Our Events
Our Services
February 3, 2027 | Virtual
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Our Services
February 3, 2027 | Virtual
Discipline | Speakers
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Our Services
February 3, 2027 | Virtual
Discipline | Speakers
Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.
Since 2018, PLP has brought physicians, clinical teams, and partners together through 450+ events - from webinars to workshops - to share evidence, spark reflection, and support practice change across Alberta. Explore our full library of sessions on this page.
Featured Past Events
Data Driven in Postpartum Hemorrhage: Optimizing Provincial reporting and Quality Improvement, Including the Updated Interprofessional PPH toolkit
Nov 18, 2025 | Virtual
Women & Reproductive Health (Obstetrics & Gynecology) | Dr. Philippa Brain, Jeannie Yee, Stacey Nyl
Postpartum hemorrhage remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity worldwide. This webinar re-launches the updated PPH Toolkit and explores how provincial data — including Connect Care reports and Tableau dashboards — can drive targeted quality improvement and best practices in PPH care.
Optimizing In-Hospital Cirrhosis Care: Learn 10 Quick Tips from the Experts
Oct 29, 2025 | Virtual
Gastroenterology (Digestive Health) | Dr. Puneeta Tandon, Dr. Mayur Brahmania
Only half of hospitalized cirrhosis patients receive evidence-based care — contributing to preventable complications and rising mortality. This webinar explores how Connect Care tools, including practice alerts and cirrhosis order sets, can standardize care and improve patient outcomes at scale.
Starting the Conversation: Talking About Weight with Kids and Families
Oct 2, 2025 | Virtual
Pediatrics & Youth Health | Dr. Stasia Hadjiyannakis, Dr. Laurie Clark
With 22% of Alberta children living with overweight or obesity, knowing how to start the conversation matters. This session offers practical, evidence-based strategies for discussing weight with kids and families in a way that is sensitive, effective, and family-centred.
Browse Past Events and Webinars
Explore recordings, materials, and outcomes from past PLP events. This archive is for learning and reference only. Registration is not available for these sessions.
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Women's Health in Focus - Part 4: PCOS in Primary Care: Case-Based Management, and Clinical Pathways: What is New?
Virtual
Mar 24, 2026
Women & Reproductive Health (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine - metabolic disorders affecting women, with an estimated prevalence of 10-15%. The condition has significant reproductive, cardiometabolic, and psychological impacts and is associated with pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and hypertension. Given its prevalence and long-term health implications, improving early recognition and management of PCOS is essential for supporting patient well-being and reducing healthcare system burden. To address educational gaps in this area, PLP, collaborated with L3, and Drs. Mahua Ghosh, Julia Carter, and Donna Vine to develop a webinar highlighting the importance of early identification and longitudinal management of PCOS in primary care, including its reproductive, metabolic, and psychosocial impacts. The session also supported clinicians in accessing and applying the Provincial PCOS Primary Care Clinical Pathway, outlined comprehensive management strategies - including lifestyle, pharmacologic, and monitoring approaches - highlighted the role of allied health and community supports, and clarified when referral to specialty care is appropriate for more complex presentations. Additional discussion included emerging PCOS research and opportunities for community engagement. To support ongoing dissemination and learning, recordings of the session and a curated Pearls for Practice resource bundle were shared with registrants and made available on the PLP website for asynchronous access.
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Women's Health in Focus - Part 3: Menopause Matters: Primary Care Management of Menopause, Practical Approaches to Postmenopausal Bleeding and Vulvovaginal Atrophy
Virtual
Feb 24, 2026 – Mar 10, 2026
Women & Reproductive Health (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
Menopause is a universal life stage that can significantly affect women's health and quality of life, yet it remains widely misunderstood and often under addressed in clinical care. Although up to 80% of women experience menopausal symptoms - and many seek medical support - misconceptions, stigma, and limited access to evidence-based care can leave patients without effective treatment. To help address these gaps, this educational initiative aims to equip primary care providers with practical, evidence-based knowledge to better support women through the menopausal transition. The project includes the development of a three-part webinar series covering key topics such as menopause management, vulvovaginal atrophy, and postmenopausal bleeding. Across the series, sessions reviewed the diagnosis and symptom recognition of perimenopause and menopause, including early menopause and premature ovarian insufficiency, addressed common misconceptions in menopause care, and outlined evidence-based approaches to managing vasomotor symptoms. Additional content focused on the identification and management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, including counseling on both non-hormonal and hormonal treatment options and discussion of their safety profiles. To extend the reach and impact of the series, sessions were recorded and accompanied by a Pearls for Practice resource to support ongoing, asynchronous learning for clinicians.
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Black History Month Webinar Series
Virtual
Feb 3, 2026 – Feb 10, 2026
Specialty Medicine (Focused Systems)
Healthcare disparities affecting Black communities highlight the need for targeted education to ensure equitable, culturally informed care. To address these gaps, L3 and PLP collaborated to deliver a Black Health Webinar Series in recognition of Black History Month (February 2026). This initiative reflects PLP and L3's strategic commitment to continuous medical education that addresses the healthcare needs of equity-deserving communities, including Albertans facing disparities, those living in rural areas, individuals with uncommon diseases, and people in vulnerable circumstances. Led by Dr. Eniola Salami, a PLP Medical Director and UofA MD Program's Black Health Lead, this series addressed two critical clinical topics - alopecia and sickle cell anemia. Our session on alopecia provided information on textured hair physiology, addressed hair discrimination and its effect on treatment of hair related disorders in Black populations, and reviewed common forms of alopecia commonly seen in Afro-diasporic communities. As PCPs play critical roles in continued monitoring for end organ complications and support for chronic pain management for people living with sickle cell disease, our learning event provided an overview sickle cell disease and screening in primary care, reviewed diagnosis and referral pathways, and addressed core genetic counselling principles for sickle cell disease carriers. To foster spread and scale of these vital insights, recordings of the events and Pearls for Practice clinical resources are available on our website for asynchronous, province-wide learning.
