Get Set for Cortext Transition on Sept 24
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, secure physician messaging will officially move from the Cortext app to TigerConnect. This change, led by Digital Shared Services, is happening because the software company behind Cortext is discontinuing that app.
We understand that TigerConnect functions similarly to the existing Cortext tool and allows for seamless communication between health care providers using not only secure text, but also voice and video calls.
- Remember when communication with a physician colleague moves from text to voice or video calls, it may become a billable form of collaboration. See our billing guide here for full details on how to claim for these services.
Notification settings in TigerConnect allow the user to set their sound preferences, notify others of periods of unavailability, automatically forward messages to another provider, allow for Critical Alerts, and more. This will allow for “breakthrough” notifications, even when your phone is in do not disturb or focus mode or on silent.
You will be able to download and login to TigerConnect starting Sept. 17. We encourage you to mark your calendars and set aside time during that week to get set up in TigerConnect. Detailed instructions to follow.
If you access Cortext from a mobile phone that is shared with others and did not complete the previous survey, please complete this short survey so account may be proactively configured correctly.
Training
Self-directed learning guides will be available soon to help you get started using TigerConnect for clinical secure messaging. All support materials will be posted to the MBTelehealth website - https://mbtelehealth.ca/tigerconnect/
What do you need to know now?
- Continue to use Cortext and Teams for now. Teams will continue to be available for those using it for non-urgent clinical messaging.
- Shared Phone Users: Complete the Survey if you currently access Cortext from a mobile phone that is shared with others.
- Watch your inbox for important updates and reminders.
Dates to remember
September 17: TigerConnect available
- Download and Login to TigerConnect mobile/desktop App.
- Review the learning materials
- Test your notification settings
September 24: TigerConnect to be used for all urgent clinical secure messaging
September 30: Access to Cortext is discontinued by the Vendor
Become a Mentor!
With the largest ever medical school class starting this fall, we have seen a huge jump in interest from learners for our mentorship program. This means there is a need for more mentors, and we’re inviting all physicians to consider this rewarding experience.
Doctors Manitoba is excited to be moving into a new year of the Medical Learner Mentorship Program. No previous mentoring experience is required. Residents and Practicing Physicians are invited to participate as mentors. The program offers a variety of support including four mentorship events and complimentary training through CMA-Joule coming soon! Learn more about the program and register to participate.
Contributing to Reconciliation
Before providing an update on opportunities for physicians to learn more and contribute to reconciliation, we want to recognize the sudden death of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick. Doctors Manitoba offers our heartfelt condolences as Manitobans mourn the loss of the first woman to lead the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, recognized broadly as an Indigenous leader who brought a firm but hopeful and constructive approach to leading Manitoba’s largest First Nations organization.
CMA Apology for Harms to Indigenous Peoples
On September 18, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) will apologize on behalf of the medical profession for its role in the harms caused to Indigenous Peoples in the health system. Doctors Manitoba is joining this national apology, with our President Dr. Randy Guzman and President Elect Dr. Nichelle Desilets attending the event in Victoria, BC, on the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋiʔnəŋ speaking people of Songhees and Xwsepsum Nations. Physicians and medical learners are invited to watch the ceremony live starting at 3 p.m. Central.
You can learn more about the apology and find a link to the livestream here.
Take Part in Reconciliation Workshop
You’re invited to take part in a virtual workshop version of a blanket exercise. If you haven’t had a chance to participate in one before, a blanket exercise is an interactive activity that invites participants from all cultural backgrounds to experience the history of Canada’s Indigenous and non-indigenous relationship.
Trained facilitators from Braving the Healing will introduce participants to the timeline of historical Canadian events that span from before the European colonizers arrived to today. This is the story of the shared history of the Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples of Canada. This online session honours the experiential and participatory elements of the in-person experience in an online environment.
Reserve your spot for Tuesday, October 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. Physicians, residents, and medical learners (and an invited guest) are welcome to take part. Register now.
Vote on New Health Card Design
The provincial government has released three potential designs for the new plastic Manitoba Health cards announced earlier this year. The designs each feature a unique aspect of Manitoba’s nature: polar bears, northern lights, or bison.
You can view the designs and vote on Premier Wab Kinew’s Instagram post here. Voting is open until Sunday.
Help Needed
Perhaps it’s no surprise given the shortage of physicians in Manitoba, but we have been contacted several times over the last few weeks requesting help inviting physicians to apply for positions, some of them more urgently required to maintain patient care. See a summary of the opportunities below, and remember you can always post and view postings on our Practice Opportunities page, the most popular part of our website.
Opportunities include:
- Boundary Trails ER: Physicians are urgently needed to cover ER shifts at Boundary Trails Health Centre ER. There’s everything from single shift options to full positions, with added incentives. With vacant shifts starting October 1, we understand maintaining ER hours of operation is at risk without physician help. See the posting here.
- Shifts at new Extended Hours Clinics: learn more and consider signing up for shifts at Winnipeg’s new extended hours clinics, opening first by Grace Hospital. There are also positions for medical leaders. See the posting here.
- Assistant Registrar: CPSM is looking for an assistant registrar for its quality department. This position is structured as a 0.8 EFT to support continuing a clinical practice. Applications are due by October 4. See the posting here.
Early Career Webinars
In your first five years of practice here in Manitoba, or your last year of residency? Join dozens of physicians at our Early Career Webinars on September 24 and 25.
