Rheumatoid arthritis patients take to Reddit for mental health support
VANCOUVER, BC, Nov. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - According to a new Arthritis Research Canada study, rheumatoid arthritis patients are turning to Reddit – a popular social media platform – to discuss their mental health.
Researchers examined a total of 81 threads from two popular discussion boards on the platform (r/Thritis and r/Rheumatoid). They discovered people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are using Reddit to talk about how managing their disease affects their mental health, relationships and social isolation, feelings of loss and emotional struggles.
"This research was motivated by growing recognition of the importance of acknowledging the psychological impacts of rheumatoid arthritis, as well as the physical," said Dr. Mary De Vera, a Research Scientist of Pharmacoepidemiology at Arthritis Research Canada.
Online forums and communities, such as Reddit, have created opportunities for individuals with RA to share experiences on mental health matters, which they may not necessarily be able to share with other people in their personal lives.
This research is important because studies directly investigating the broader concept of mental health in individuals with RA are limited. Internet-based communities and online forums where patients discuss mental health experiences, seek advice, and receive peer-to-peer support may represent an authentic source of data for informing questions about the impacts of RA on mental health.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune arthritis, affecting approximately 0.3 to 1.0 per cent of the population globally. It is characterized by inflammation of the joints, causing pain and potential joint damage and can affect other organ tissues as well.
"Mental health complications are common in arthritis patients," De Vera said, "These findings shed light on the importance of establishing practical recommendations to guide healthcare within rheumatology for patients struggling with this autoimmune disease."
To read the full research article, please click here.
ABOUT ARTHRITIS RESEARCH CANADA:
Arthritis Research Canada is the largest clinical arthritis research institution in North America. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living with arthritis through research and engagement. Arthritis Research Canada's scientific director, Dr. Diane Lacaille is leading a team of over 100 researchers, trainees and staff whose world recognized research is creating a future where people living with arthritis are empowered to triumph over pain and disability. Arthritis Research Canada is conducting research across Canada in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec and is affiliated with five major universities: University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, University of Calgary, Université Laval, and McGill University. Arthritis Research Canada is leading research aimed at arthritis prevention, early diagnosis, new and better treatment, and improved quality of life.
SOURCE Arthritis Research Canada
Ontario's doctors urge everyone to act responsibly in light of record COVID cases
TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors are worried that the record daily high of 1,855 Ontarians testing positive for COVID-19 will keep climbing unless behaviours change.
The fact that a record 58,047 COVID tests were performed, about 10,000 more than the previous high, is a good sign that people are seeking help if they have symptoms. It's important that people with symptoms get tested so they can start isolating themselves and trace anyone they have been in contact with to break the chain of transmission.
"It's still not enough," said Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "We have the opportunity to learn from the horrific experiences of others. We have a responsibility to behave in a way that minimizes our individual exposures to the virus in the first place."
Dr. Hill said the numbers will get worse as the holidays approach unless every one of us does our part.
"The numbers reflect people. Our parents, our grandparents, our siblings, our friends. I know it's hard. But just as we did in March and April, we all need to stay home as much as possible."
Doctors believe that stopping the spread and reopening Ontario safely and for a sustained length of time require better testing, contact tracing and isolation of everyone who has or might have COVID.
Ontario's doctors support Premier Doug Ford's message to stay home and celebrate the holidays only with members of your own household.
In addition, take your doctor's expert advice and do these five things to reduce the spread of COVID:
Wash your hands often.
Wear a mask or face covering at all times unless you are at home with housemates or outdoors with guaranteed two metres distance from others.
Stay away from crowded places.
Gather only with members of your household. Don't invite others into your home.
Download the COVID-19 app and/or keep track of where you go and when.
"I want to support today's statement by the Premier and the Minister of Health that we are all in this together," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "We all want to get our holiday shopping done and support local business, but let's do it safely. The more we do to reduce the spread of COVID-19 now, the better it will be for everyone's health and the economy."