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Women's Health in Focus - Part 2: Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: More than "Just" a Period
Virtual
Jan 21, 2026
Women & Reproductive Health (Obstetrics & Gynecology) | Dr. Sanja Kostov, Dr. Amanda Kim
Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common concern in primary care and gynecology that can significantly affect quality of life and may signal serious underlying conditions, including endometrial cancer. Rising rates of endometrial cancer among younger women have led the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) to update guidelines recommending endometrial biopsy for younger patients with AUB. However, many clinicians remain unaware of this change, creating a potential gap in early detection and timely care. To address this need, the PLP, in partnership with the L3 and Drs. Amanda Kim and Sanja Kostov, developed a webinar to support family physicians and primary care providers in the assessment and management of AUB. Delivered on January 21, 2026, the session focused on the timely evaluation of AUB, including ruling out endometrial cancer, identifying underlying pelvic pathology, and initiating appropriate investigations and treatment. This learning event reinforced recognition of heavy menstrual bleeding as potentially pathologic, supported risk stratification for endometrial cancer, clarified the distinction between cervical and endometrial cancer screening, and outlined appropriate initial investigations, including when to pursue endometrial sampling. The session also featured the Provincial Adult Abnormal Uterine Bleeding Primary Care Clinical Pathway, which was developed with support from PLP Medical Director, Dr. Katrina Nicholson.
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Women's Health in Focus - Part 1: Pelvic Health Uncovered - Pessaries, Pain, and Incontinence
Virtual
Nov 25, 2025 – Dec 9, 2025
Women & Reproductive Health (Obstetrics & Gynecology)
Female pelvic health conditions are highly prevalent yet remain frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated within primary care settings. This diagnostic gap results in prolonged patient suffering, inefficient healthcare utilization, and increased systemic costs. To improve patient outcomes and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system, it is essential to equip primary care providers with the specialized knowledge required to identify and manage these conditions effectively. In response to these needs, the PLP partnered with the L3 and urogynecology subspecialist Dr. Annick Poirier to develop a comprehensive webinar series. This learning initiative focused on the Provincial Female Urinary Incontinence Pathway, a pathway developed with support from PLP Medical Director, Dr. Katrina Nicholson, and was delivered in three-parts, covering pelvic health fundamentals, clitoral anatomy, and standardized clinical pathways for urinary incontinence. The completed series has provided primary care practitioners across Alberta with practical, evidence-based tools for assessing and managing complex pelvic health concerns, including safe and effective use of pessaries, genital anatomy and sexual pain, and screening and managing female urinary incontinence in primary care. To ensure long-term impact and equitable access, session recordings and curated Pearls for Practice resources are available on the PLP website as a permanent asynchronous learning hub, allowing clinicians to access high-level subspecialty expertise at the point of care.
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Data Driven in Postpartum Hemorrhage: Optimizing Provincial reporting and Quality Improvement, Including the Updated Interprofessional PPH toolkit
Virtual
Nov 18, 2025
Women & Reproductive Health (Obstetrics & Gynecology) | Dr. Philippa Brain, Jeannie Yee, Stacey Nyl
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide, and timely, evidence-based management is critical to improving outcomes. Enhancing clinician preparedness and access to up-to-date resources is essential to ensuring rapid recognition and effective response in these high-stakes situations. With this goal in mind, the Health Professions Strategies and Practice Clinical Transition Education team has engaged L3 and the PLP to help re-launch the PPH Toolkit while supporting clinicians in understanding and applying provincial data to practice. Developed through the Women's Health Program project, these resources equip healthcare teams with practical, current tools to support data-informed practice and best practices in PPH care. In collaboration with Dr. Philippa Brain, Stacey Nyl, and the L3, the team developed a webinar to help re-launch and promote the new information and tools for PPH, alongside approaches to support communication in practice. The session highlighted enhancements to provincial PPH data collection and reporting (including Connect Care Workbench reports and Tableau dashboards), demonstrated how site-level teams can use these data to inform case reviews and targeted quality improvement activities, and reinforced access to both existing and newly developed toolkit resources. To support ongoing dissemination and uptake, a recording of the event and a Pearls for Practice resource are available on our website for asynchronous learning.
