of COVID-19. This review helps to debunk the myths around some of the more common concerns.
Key Words: COVID-19, vaccines, mRNA, trials, studies.
The mRNA vaccine is safe and effective for the prevention of COVID-19.
The two mRNA vaccines approved for use in Canada are the Pfizer-Biontech and the Moderna vaccine.
The Ministry of Health updated their guidelines indicating that the vaccine is still recommended for those with allergies.
It is important to discuss and dispel the myths that patients may have surrounding the mRNA vaccines.
The vaccine is safe and effective for the prevention of COVID-19.
Despite the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, patients who receive it should be reminded to continue wearing a mask and physically distance and follow public health guidelines.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Infectious Diseases, COVID-19, vaccines, trials, studies, mRNA
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

The COVID-19 Vaccine: Communicating with Patients

Teaser: 

Dr. Marina Abdel Malak

is a Family Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto. She graduated and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and went on to study Medicine. She has a passion for medical education, patient empowerment, and increasing awareness about the relationship between mental, emotional, and physical health.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged providers and patients in several ways. The news of a vaccine has sparked both hope and doubt among our communities. Healthcare providers are in optimal positions to educate patients about the COVID-19 vaccine, and to dispel myths. This article aims to provide quick facts about the vaccine, tips to navigate around vaccine hesitancy, and resources to share with patients.
Key Words: COVID-19, vaccine, pandemic, resilience.
The COVID-19 vaccine is available and indicated for most patients > 16 years old, in a 2-dose series (with 21 days between first and second dose)
There is a spectrum of 'vaccine hesitancy' among individuals. Tailoring conversations to patients is essential in helping to navigate discussions around receiving vaccines
Data shows that the COVID-19 vaccine is about 95% effective in preventing the virus, with side effects similar to 'routine' vaccines
It is the responsibility of healthcare providers to dispel myths about vaccines, and to empower patients to understand the importance of vaccination when indicated
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Caregiving, COVID-19, vaccines, pandemic, resilience
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Virtual Care for Low Back Pain Patients

Teaser: 

Ted Findlay, DO, CCFP, FCFP,1 Dr. Hamilton Hall, MD, FRCSC,2

1 is on Medical Staff with the Calgary Chronic Pain Centre at Alberta Health Services, Calgary Zone in Calgary, Alberta.
2 is a Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. He is the Medical Director, CBI Health Group and Executive Director of the Canadian Spine Society in Toronto, Ontario.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract:The COVID-19 global pandemic has had a rapid and massive impact on health care delivery worldwide. Two of the first public health measures applied in Canada and most other developed nations have been some variety of social distancing and "stay at home" orders, which limit the ability of patients to access non-urgent health care services. Patients with chronic pain including low back pain comprise some of the most disadvantaged populations where ongoing support from their family physician is an essential aspect of management. Virtual patient care has rapidly become one of the primary means to deliver of non-urgent management and is, in many ways, ideally suited for the support of chronic low back pain patients. It will continue to be used not only until face to face appointments are again permitted but may become a permanent feature of continuing care.
Key Words: COVID-19; virtual care; video appointments; low back pain; communication.

Members of the College of Family Physicians of Canada may claim MAINPRO-M2 Credits for this unaccredited educational program.

www.cfpc.ca/Mainpro_M2

You can take quizzes without subscribing; however, your results will not be stored. Subscribers will have access to their quiz results for future reference.

Pre-test CME Quiz Post-test CME Quiz
1. Virtual patient care is not a new concept, but its use has been accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Even pre-dating the COVID-19 pandemic, organized medicine in Canada has come out strongly in favor of the delivery of health care by virtual means.
3. There are many on-line resources that can be accessed by patients to help manage their low back pain during pandemic limitations on direct patient contact.
4. Positive patient identification and documentation of consent are requirements for virtual care delivery.
5. Both the physician and the patient have a role to play in ensuring appropriate privacy for the virtual visit.
Have your patient download and test any required communications software prior to their virtual appointment.
Commercial video communication software can be compliant with provincial personal privacy and information protection laws, check with your provincial medical association and/or provincial College of Physicians and Surgeons to be certain that approved software is being used.
Have the patient perform any required clinical measurements and list current medications and any required refills prior to the start of the virtual appointment.
Make sure that unidentified number call blocking does not prevent the virtual appointment from being completed.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Back Health, COVID-19, virtual care, video appointments, low back pain, communication
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page

Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic as a Healthcare Provider

Teaser: 

Dr. Marina Abdel Malak

is a Family Medicine Resident at the University of Toronto. She graduated and completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and went on to study Medicine. She has a passion for medical education, patient empowerment, and increasing awareness about the relationship between mental, emotional, and physical health.

CLINICAL TOOLS

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented situation. Feelings of isolation, uncertainty, fatigue, and a loss of control have created stress among individuals across the world. Healthcare providers are in a position where they must balance their personal, familial, and work obligations during the pandemic. As frontline workers, healthcare providers are particularly vulnerable to the physical, mental, emotional, and social stressors encountered during crises. This can contribute to burn out, physical illnesses, and dissatisfaction. It is therefore essential that healthcare providers are supported in acknowledging and normalizing these feelings, and accessing resources to help them cope. To maintain social distancing and provide around-the-clock services, there are a variety of online resources available to support healthcare providers during this time. By utilizing various coping skills and seeking support, healthcare providers can protect their mental, emotional, physical, and social (MEPS) health during the COVID-19 situation.
Key Words: COVID-19, pandemic, wellness, physical health, resilience.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a level of uncertainty, fear, and distress across the world. Feelings of isolation, anxiety, and stress are normal during this time.
Healthcare providers are, in particular, are faced with difficult decisions and situations in the COVID-19 crisis. Balancing personal, familial, and work obligations can be extremely challenging.
Mental, emotional, physical, and social health (MEPS) are equally important. As healthcare providers, we cannot take care of others if we do not care for ourselves first.
Various resources are available to help healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Developing and utilizing a range of coping tools can promote MEPS health.
To have access to full article that these tools were developed for, please subscribe. The cost to subscribe is $80 USD per year and you will gain full access to all the premium content on www.healthplexus.net, an educational portal, that hosts 1000s of clinical reviews, case studies, educational visual aids and more as well as within the mobile app.
Related Terms: Caregiving, COVID-19, pandemic, wellness, physical health, resilience
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page