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
Ontario's doctors warn pandemic will get worse unless everyone does their part
TORONTO, Nov. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Ontario's doctors issued an urgent appeal to every resident of the province to do their part to stop the rapid increase in the spread of COVID-19.
With the holiday season approaching, Ontario's doctors said it's critical for all of us to follow public health guidelines to curb the pandemic, especially those living in hotspots.
"If every single one of us doesn't do our part, things could get even worse as we enter the holiday season," said Dr. Samantha Hill, president of the Ontario Medical Association. "More people will get sick and die. Our hospitals will be overwhelmed. We all have a responsibility – and the power – to prevent this from happening."
Dr. Hill noted that everyone, including doctors working on the front lines, is suffering from pandemic fatigue and yearning to return to "the way things used to be."
Doctors are working with Premier Doug Ford's government to make that happen as soon as possible. We're now appealing to the public directly to help us.
The best and fastest way to return to the "new normal" is to follow public health guidelines during this holiday season.
Ontario's doctors support Premier Doug Ford's message, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer of Health, to stay home and celebrate the holidays only with members of your own household. If you are a student or someone else travelling home for the holidays, please quarantine for 10 to 14 days.
In addition, take your doctor's expert advice and do these five things every day to reduce the spread of COVID:
Wash your hands often.
Wear a mask or face covering at all times unless you are at home with housemates or outdoors with guaranteed two metres distance from others.
Stay away from crowded places.
Celebrate or gather only with members of your household. Don't invite others into your home.
Prepare for contact tracing if you get COVID. Download the COVID-19 app and/or keep track of where you go and when.
Doctors believe that stopping the spread and reopening Ontario safely and for a sustained length of time require better testing, contact tracing and isolation of everyone who has or might have COVID, and we have offered to work with Premier Ford to make this happen.
"There are many reasons to be optimistic about turning the corner next year," said OMA CEO Allan O'Dette. "There is positive news about the effectiveness of vaccine candidates. But we must continue to physically distance and look after one another to get the spread under control. I just want to remind everyone that we are all in this together and together we will conquer this.
About the OMA
The Ontario Medical Association represents Ontario's 43,000-plus physicians, medical students and retired physicians, advocating for and supporting doctors while strengthening the leadership role of doctors in caring for patients. Our vision is to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario's health-care system.
SOURCE Ontario Medical Association
From shop floor to Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire (and now honorary doctor)‘Don’t give up, have goals, realise your dreams’ says our newest honorary doctor
25 November 2020 EMBARGOED UNTIL THURSDAY NOVEMBER 26, 2020, 00:01HRSZulfi Karim is well known in his home city of Bradford. He was voted one of the most 100 influential people in Bradford by Insider Magazine. In March, he fell ill to Covid-19 (on the same day as Prime Minister Boris Johnson), and although he recovered, he described his battle with the virus as among the darkest days of his life.A former events manager, he is programme director of NHS Well Bradford, President of Bradford Council for Mosques, and was recently made Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire - and now has an honorary doctorate from the University of Bradford - but his career has much more humble beginnings.“My first job was repairing bikes in Bradford, and my duties included sweeping the shop floor. I realised early on I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life, I wanted to be where my manager was. It took a long time but I got there. My message to those graduating this year is to have dreams, to keep going and believe that you will get there.