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Optimizing In-Hospital Cirrhosis Care: Learn 10 Quick Tips from the Experts
Virtual
Oct 29, 2025
Gastroenterology (Digestive Health) | Dr. Puneeta Tandon, Dr. Mayur Brahmania
Despite well-established guidelines, only about half of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis receive evidence-based care, contributing to preventable complications, prolonged hospital stays, and rising mortality. As chronic liver disease now rivals and, in some areas, exceeds heart failure and COPD in hospital admissions and deaths, the need for coordinated, system-level solutions has never been greater. The province-wide implementation of Connect Care presents a key opportunity to standardize cirrhosis management through embedded clinical tools that support early identification, risk stratification, and proactive intervention. Led by PLP Medical Director, Dr. Puneeta Tandon, and Dr. Mayur Brahmania, our team collaborated on the development of a webinar that explores how population-level strategies, including our practice alerts, cirrhosis order sets, and the integrated Cirrhosis Carepath Summary dashboard within Connect Care, can improve consistency, reduce cognitive load, decrease readmissions and length of stay, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes. By aligning clinical practice with provincial standards and health system priorities for quality, safety, and value, these tools offer a practical pathway to improving cirrhosis care at scale. To support ongoing spread and scale, the recording and a curated resource bundle, Pearls for Practice, were distributed to all registrants and are available on our website to facilitate asynchronous learning.
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Championing Best Health: A Primary Care Series on Pediatric Obesity
Virtual
Oct 2, 2025 – Oct 23, 2025
Pediatrics & Youth Health
Pediatric obesity is a growing concern in Alberta, with approximately 22% of children and youth living with overweight or obesity. Early intervention and evidence-based care are essential to preventing long-term health complications. Addressing pediatric obesity presents unique challenges, as clinicians must engage not only the child or adolescent, but also their family and broader support system. A needs assessment conducted by the PLP identified that many primary care providers feel uncomfortable initiating conversations about pediatric obesity, highlighting an important gap in confidence and practical guidance. In response to this need, PLP collaborated with pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Stasia Hadjiyannakis and psychologist Dr. Laurie Clark - both from the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario's Centre for Healthy Active Living & Metabolic Disorders - to develop a four-part webinar series for PCPs. Aligned with the Canadian Pediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines, the series provided practical strategies for discussing weight management with families, assessing pediatric obesity using the Edmonton Obesity Staging System for Pediatrics, advising on treatment and referral options, and navigating common challenges in care. To support ongoing spread and scale, recordings and a curated Pearls for Practice resource bundle were shared with participants and made available on the PLP website to support asynchronous learning.
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Beyond Statins: Lipid Management that Lasts
Virtual
Jul 25, 2025
Cardiology (Heart & Vascular) | Dr. Raj Padwal
Dyslipidemia significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke; however, it is often asymptomatic. For PCPs, understanding risk factors, screening guidelines, treatment options, and potential complications is essential to effectively manage dyslipidemia and reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. While several non-statin therapies are available to improve cholesterol levels, statins remain the first-line treatment for lowering LDL cholesterol and preventing CVD. However, statin intolerance - estimated to affect 5-30% of patients - can lead to reduced adherence and persistence with therapy, increasing the risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. To address these challenges, the PLP hosted a webinar, delivered by Dr. Raj Padwal, highlighting evidence-based strategies for managing statin intolerance in the general population, approaches to caring for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, recent advances in PCSK9 inhibitor therapies, and referral criteria for complex cases to the University of Alberta Hospital Lipid Clinic. The Pearls for Practice resource summarizes the key clinical messages, and connects users with relevant practice guidelines, and the Let's Talk Cholesterol tool co-developed with PLP. To support ongoing spread and scale, a recording of the session and a curated Pearls for Practice resource are available on the PLP website, enabling physicians and healthcare teams to access the material asynchronously.
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Rheumatology Revealed 2.0
Virtual
Apr 22, 2025 – May 13, 2025
Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal
While advancements in rheumatology have revolutionized pain management and the prevention of long-term joint damage, the rapid pace of innovation often outpaces clinical practice. To ensure PCPs remain at the forefront of these developments, and in recognition of the usefulness of an earlier rheumatology series, the PLP and the Office of Lifelong Learning (L3) partnered with the University of Alberta's Division of Rheumatology to launch another specialized educational series. This initiative provided timely, evidence-based updates on diagnostic tools, emerging treatment options, and optimized referral pathways. The four-part series achieved exceptional engagement, attracting 853 total registrants. With 279 live attendees and nearly 200 asynchronous viewers to date, the program successfully met a significant provincial demand for specialized knowledge. To ensure lasting impact, all session recordings and a curated Pearls for Practice resource bundle remain available on our website, supporting continuous, self-paced learning for clinicians across Alberta.
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Cardiovascular Issues in Primary Care
Virtual
Apr 10, 2025 – Dec 10, 2025
Cardiology (Heart & Vascular)
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of death, with primary care clinicians playing a pivotal role in its prevention and management. However, evolving evidence, changing guidelines, and emerging therapies continue to create knowledge gaps that make delivering optimal care challenging. While hypertension control in Canada improved dramatically between the 1990s and 2010, recent data indicate a 20% decline in well-managed cases and a decrease in blood pressure assessments. Strengthening guideline-based care in primary care settings is essential to reversing this trend. Similarly, selecting appropriate antiplatelet therapy requires up-to-date knowledge of the latest evidence to effectively reduce cardiovascular risk while minimizing bleeding complications. Additionally, certain populations, such as individuals of South Asian descent, face disproportionately higher rates of heart disease and related risk factors, including earlier onset, increased prevalence of coronary artery disease, and a higher incidence of Type 2 diabetes. In response to these emerging challenges, the PLP collaborated with experts Drs. Raj Padwal and Kevin Bainey to develop a comprehensive webinar series focused on hypertension management, antiplatelet therapy, and cardiovascular health in South Asian communities. The initiative culminated in a three-part webinar series. To ensure the ongoing spread and scale of this clinical knowledge, session recordings and a curated Pearls for Practice resource bundle were shared with all registrants. These assets remain accessible on the PLP website to support continued asynchronous learning and to encourage participants to undertake quality improvement cycles informed by the program content.
