Physicians' Update

Recent Articles (November 2019)

When influenza is circulating in the community, consider antiviral medications if a patient has influenza-like illness and is at high risk of complications; lab confirmation of influenza is not needed.
Treatment with antivirals works best in reducing morbidity if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) is effective in controlling influenza outbreaks in health or residential facilities. In a retirement home or long-term care facility influenza outbreak, in addition to treatment of ill residents, OPH will recommend oseltamivir prophylaxis for residents who are not ill as well as unvaccinated staff in the affected area.

The Ontario Medical Association is warning that there is an increase in the number of parents seeking non-medical exemptions from vaccinating their children in Ontario.
OPH has quick links to resources to help you reassure parents who are hesitant to vaccinate their children, including a Practice Point on working with vaccine-hesitant parents.

The increasing number of chlamydia cases reported to public health created a need to prioritize public health follow-up interventions.
Ottawa Public Health nurses continue to contact diagnosing clinicians for all chlamydia cases but are now contacting patients directly only if they meet a narrowed list of high-risk criteria.
Healthcare providers can help prevent chlamydia transmission in Ottawa by following the Canadian Guidelines on Sexually Transmitted Infections and completing the OPH recently revised Chlamydia and Gonorrhea Follow-Up Form (PDF).

If you have LGBTQ+ patients who may be experiencing health issues, there are online resources to clinical and care practices to support you in you practice.
The Rainbow Health Ontario Conference in Niagara Falls on April 21-23, 2020 offers learning opportunities for health professionals. Early bird pricing until January 17^th, 2020.
Free video-conference offered by CHEO “A gender affirming approach to medical management for transgender and gender diverse youth”. December 4, 2019 6 pm to 7 pm.

Physicians can now submit referrals electronically from their EMR systems to the following programs at The Royal:
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Integrated Schizophrenia Recovery
- Forensic Mental Health
- Dual Diagnosis
- Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders
- Short Term Talk Therapy (IASP program led by The Royal and delivered in collaboration with community partners)
EMR referrals to The Royal use Ocean eReferral, an integrated solution that all primary care providers with compatible EMRs in the Champlain region can access at no cost.
The Royal will also continue to accept referrals using its electronic PDF form.