“I’m delighted and humbled to receive this award. It has been a very difficult year, so it makes these celebrations even more special. My advice to graduates is to thank your parents for everything they have done to make you who you are today and to keep trying; it doesn’t matter how many times you fail, just don’t give up.”His work with Well Bradford - a partnership between Public Health England, Bradford Teaching Hospitals, Clinical Commissioning Group and Bradford Council - involves improving health inequality in the district by creating access to green spaces and promoting cleaner air, as well creating opportunities for improved skills and job prospects for young people in deprived areas.A proud Yorkshireman, he is passionate about promoting the district as a cultural sector and is a founding director of UNESCO City of Film Bradford. In 2007, he led the successful UK bid to host the Bollywood Film Awards in Yorkshire, and he has also founded the World Curry Festival.The grandfather-of-two, who lives in Saltaire with wife and landscape architect Saira, has been honoured by the University for his “outstanding” work on diversity and overcoming discrimination and health inequalities. In particular, the University praised his leadership in campaigning against social injustice and fostering a positive culture across the whole district amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Zulfi said of the award: “It will act as a motivator in my efforts to advance the work taking place to create a fairer, healthier and stronger future for the people of Bradford, fighting discrimination and prejudice in all its forms. Covid-19 brings unprecedented challenges for all of us living in our great city yet now, more than ever, it’s vital we build a district that truly reflects our diversity, our creativity and our ambitions.” Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford said: “Zulfi is an excellent role model for all our staff and students, and we are delighted to present him with this honour in recognition of his support to the University and his services to the community. “The University of Bradford is the place where people who want to make a difference choose to study and work. Zulfi is a great example of this and his leadership and passion on many local programmes and groups has had a positive impact on our communities. His contributions to community engagement and improving the health and wellbeing of our city are outstanding and inspiring.” Since 1966 the University of Bradford has awarded Honorary Degrees and Fellowships to outstanding individuals in recognition of their academic work and endeavour, their contribution to their chosen profession or field of activity, their contribution to the University, City or wider region, and their ability to act as a role model reflecting the University’s values.As part of our Winter 2020 Virtual Celebrations, we will continue this tradition and award Honorary Degrees and Fellowships to more outstanding individuals. Picture: 1) Zulfi Karim. Credit: University of Bradford.
A local drug and alcohol treatment center is hoping to prevent holiday drug and alcohol abuse from adding to the already problematic pandemic abuse statistics.
TREASURE ISLAND, Fla. – Experts from Footprints Beachside Recovery Center, a drug and alcohol treatment center in the Tampa Bay area, want people to be on the look out for signs of loved ones struggling with abuse or addiction this holiday season.
While experts typically see an increase in drinking and drug abuse around the holidays, Thanksgiving can be particularly troubling. With most people scheduled to be off from work for Thanksgiving, and college kids returning home to celebrate the holiday with family members, many bars acknowledge that Thanksgiving Eve has become one of the biggest drinking nights of the year in America, rivaling both St. Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve.
“This is even more troubling when you look at this on top of a year, which has already seen troubling statistics due to COVID and other factors,” said John Templeton, founder of Footprints Beachside Recovery Center.
In January, a study revealed that alcohol-related deaths more than doubled in the U.S., and in late September, a study conducted by the RAND Corporation showed adults in America have significantly increased their alcohol consumption since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the study, the most dramatic increase was in binge drinking episodes in women. Women reported a 41 percent spike in episodes of binge drinking in the spring of 2020 when compared to that of spring of 2019, with binge drinking being defined as four or more drinks within two hours. The national survey also found alcohol consumption increased in general by 14 percent in adults over the age of 30.
“Sadly, during the holidays, we often see a doubling of alcohol abuse, and add to this, the surge related to COVID and the other alarming news about alcohol-related fatalities doubling, and we could be in for major problems,” said Templeton. “However, as always, we’re here with a positive message, and that is that help is available. We’ve had hundreds of people successfully complete our drug and alcohol treatment programs, and with the holidays now in full swing, we need to do all we can to help people find sobriety and claim recovery by letting them know that there is hope.”
Footprints provides treatment options including day/night treatment, a men’s program, women’s program, outpatient treatment, relapse prevention, sober living, detox, treatment for professionals, and treatment for doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals. Some of the areas of treatment are for alcohol, heroin, meth, cocaine, opioids, ecstasy, marijuana, hallucinogens and dual diagnosis disorders.