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Clinical Guidance for the Management of Newborn Hyperbilirubinemia
Virtual
Mar 18, 2025
Pediatrics & Youth Health | D. Jack Rabi, Dr. Kathleen Hicks
The PLP, in partnership with the Office of Lifelong Learning (L3) and AHS's Children's Health Program Improvement & Integration Network (PIN), supported the province-wide dissemination of updated clinical guidance for managing hyperbilirubinemia in infants born at or after 35 weeks' gestation. The initiative focuses on minimizing the incidence and complications of severe hyperbilirubinemia by enhancing early risk recognition, prompt diagnosis, timely intervention, and effective post-discharge follow-up in the community. In collaboration with Dr. Jack Rabi and Dr. Kathleen Hicks, PLP/L3 delivered two targeted education sessions, engaging Primary Care General Practitioners, Midwives, Nurses, Community Physicians, and Acute Care Pediatricians. This multi-channel outreach - including live sessions, on-demand learning materials, and the distribution of the Hyperbilirubinemia Clinical Management document - enabled PLP/L3 to share the updated guidance with over 500 healthcare professionals across the province.
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Liver in the Balance: Tackling Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care
Virtual
Jan 28, 2025 – Feb 4, 2025
Gastroenterology (Digestive Health)
With the rising prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and its more severe form, MASH, Canada faces a growing public health challenge that impacts millions and strains the healthcare system. Affecting an estimated 25% of adults - about 8 million people - MASLD is the most common liver disease in the country. Of these, around 20% (or 1.5 million Canadians) are living with MASH, a progressive condition that can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, cancer, and the need for transplantation. Often underdiagnosed due to its silent progression, MASH is already the second leading cause of liver transplants in North America. As prevalence rates are projected to rise significantly by 2050, early identification and management in primary care are critical. To support this, the PLP launched a two-part learning series for family physicians and their teams. With guidance from our PLP medical director, Dr. Puneeta Tandon, and led by Dr. Mang Ma, the sessions focused on identifying at-risk patients - such as those with obesity, metabolic disorders, or a genetic predisposition - and providing practical strategies for screening and primary care management to slow disease progression and reduce long-term complications. These webinars provided practical insights and tools to enhance patient care and support continuous improvement in diabetes and kidney management. Recordings and a curated resource bundle "Pearls for Practice" were distributed to the registrants and have been made available on our website to support asynchronous learning.
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Beyond Blood Sugar: Improving Kidney and Lipid Care in Diabetes
Virtual
Jan 21, 2025 – Mar 4, 2025
Endocrinology & Diabetes
People living with diabetes face a higher risk of serious complications - especially heart and kidney disease. In fact, about 1 in 3 people with diabetes may develop kidney problems, which can lead to life-threatening conditions like heart failure. They're also 2 to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease, the leading cause of death for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Early detection and team-based care in the community can make a big difference. To help primary care teams better support patients at risk, the PLP launched a 3-part webinar series developed by medical directors Dr. Donna Manca and Dr. Darren Lau. The sessions focused on practical ways to slow kidney disease progression and reduce heart disease risk in people with diabetes - using real-world data and tools that support better decision-making. The first two webinars explored care for patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes with high cholesterol (dyslipidemia). Participants used NAPCReN data to reflect on their own practice patterns. The third session offered physicians a chance to receive feedback on complex, de-identified cases and introduced two PLP-created tools: How to read my AGP - Continuous Glucose Management Guide and MyL3Plan. Recordings and a curated resource bundle "Pearls for Practice" were distributed to the registrants and have been made available on our website to support asynchronous learning.
