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pandemic

‘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.
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.
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.
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.
Disclaimer: 
Disclaimer at the end of each page