Founded in 2008, Footprints Beachside Recovery Center is a small, private, holistic substance abuse treatment center for adults and is located in Pinellas County, Fla. Footprints provides specialized treatment plans for patients from throughout the U.S. and around the world. Opioid addiction recovery programs at Footprints focus on ensuring safe withdrawals and often combine holistic treatment with medication assisted therapies to reduce cravings and provide more successful recovery outcomes for patients.
Canada's First Pension Plan For Medical Doctors
TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Blue Pier™ is pleased to announce the launch of Canada's first real pension solution for doctors.
Self-employed physicians from coast to coast to coast can now join a pension plan offered by Blue Pier™ -- Canada's "Pension Plan as a Service".
Physicians practising in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, with specialties ranging from family and emergency medicine to anesthesiology and radiology, have joined Blue Pier.
"Most of Canada's 90,000 doctors don't have a pension plan. A lot of products promise retirement income to doctors, but only Blue Pier offers a real pension plan with doctor-customized features," said Dr. Stephen Milone, a Blue Pier Director. "The distinction matters: Blue Pier's flexibility, tax efficiency and low cost accommodate the changing needs and circumstances of doctors and their families in ways that RRSPs or IPPs don't."
"Medical professionals have advocated for decades for a bona fide pension plan for doctors, but the ideal regulatory vehicle just wasn't available. Blue Pier has now answered that call," said Tom Magyarody, Blue Pier Director and former CEO of the Ontario Medical Association.
Blue Pier Director Dr. Craig Donaldson said, "Blue Pier's approach to providing pensions to physicians is what the doctor ordered. It works for doctors because doctors helped design it." "I've been waiting for a real pension plan for a long time," said Dr. Christian Kirkpatrick. "Glad it's finally here!".
In a joint statement, Drs. Stephanie Milone, Apurva Patel, Mark Murphy and John Dufton observed "There are more than 40,000 mutual funds and 100,000 financial advisors in Canada, all competing for our business. How can doctors be expected to do their jobs and sort through all that? With Blue Pier, we can focus on practising medicine and look forward to a secure retirement."
Susan Murray, a renowned government-relations expert and Blue Pier board member noted, "This plan is ground-breaking, not only for the fine doctors of Canada who need real pensions, but for all small businesses across the country which employ most of Canada's workforce. Blue Pier is changing the pension landscape in Canada."
Blue Pier Founder and CEO James Pierlot said "We are proud to launch the first national pension solution for Canada's doctors, as part of Blue Pier's broader goal of bringing pension coverage to all Canadian workers. At Blue Pier, we embrace inclusiveness, diversity, innovation and accountability, values that will drive modernization and democratization of pensions for Canada's 21st century workforce. We're delighted that Canada's doctors are behind us and honoured to serve them with a pension solution that can enhance retirement income security for medical professionals and their staff.
Canada's first and only "Pension Plan as a Service", Blue Pier enables employers of any size across Canada to offer customized workplace pensions to their employees without taking on the costs, risks and workload of pension administration. Blue Pier leverages scale, technology and unique design features to deliver sustainable, cost-effective pensions with minimal workload for employers. Designated an essential service by the Ontario government, Blue Pier is COVID-19 compliant, with unique capabilities to onboard and provide services to employers and members without any need for direct personal contact.
SOURCE Blue Pier™
'Half a million strong': Mental Health First Aid training grows virtual
OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 26, 2020 /CNW/ - Last evening, hundreds of people gathered online to celebrate the launch of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) virtual training.
Like conventional first aid, which teaches people how to intervene in a physical health emergency, MHFA gives trainees the tools and confidence to support someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
"Never has the need for MHFA been greater," said Louise Bradley, the Mental Health Commission of Canada's (MHCC's) president and CEO. "If we're going to get ahead of a COVID-19 mental illness echo pandemic, the time to learn how to support one another is now."