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Rheumatology Revealed: Updates on Common Diseases and Referral Tips for Family Physicians
Virtual
Oct 15, 2024 – Nov 5, 2024
Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal
Advancements in rheumatology have led to significant improvements in managing pain, reducing inflammation, and preventing long-term joint damage - ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals with rheumatologic conditions. Despite this progress, many physicians may not be up to date on the latest diagnostic tools, treatment options, or referral processes for specialized care. To address this knowledge gap, the PLP and the Office of Lifelong Learning collaborated with the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alberta to launch the first of two planned webinar series. This initiative was developed in response to identified priorities and aims to provide family physicians with timely updates on rheumatologic diagnosis, treatment, and referral pathways, each session was recorded for asynchronous viewing and a Pearls for Practice Educational document was created for each topic. The first webinar series featured key topics, including:
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Edmonton Southside Primary Care Network Proactive Care Coordination Assistant Webinar Series
Virtual
Sep 25, 2024 – Feb 12, 2025
Effective care coordination is a cornerstone of high-quality primary care. To strengthen this capacity, the ESPCN, in collaboration with PLP, developed a specialized webinar series for PCCAs. These key team members are essential to streamlining workflows and improving patient outcomes across the province. Co-led by Quality Improvement Manager, Brittany Faux, and an ESPCN PCCA, the sessions utilized interactive presentations and panel discussions to deliver practical, engaging training. This work, which complements the Medical Home Optimization Webinar Series and QI Toolkit initiative resulted in a suite of province-wide resources. These materials remain accessible to support ongoing skill development, ensuring that the insights gained continue to enhance care coordination for Alberta's primary care teams. https://www.edmontonsouthsidepcn.ca/why-espcn/pcca-webinars/
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GLA:D Back Pain Webinars
Virtual
Oct 5, 2024
Primary Care / Family Medicine | Dr. Jan Hartvigsen, Dr. Alice Kongsted
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their doctor - and it can seriously affect daily life, work, and mental health. Despite how common it is, treating chronic or recurring lower back pain is challenging. Many people end up relying on opioids, which carry the risk of addiction. At the same time, access to physiotherapy is often limited, and family doctors may not have the time or training to offer effective, non-drug options. To help address these gaps, the PLP and the Office of Lifelong Learning (L3) partnered with the Alberta Back Care pathway (ABCp), led by the late Dr. Greg Kawchuk, to support the rollout of the GLA:D - Back program in Alberta. Originally developed in Denmark, GLA:D - Back is a proven education and exercise program designed to help people with chronic or recurring lower back pain manage their condition more effectively - without medication. To support this effort, PLP and L3 co-hosted two webinars for PCNs during the GLA:D - Back Training Weekends on October 5, 2024, and March 1, 2025. These sessions helped introduce the program, share best practices, and prepare teams to implement this innovative approach to back pain care.
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Palliative Care in Practice: Strategies for Community Management and Referral Insights for Family Physicians
Virtual
Sep 24, 2024 – Oct 8, 2024
Aging & Supportive Care
While access to palliative care in Canada has improved, national assessments continue to highlight significant gaps in the quality and consistency of care. A limited number of healthcare providers specialize in this field, and many physicians report variability in their training and comfort levels when delivering palliative care. To address these challenges and meet growing expectations for high-quality palliative services, physicians are increasingly seeking educational opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills. In response, the PLP, and the Office of Lifelong Learning (L3), in collaboration with the Division of Palliative Care Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, developed and delivered targeted educational sessions. Recordings and a curated resource bundle "Pearls for Practice" were distributed to the registrants and have been made available on our website to support asynchronous learning.
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Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes: Common Neurologic Presentations and Potential Serious Mimics
Virtual
May 8, 2024 – May 29, 2024
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare, progressive disease that affects nerve cells and leads to loss of muscle control. While there's no cure, early diagnosis is essential so patients can access new medications that may help improve their quality of life. These treatments are most effective when started soon after symptoms begin. However, ALS symptoms often resemble those of more common conditions, making it difficult to diagnose early. Patients are often referred from one specialist to another, leading to long delays in getting a clear diagnosis and starting treatment. PLP has two projects supporting ALS care. To help address challenges with long delays in diagnosis, the PLP worked with Dr. Wendy Johnston and the University of Alberta's ALS Multidisciplinary Clinic to develop a four-part webinar series to help healthcare providers recognize when symptoms might point to a serious, progressive condition like ALS. The series focused on how to distinguish between commonly seen symptoms from those that may signal a more serious underlying issue. A "Pearls for Practice" document was provided to all registrants and is available along with the recordings on our website for asynchronous learners.
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Medical Home Optimization ESPCN Webinar Series
Virtual
Apr 10, 2024 – Jan 30, 2025
Enhancing primary care is foundational to improving patient outcomes, optimizing workflows, and ensuring evidence-based practice. The Edmonton Southside PCN, in collaboration with the PLP, successfully piloted a webinar series designed to strengthen the Medical Home model. This series featured physicians sharing real-world examples of successful QI initiatives, fostering a culture of peer learning and practical implementation. The 2024-25 series addressed critical clinical priorities, including fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), lung health screening, and panel management. While the webinar series has concluded, the momentum it created continues. To maximize impact amidst evolving PCN structures and resource considerations, the focus has shifted from large-scale webinars in this series and the Proactive Care Coordination Assistants (PCCAs) Webinar Series to more intensive, project-based support for QI. Launched in late 2024, a key focus of this work includes developing QI toolkits based on the foundational principles of the Patient Medical Home model, and implementing QI projects at participating ESPCN clinics, with support from improvement facilitators. These QI efforts are multidisciplinary, including physicians, nurses, dieticians, and behavioural health consultants. QI toolkits projects vary in scope and duration; among currently active initiatives, 15 projects focus on team-based care, 40 on preventive care and follow-up, and 7 on patient outcomes. To date, 59 unique ESPCN clinics are using the toolkits for QI projects. 73 projects have been initiated to date, with 26 data-driven projects completed this year, with 34 data-driven projects completed to date.
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A Breath of Fresh Air!! Updates in Asthma and COPD in Primary Care
Virtual
Mar 19, 2024 – Apr 30, 2024
To address the significant health and economic burden of asthma and COPD and the added complexity smoking brings to their management, we developed a webinar series for healthcare providers in primary care. This initiative builds on our previous work and feedback from Breathe Easy: Choosing the right lung test for the right patient, with an aim to equip providers with the latest evidence-based approaches to screening, management, and referral. Led by Dr. Mohit Bhutani, Professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta, the series integrated real-world insights from primary care through Dr. Katherine (Kasia) Malczyk and behavioral strategies for smoking cessation presented by clinical psychologist Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley. Aggregate data from the Northern Alberta Primary Care Research Network (NAPCReN) on patients' smoking status provided local context, and each session included a Pearls for Practice summary to support clinical reflection and continuous improvement. All 331 registrants received session recordings and supporting materials, which remain available online to support flexible, asynchronous learning.