This webinar will cover:
- What Doctors Manitoba offers you
- Benefits, rebates and insurance options for physicians
- Billing tips and common questions
- Physician health and wellness supports
- Introduction to our brand new New to Practice program for early career physicians
- Q&A
Two sessions are planned:
- September 24 at 6:00 PM — Family Practice Focus — Register here.
- September 25 at 6:00 PM — Specialist Practice Focus — Register here.
You can submit questions while registering, or live during the webinars.
Health System Updates
White Coat, Black Art host in Brandon this Saturday
BU Homecoming presents Dr. Brian Goldman for Healthcare in Westman: The Power of Teamwork Saturday, September 14 at 2 p.m. at the Lorne Watson Hall, BU School of Music.
Dr. Goldman is the host of CBC’s White Coat, Black Art.
The event is free, but seats are limited. Register now to reserve your spot.
New CMA Reports Push for Stronger Health Care
A pair of reports out this week from the Canadian Medical Association push for stronger health care.
The first looks at the new health funding agreements between the federal government and each province, and concludes there is a lack of targets and accountability. That’s why the CMA has called for the creation of a Canada Health Accountability Officer. Read more here. Doctors Manitoba is closely monitoring our provincial government’s performance on health care, to ensure the new federal investments support physicians’ priorities like recruitment and retention.
The second report, in partnership with Canada Health Infoway, demonstrates that the vast majority of physicians have adopted electronic medical records and abandoned paper charts. However, electronic records are adding to physicians administrative burden, as most say their records are not well integrated and they spend an hour or more each day looking for patient information. See the report here. Doctors Manitoba is working with the CMA and other partners on new national standards on interoperability for electronic records.
Project ECHO presentations ahead in October
PROJECT ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is a virtual gathering of health care providers, hosted by mental health experts. Presentations will be given by experts and attendees will participate in case-based learning on mental health across the lifespan. Join beginning Oct. 11 for the eight-week Attention Deficit & Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD) program. This course is open to primary care providers who provide services in Manitoba and want to learn and share with others to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing children and adolescents with ADHD.
Sessions are accredited with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (Section 1) Deadline for registration is Monday, Oct. 7 at 11:59 p.m.
Sessions will be held on Fridays from noon to 1:30 p.m. from Oct. 11 to Nov. 26, 2024.
Session topics include:
- Clinical assessment and differential diagnosis
- ADHD assessment in children and youth
- Managing medications and their side effects
- ADHD and recommendations for schools
- What parents should know about ADHD
- Behavioural and psychosocial recommendations for parents
All primary care providers are welcome to attend the program. Please register at this link.
Sign up for free quality improvement help!
The Access Improvement Model (AIM) program is a dynamic initiative designed to empower primary care clinics with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change. Through AIM, clinical teams gain expertise in quality improvement, change management, and team-building, equipping them to address key operational challenges such as patient access. By learning how to identify and overcome barriers, implement best practices, and foster a culture of continuous improvement, clinics will not only be able to implement change but also to sustain the change over the long term, ultimately leading to enhanced patient care and operational efficiency.
With limited spots available for Fall 2024, now is the perfect time for primary care clinics to sign-up for AIM. If you would like to explore AIM in greater detail, please visit the AIM website and be sure to reach out to aim@sharedhealthmb.ca.
ICYMI
Here’s the latest and most popular stories, in case you missed them.
Upcoming Events
You can always review upcoming events on our events calendar page.
Family Medicine Forum
Join the College of Family Physicians Canada (CFPC) at FMF 2024 set for November 6 to 9 in Vancouver, BC.
The four-day event is Canada’s premier family medicine conference and the largest in Canada. It is an opportunity to recognize the incredible work done by family doctors in practice, research, and academia. FMF also offers attendees the opportunity to socialize, share ideas, expand networks, and celebrate everything great about family medicine.
Here are just some of the things attendees can expect from FMF 2024:
- Educational program: FMF 2024 offers 40 scientific posters and 150 new sessions and workshops that share innovations in family medicine and provide the latest guidelines to help attendees stay on top of what is new in their profession. Renowned experts and thought leaders share their expertise through engaging presentations and interactive sessions. To view the full program, please visit fmf.cfpc.ca/program.
- Networking and collaboration: FMF 2024 is the place to catch up with friends and colleagues from around the world and build new relationships that will last a lifetime. Attendees can enjoy a full complimentary breakfast, designated coffee and networking breaks, end-of-day receptions, wellness activities, and daily evening events.
- Exhibit Hall: Family doctors can peruse the extensive and wide-ranging Exhibit Hall and interact with representatives to learn about the latest advancements in medical technology, health care solutions, and more.
Learn more and register here.
MAiD assessment education
Attention MDs who want to learn more about the Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Service in Manitoba.
There will be a free CME accredited virtual education session called “How to do a MAiD assessment” available to all interested Manitoba physicians October 19, 2024. This session will be led by Dr. Kim Wiebe (MAiD Medical Director) and Dr. Maegan Springman (MAiD Assessor/Provider) who have both been certified by the Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP) to teach this session. The session will cover what is involved in a MAiD assessment, the difference between the two MAiD tracks (those who have a reasonably foreseeable death and those who do not) and provide tools for self-care.
Note: this is not a session intended to recruit MAiD providers, this is a session to provide more information about the Manitoba MAiD program so that you can help your patients through the process, answer their basic questions and know when to refer your patients.
Click here for more information and to sign up for the session.
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