Hosting the Facebook Live celebration was mental health advocate and singer-songwriter Séan McCann, who is living in recovery from problematic substance use and is eager to spread the word about the value of talking openly as an antidote to stigma. "I used to travel the country in one of Canada's biggest party bands (Great Big Sea). Today, my mission is to walk those same roads with a very different message… I've still got a guitar in my hand, but now I'm singing about the power of hope and recovery."
McCann's message resonated with the MHFA trainers, trainees, and MHCC staff at the event, who were thrilled to take a brief pause from the hard work that went into adapting the training to the virtual format.
"This is a huge step for us," said Mike Pietrus, director of Opening Minds, the MHCC department that oversees MHFA training and development. "After marking the milestone of delivering face-to-face training to 500,000 people in Canada, this pivot to virtual training will allow us to grow the movement significantly further."
Mere days into the COVID-19 lockdown, Pietrus' team jumped into action, moving at lightning speed to modify their resiliency and crisis training and provide free virtual courses to meet the needs of essential workers.
"This was a Herculean effort," Bradley explained. "We delivered free training to over 5,000 people in front-line roles across the country. And with all the knowledge our learning specialists and trainers gained through that process, we've been able to hone MHFA training so that it complies with all the newest and best practices for online delivery. Everything has been modified to meet participants' needs."
Denise Waligora, an MHCC training and delivery specialist and MHFA master trainer, agreed. "As trainers, we've got to rethink how to connect with participants over the screen. We've got to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. And we have to make sure we uphold the quality of our content — that's key."
With virtual training able to hurdle geographic barriers, Bradley hopes to see a million people trained in the next five years. "Virtually, anything is possible!"
Quick Facts
MHFA is active in 25 countries (in Canada since 2007).
Over 500,000 people from 5,000+ communities in Canada have been trained in MHFA.
Over 10,000 MHFA courses have been delivered in Canada.
Adaptations of MHFA include courses for adults who interact with youth, First Nations, Inuit, Northern peoples, police, seniors, and the veteran community.
Partnership commits $24.5M to support innovation in Canadian cancer services
The Canadian Partnership Against Canceris working with partners across Canada to innovate cancer care, with a focus on improving access to world class cancer screening services for underserviced populations in the wake of a pandemic that's changed the face of health care
TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (the Partnership) is investing $24.5 million and supporting 20 partners to bring innovations to cancer services across Canada including actions that will address the urgent needs of people affected by cancer during this pandemic. This work reflects the Partnership's Innovating Against Cancerfocus and builds on over $300 million in federal funding already invested with our partners since the Partnership was formed in 2007 supporting quality improvements, change initiatives and innovation across all aspects of cancer care to the benefit of everyone in Canada. During the pandemic, the funded initiatives deliver on the need to reduce people's exposure to the healthcare system, receive services virtually and closer to home, and bring quality efficiencies in an accelerated manner to cancer services.
"The Partnership recently worked with 7,500 citizens and partner organizations from across Canada to craft a new vision for cancer care, the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control 2019-2029 (the Strategy). To achieve this shared vision, major innovations are set out in the Strategy's eight priorities," said Cynthia Morton, CEO of the Partnership. "The pandemic has highlighted the need and desire of cancer systems to urgently adopt at an accelerated pace the innovations set out in the Strategy, with both existing and new partners. As our cancer and healthcare systems seek new ways to sustain access to quality care, we have an obligation to adopt real innovation and improvements to how cancer services are delivered to all people wherever they live in Canada."
The just released Lung Cancer and Equity report highlights the differences in access to care and health outcomes for people with low income and people who live in rural and remote communities. For example, the data show striking disparities in lung cancer survival, early diagnosis of the disease and access to treatment between low- and high-income Canadians. The Partnership is supporting provinces and territories in their efforts to implement lung cancer screening for those at high risk. As a result, Canada will be a world leader in the introduction of lung cancer screening and the reduction of deaths caused by lung cancer in Canada.