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Hit the Road, Hep C... and Don't You Come Back No More...!
Virtual
Feb 28, 2024 – Mar 5, 2024
Hepatitis C (HCV) is a viral infection that affects the liver and can cause, life threatening, chronic illness. HCV is spread through contact with infected blood which can happen by sharing needles or from unsafe procedures such as blood transfusions with unscreened blood products. HCV can also be passed from an infected mother to her baby and via sexual practices that lead to exposure to blood. There is no vaccine for HCV, but it can be treated with antiviral medications. Early detection and treatment can prevent serious liver damage and improve long-term health. Approximately 1 out of every 150 Albertans are infected with HCV, but only half are aware of their health status. A 2019 study showed Alberta was previously on track to reach viral hepatitis elimination by 2030 (a goal of the World Health Organization), but healthcare setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic impeded progress, as rates of HCV testing and treatment are 30% lower than pre-pandemic levels. In Alberta, routine prenatal screening includes HCV screening, but newcomers to Canada are not routinely screened for HCV. To help increase hepatitis screening in primary care, a learning event was co-developed in collaboration with the Edmonton North Primary Care Network, Dr. Mat Rose, a clinical professor at the University of Alberta, and the Associate Medical Director at Radius Community Health & Healing, and Dr Molly Whalen-Browne from the New Canadian Health Centre. This 2 part webinar series focused on providing education and resources to support family physicians and their teams in identifying at-risk populations, interpreting test results, and managing and referring patients for treatment. Over 140 people registered for the event, and received recordings of the event and the pearls for practice resource, which are available on our website to support asynchronous learning.
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Remission is Possible: A New Way to Think About Type 2 Diabetes
Virtual
Feb 23, 2024
Endocrinology & Diabetes | Dr. Brendan Byrne
Type 2 diabetes is a leading contributor to chronic disease burden, yet remission is increasingly achievable with targeted, evidence-based interventions. Supporting patients to reverse insulin resistance and improve glycemic control can significantly reduce complications and enhance quality of life. This webinar focused on the emerging role of lifestyle medicine in achieving diabetes remission, highlighting how virtual care programs can support sustainable behaviour change. Participants were introduced to the five subtypes of type 2 diabetes and their implications for remission potential, enabling a more personalized approach to care. The session was delivered by Dr. Brendan Byrne, Chief Medical Officer at LifestyleRx, and moderated by Dr. Rose Yeung, Senior Medical Director at PLP Edmonton.
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Following the Spark: Actionable Strategies to Untangle the Complexities of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Virtual
Feb 22, 2024 – Mar 14, 2024
Many neurodevelopmental disorders are interconnected with multiple related conditions. For example, Autism is often related to Fragile X, which is a rare condition that may be challenging to identify and diagnose for general practitioners. This educational series builds upon our past webinar series on ADHD throughout the lifespan including pediatrics, adolescence, and adulthood as well as our project on Cognitive Task Analysis for Fragile X. This project, led by our Medical Director, Dr. Daniel Moreno de Luca and in collaboration with PRISMA, Autism Edmonton, and Planning Supports from Gateway Association was designed to provide healthcare professionals with actionable strategies to untangle the complexities of neurodevelopmental disorders. The learning series was framed within the context of case-based discussions with particular emphasis on identifying strategies, theoretical knowledge, and actionable recommendations for care and understanding the family journey. This four-part webinar series had a total of 320 participants, with all 792 registrants receiving links to the recordings and the Pearls for Practice document that contains key messages as well as links to tools and resources, which are also available for asynchronous viewing on both the PLP and Office of Lifelong Learning websites.
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To Pump or Not to Pump? A Discussion on Automated Pancreas Systems in Pregnancy
Virtual
Jan 22, 2024
Endocrinology & Diabetes | Robin Lucciantonio, Dr. Rose Yeung
Pregnancy in individuals with type 1 diabetes carries significant risks for both mother and baby, making tight glycemic control and appropriate technology use critical to improving outcomes. Supporting clinicians in navigating these complex decisions is essential for safe, evidence-based care. This case-based webinar explored the risks, benefits, and practical considerations of using automated pancreas systems (insulin pumps) in type 1 diabetes during pregnancy. Participants gained clinical insights and real-world "pearls" to support decision-making in this high-risk population. The session was delivered by Robin Lucciantonio and Dr. Rose Yeung.