"The leadership and support of the Partnership gives provincial cancer programs the ability to work together to improve the cancer care system for all Canadians," says Dr. Kim Nguyen Chi, chief medical officer at BC Cancer. "We are grateful for the funding support recently received from the Partnership which enabled British Columbia to be the first in Canada to announce a population-based provincial lung cancer screening program. We are stronger when we work together and together, we are changing the outcomes and making a difference in the lives of all Canadians touched by cancer."
Quick Facts
Innovating Against Cancer is a suite of partner initiatives that will help restore and sustain cancer screening and clinical care, reduce the rates of cancer deaths in Canada, drive faster innovation in how cancer services are delivered, and implement system-level changes that address inequities in cancer care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people, and underserviced populations.
New investments by the Partnership will support our work with partners on Innovating Against Cancer initiatives, which will make changes to cancer services that align with, and continue to drive forward, the priorities of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control.
In the early days of the pandemic, the Partnership recognized that partners at provincial and territorial cancer programs and health ministries were facing new challenges, and cancer patients faced many unknowns in the availability of their care. To ensure patient connectedness back to their cancer teams, the Partnership provided immediate funding $1.3 million and technological supports to help our partners keep those affected by cancer and their communities safe and informed.
The Partnership has committed funding of $24.5 million and other supports to provide jurisdiction-specific assistance to sustain cancer care through the pandemic and beyond – to accelerate the adoption of the Strategy's innovative care solutions, including more cancer services delivered virtually, at-home cancer screening and other home-based services for cancer patients, for mental health, palliative care and other needs.
Addressing gaps in cancer care for underserviced communities
All Innovating Against Cancer initiatives will see underserviced populations put front and centre with a priority of working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis. The Partnership and its partners will work with community leaders to co-develop solutions that deliver innovative cancer services in a culturally appropriate way. A major milestone has already been achieved, as the Partnership is supporting the development and implementation of Indigenous cancer strategies in every province and territory, with previously announced Partnership funding of $24 million.
"We recognize that your race, Indigeneity, immigration status, economic status, where you live and/or sexual orientation can affect your ability to engage with the cancer and healthcare system and ultimately impact the outcomes of your cancer diagnosis," said Dr. Craig Earle, VP, Cancer Control at the Partnership. "Our efforts with our partners to restore and innovate cancer services require all systems to address these inequities as a priority. Canada's refreshed Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control 2019-2029 establishes priorities and actions we all need to undertake to ensure high quality, accessible cancer care for everyone living in Canada."
Innovating Against Cancer – The Initiatives
Eliminating cervical cancer through innovative practices
The World Health Organization has set the goal to eliminate cervical cancer worldwide this century and Canada's Minister of Health committed the country to achieving this. A key step to achieve this in Canada is the Action Plan for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Canada 2020-2030, now available. The Partnership and partners across Canada are using this plan to guide action on priorities toward the elimination of cervical cancer in Canada by 2040. These priorities include HPV vaccination of boys and girls, a shift to primary HPV screening in cervical screening programs and ensuring all people receive appropriate follow-up when abnormalities are identified. First Nations, Inuit and Métis-specific priorities and actions are also presented in the Action Plan. The Partnership has provided $1.6 million in funding to immunization partners Urban Public Health Network, Rural Remote and Northern Public Health Network, and the Public Health Physicians of Canada, and is working with The Society of Gynecologic Oncology of Canada on clinical guidance for follow-up and management of patients after abnormal HPV testing.
Establish lung cancer screening programs across Canada
The Partnership is working with all provinces to implement organized lung cancer screening for people at high risk. Leading the way, British Columbia has announced its plans for a screening program expected to be running by the spring of 2022. The Partnership is committing $5.0 million to this work over the next 1.5 years to accelerate planning and implementation across Canada. The evidence is clear that screening people based on their risk of getting lung cancer can save lives because this type of cancer, when caught early, has better treatment outcomes. This initiative will place a special focus on working with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to develop Peoples-specific approaches to increase the accessibility of lung cancer screening programs for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. The Partnership has released a report on Lung Cancer and Equity that focuses on income and geography and its effect on lung cancer diagnosis and outcomes.
Building world-class cancer screening systems from coast-to-coast-to-coast
The first wave of the pandemic saw cancer screening programs stop or drastically modify their approach to finding cancer early, out of a fear of patient exposure to COVID-19 along with a lack of access to diagnostic and lab time. The Strategy sets out new approaches to screening that require fewer interactions with the healthcare system and more accessible, highly reliable home-based screening options. The Partnership is providing funding of $3.4 million to support early adoption of these innovative approaches to screening programs. Additionally, the Partnership has brought together experts from across the country to rethink how cancer screening services can optimally resume in ways that are responsive and ensure access during successive waves of COVID-19. This guidance document Management of Cancer Screening Services During the Pandemic and Building Resilient Screening Servicesprovides evidence-based recommendations to ensure all provinces and territories can increase the resiliency of screening services during further outbreaks or service disruptions.
Improving cancer surgery
The Strategy identified the need for faster, clearer, and more effective pathways from diagnosis to treatment, including access to high-quality surgery for cancer patients. In September 2020, on behalf of 11 Canadian surgical associations, the Partnership released the pan-Canadian Action Plan for Cancer Surgery. The Action Plan presents a unified approach, identifying key partners and providing guidance on coordinated efforts needed to deliver high-quality, efficient, and coordinated surgical cancer care. The pandemic has created new challenges for the delivery of surgical care. The Action Plan comes at an important time and will aim to drive innovation and a shift towards new models of care to safeguard the delivery of cancer surgery in Canada as health resources are stretched.
Reducing false positive screening results for breast cancer & unnecessary follow-ups
Abnormal call rates (ACRs) in breast cancer screening have been rising across Canada since 2014 with no change in cancer detection rates. This means more women are receiving false positive screening results and associated psychosocial harms, in addition to unnecessary follow-up tests. Through the Partnership's funding and support of our network of experts, Canada's breast cancer screening community recently released a Framework outlining six evidence-based approaches to guide pan-Canadian and jurisdictional efforts to reduce ACRs. If implemented, these approaches will see a reduction in ACRs in the coming years, which will, in turn, result in fewer false positives, fewer follow-up appointments and fewer interactions with the healthcare system during the pandemic and beyond.
Colorectal cancer screening for underserviced communities
The Strategy's call to improve the reach of organized colorectal screening – and a reduction in colorectal cancer rates – is now being expedited with the move to direct-mail at-home screening tests, which will reduce the need for any healthcare system interaction. The Partnership is also investing $1.5 million in a multi-year initiative to help provinces and territories better identify populations who are under-screened for colorectal cancer and to work with local communities to remove barriers that prevent them from accessing these screening programs. As a first step, the Partnership provided jurisdictions with training on the use of geo-mapping to identify communities where colorectal screening rates are particularly low, and the Partnership will release a toolkit that provides evidence-based approaches for improving screening participation that can be adapted to suit specific populations and local contexts.
Other funding and support for innovative initiatives
In addition to these major areas of innovation to cancer care already funded and underway, the Partnership will be funding $4.0 million to expand the services provided by paramedics in the home to include palliative care, which will decrease patient visits to the hospital. In addition, several traditional supports to cancer patients will now be replaced with virtual or alternate models of care, through $6.3 million in funding from the Partnership. Funding to Canadian Cancer Clinical Trials Network will support remote access to clinical trials. The Partnership will support the gathering and use by clinicians of Patient-Reported Outcomes through virtual means when in-person visits are not possible. This will ensure the care team remains informed and connected to patients and their needs throughout the cancer journey. Supporting people to quit smoking including cancer patients is now using virtual tobacco cessation counselling and at-home or other cost-effective and convenient dispensing of nicotine replacement therapies funded through $1.3 million investment by the Partnership.