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Postpartum Hemorrhage: No Denial, No Delay - The Alberta Interprofessional Toolkit - 3-Part Webinar Series
Virtual
Dec 7, 2023 – Dec 19, 2023
Through dedicated partnerships and innovative projects, PLP continues to respond proactively to the healthcare needs of Albertans. Our ongoing collaborations and expansions are poised to enhance healthcare quality and efficiency across the province. As part of the different collaborations with stakeholder organizations and partners, PLP and L3 were approached by the Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Youth Strategic Network (MNCY SCN) and the Perinatal Health Program from AHS, with the goal of disseminating a provincial-wide postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) toolkit created for providers and health care teams. This toolkit has the goal of reducing maternal morbidity from Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) across the continuum of pregnancy through late pregnancy and delivery, including 1) antenatal care (risk identification and treatment of anemia); 2) labor and delivery (early recognition and treatment and advanced management); and 3) care of the patient who has experienced PPH after discharge from the hospital. PLP and L3 collaborated with these organizations to develop and deliver a 3 part webinar series which was attended by physicians, nurses, subspecialists, and midwives. PLP was able to expand the reach of the toolkit to more than 1300 healthcare providers through the live presentations, asynchronous learning resources, and the dissemination of the Pearls for Practice Educational resources.
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Ketogenic Diet for Diabetes and Weight Management Webinar
Virtual
Nov 22, 2023
Endocrinology & Diabetes | Dr. Cathy Chan, Dr. Caroline Richard, Dr. Rose Yeung
Ketogenic diets are increasingly used by individuals at risk of diabetes, yet questions remain about their long-term safety and impact on cardiovascular health, immunity, and overall nutrition. Providing clinicians with clear, evidence-based guidance is essential to support informed, patient-centered dietary counselling. To address this need, PLP partnered with the Office of Lifelong Learning and the Department of Endocrinology at the University of Alberta to deliver an online learning event on ketogenic diets. Held on November 23, 2023, the session featured Drs. Cathy Chan, Caroline Richard, and Rose Yeung, and explored current evidence related to cardiovascular health, immunity, the impact of inflation on food choices, and considerations around saturated versus unsaturated fats. A recording of the session and a Pearls for Practice resource bundle are available online to support ongoing, asynchronous learning and broader dissemination.
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Household Food Insecurity Webinar Series
Virtual
Nov 21, 2023 – Nov 30, 2023
Primary Care / Family Medicine
Food insecurity affects one in five households in Alberta and is closely linked to poorer physical, mental, and social health outcomes, particularly among children, Indigenous communities, and individuals with chronic disease. As a key driver of health inequities, it is essential that primary care teams are equipped to recognize and respond to food insecurity in clinical practice. To support this need, PLP collaborated with the Office of Lifelong Learning and the Nutrition Services Provincial Strategy Team at Alberta Health Services to develop a two-part webinar series on household food insecurity. The series provided practical guidance to help physicians and their teams better understand the drivers, impacts, and opportunities for intervention. Following the sessions, participants received access to recordings and Pearls for Practice resources, which are also available online to support ongoing, asynchronous learning. Participants are additionally encouraged to apply their learning through quality improvement cycles using MyLifelongLearningPlan.
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Managing Depression and anxiety in the community: an integrated treatment approach
Virtual
Sep 27, 2023 – Oct 11, 2023
Mental Health & Addictions
In Canada, one in five adults will suffer a mental disorder in their lives: anxiety disorders and depression are the most common. Approximately 10% of Canadian adults will have a depressive disorder. As individuals with depression and anxiety often seek primary care services at higher rates than other illnesses, this topic is a high priority for family physicians and their teams. A more holistic approach to mental health management can be achieved by adopting a wellness model , including complementary use of alternative and integrative therapies which consider a review of the patient's mind, body, and social connections. The goal of this 2-part learning workshop was to help primary care practitioners incorporate an individualized wellness model of depression/anxiety management, where attention to the patient's subjective experience and unique relational dynamics within the doctor-patient setting is considered in addition to objective brain processes and symptomatic presentation. Led by Dr Yakov Shapiro, a clinical professor of psychiatry, at the U of A Integrated Psychotherapy/Psychopharmacology Service (IPPS), and in collaboration with the Edmonton Southside PCN, relevant studies and case vignettes were used to illustrate the importance of shifting from the current disease-focused evidence-based treatments model to wellness-focused evidence-based principles of care, which provide the foundation for individualized mental health care provision in primary practice. Applications to both psychopharmacological and supportive therapy management were reviewed. The second session featured a panel with family physician Dr. Sheela Duia, mental health clinical educator Megan Gauchier, and exercise specialist Rhiannon Jacek. The recordings, as well as a pearls for practice resource document, are available on our website for ongoing spread and scale.
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Breathe Easy: Choosing the Right Lung Test for the Right Patient Workshop
Virtual
May 1, 2023
Respirology (Lungs & Breathing) | Dr. Ronald W. Damant, Dr. Jacqueline Tay
Improper diagnosis of lung disease can result in inappropriate use of medications, increased urgent care utilization, and poor health outcomes. Confirmation of diagnosis with objective lung function testing is still often overlooked. Not all patients require a full Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) which includes: 1) Spirometry, 2) Lung Volume Testing, and 3) Diffusion Capacity. For example, suspected airway obstruction can be investigated using only spirometry testing, which is the gold standard test to confirm a diagnosis of COPD and a key component in the diagnosis of asthma. A full PFT may only be required for suspected Interstitial Lung Disease or other potentially restrictive forms of chronic lung disease. This workshop was co-developed and organized in collaboration with the Edmonton Southside PCN and Medicine Strategic Clinical Network, with the aim of supporting primary care providers in identifying patients at risk for chronic lung disease and offering a useful guide for selecting the most appropriate objective lung function test for patients. The workshop was presented by Dr. Ron Damant, Dr. Jacqueline Tay, and Dr. Tina Nicholson and with planning support from Dr. Rose Yeung, Dr. All registrants received copies of the recording, which is also available on our website to support ongoing spread and scale.