About the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer As the steward of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control (the Strategy), the Partnership works with Canada's cancer community to take action to ensure fewer people get cancer, more people survive cancer and those living with the disease have a better quality of life. This work is guided by the Strategy, which was refreshed for 2019 to 2029 and will help drive measurable change for all Canadians affected by cancer. The Strategy includes eight priorities, which will tackle the most pressing challenges in cancer control as well as distinct First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples-specific priorities and actions reflecting Canada's commitment to reconciliation. The Partnership will oversee the implementation of the priorities in collaboration with organizations and individuals on the front lines of cancer care – the provinces and territories, healthcare professionals, people living with cancer and those who care for them, First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, governments and organizations, and its funder Health Canada. Learn more about the Partnership and the refreshed Strategy at www.cancerstrategy.ca.
SOURCE Canadian Partnership Against Cancer
Canada's First Pension Plan For Medical Doctors
TORONTO, Nov. 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Blue Pier™ is pleased to announce the launch of Canada's first real pension solution for doctors.
Self-employed physicians from coast to coast to coast can now join a pension plan offered by Blue Pier™ -- Canada's "Pension Plan as a Service".
Physicians practising in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, with specialties ranging from family and emergency medicine to anesthesiology and radiology, have joined Blue Pier.
"Most of Canada's 90,000 doctors don't have a pension plan. A lot of products promise retirement income to doctors, but only Blue Pier offers a real pension plan with doctor-customized features," said Dr. Stephen Milone, a Blue Pier Director. "The distinction matters: Blue Pier's flexibility, tax efficiency and low cost accommodate the changing needs and circumstances of doctors and their families in ways that RRSPs or IPPs don't."
"Medical professionals have advocated for decades for a bona fide pension plan for doctors, but the ideal regulatory vehicle just wasn't available. Blue Pier has now answered that call," said Tom Magyarody, Blue Pier Director and former CEO of the Ontario Medical Association.
Blue Pier Director Dr. Craig Donaldson said, "Blue Pier's approach to providing pensions to physicians is what the doctor ordered. It works for doctors because doctors helped design it." "I've been waiting for a real pension plan for a long time," said Dr. Christian Kirkpatrick. "Glad it's finally here!".
In a joint statement, Drs. Stephanie Milone, Apurva Patel, Mark Murphy and John Dufton observed "There are more than 40,000 mutual funds and 100,000 financial advisors in Canada, all competing for our business. How can doctors be expected to do their jobs and sort through all that? With Blue Pier, we can focus on practising medicine and look forward to a secure retirement."
Susan Murray, a renowned government-relations expert and Blue Pier board member noted, "This plan is ground-breaking, not only for the fine doctors of Canada who need real pensions, but for all small businesses across the country which employ most of Canada's workforce. Blue Pier is changing the pension landscape in Canada."
Blue Pier Founder and CEO James Pierlot said "We are proud to launch the first national pension solution for Canada's doctors, as part of Blue Pier's broader goal of bringing pension coverage to all Canadian workers. At Blue Pier, we embrace inclusiveness, diversity, innovation and accountability, values that will drive modernization and democratization of pensions for Canada's 21st century workforce. We're delighted that Canada's doctors are behind us and honoured to serve them with a pension solution that can enhance retirement income security for medical professionals and their staff.
Canada's first and only "Pension Plan as a Service", Blue Pier enables employers of any size across Canada to offer customized workplace pensions to their employees without taking on the costs, risks and workload of pension administration. Blue Pier leverages scale, technology and unique design features to deliver sustainable, cost-effective pensions with minimal workload for employers. Designated an essential service by the Ontario government, Blue Pier is COVID-19 compliant, with unique capabilities to onboard and provide services to employers and members without any need for direct personal contact.
SOURCE Blue Pier™
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