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Concussion Overview & Update Webinar Series
Virtual
Apr 23, 2023 – May 2, 2023
Neurology (Brain & Nervous System)
Over 200,000 Canadians experience a concussion each year. Concussion symptoms can vary in severity and duration (lasting from a few hours to several months), and include physical, cognitive, emotional, and sleep-related symptoms. To help disseminate best practices for concussion recognition and treatment in primary care, the AHS Population Health Promotion team reached out to PLP and the Office of Lifelong Learning at the University of Alberta to collaborate in planning and delivering a four-part webinar series in the Spring 2023, at the beginning of the spring sports season. These sessions included recommendations for concussion management and the latest protocols. In addition to primary care physicians, the webinar series was also relevant for community members including coaches and physical education teachers. A total of 691 participants attended the live learning events, and recordings and resources are available on the PLP website to support ongoing spread and scale through asynchronous learning.
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Mercury Rising! Optimizing Blood Pressure in Diabetes Webinar
Virtual
Jan 31, 2023
Cardiology (Heart & Vascular) | Dr. Donna Manca, Dr. Darren Lau, Dr. Rose Yeung
The CPCSSN is a multi-disease electronic medical record surveillance system for primary care. Emerging information from CPCSSN indicates that there was a marked decrease in the number of blood pressure measurements in Alberta primary care clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic. Preliminary data analysis suggests that approximately 60% of patients had not had a blood pressure measurement for over one year, which is particularly problematic for patients with diabetes. Hence, a program to raise the awareness of this issue for this high-risk population is necessary to increase blood pressure target achievement in people with diabetes. To address this need, PLP led by senior medical director Dr. Rose Yeung and in collaboration with the Edmonton Southside PCN (ESPCN) and (NAPCReN), delivered a primary care quality improvement workshop on hypertension in diabetes, presented by PLP Medical Director Dr. Donna Manca and PLP Physician Liaison Dr. Darren Lau. The quality improvement workshop was held on January 31, 2023, and featured aggregate data developed for the Physician reports: Hypertension project and focused on management of hypertension in patients with diabetes. The event drew registrations from 12 PCNs. 152 registrants received a curated resource bundle and participants who attended the facilitated quality improvement workshop received guidance and information to support completing a related quality improvement cycle for credits.
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ADHD Through the Lifespan
Virtual
Oct 1, 2022 – Oct 1, 2022
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Mental Health & Addictions
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobehavioral condition that affects many patients throughout their lives and is associated with occupational underachievement, psychiatric comorbidity, and substance abuse. It also impacts people's ability to manage chronic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, that depend on making behavioral changes. Primary care physicians are at the forefront of helping patients with ADHD manage symptoms and overcome functional impairments. Studies have identified gaps in recognizing and managing ADHD in primary care due to varied clinical presentations and developmental trajectories of ADHD, which are moderated by family environment, patient characteristics, and life events. Working in partnership with the Edmonton Southside PCN, we co-developed and delivered a 3-part quality improvement workshop series on ADHD. 12 PCNs participated in our pan-PCN events, which considered these limitations and provided family physicians with the necessary information to improve diagnosis, screening, and treatment at different stages of life. The learning events were presented by Dr. Alice Leung, Dr. Alec Oskin, and Dr. Tania Oommen. Feedback from participants confirmed that mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders remain high priority topics in primary care clinics. In the coming year, PLP will develop additional content to meet primary care physicians' learning needs about supporting families with behavioual concerns.
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Preventing Diabetes and its Complications Webinar Series
Virtual
Jun 15, 2022 – Oct 23, 2022
Endocrinology & Diabetes
PLP has an extensive program of work supporting clinical improvements in diabetes and obesity care, and we benefit from a strong team of house experts, including Drs. Darren Lau, Rose Yeung, Donna Manca, and Denise Campbell-Scherer, as well as strong partnerships in the health care system. This year, we delivered a 6-part webinar series on preventing diabetes and its complications. In addition, other projects seek to understand the impact on continuity of care on diabetes, assist patients using continuous glucose monitors, and develop an online cholesterol management tool to improve cardiovascular health. We have also provided family physicians with individual practice data and resources to improve care for patients living with obesity and diabetes In partnership with the AHS Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition SCN (DON SCN), Diabetes Canada, and the Alberta Diabetes Institute, a 6 webinar series was developed and delivered to inform physicians and clinical teams on recent Alberta-based data and tools, pathways, and research opportunities available for patients with prediabetes and diabetes. This webinar series provided health care providers with information and tools to advance care for patients living with diabetes
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Managing Alcohol Use Disorder
Virtual
Jan 20, 2022 – Feb 3, 2022
The prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD) is on the rise, and alcohol-related hospital admissions in Alberta have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison with previous years. AUD is known to contribute to development of cirrhosis, and it contributes to the progression and complications of disease. At the same time, attitudes about individuals with substance use disorder have also been found to impact clinicians' perspectives of patients with AUD and the care they provide. Since early detection is critical to reverse these trends, supporting health providers with education around substance use management and routine screening for alcohol misuse is beneficial. Led by PLP Medical Director Dr. Puneeta Tandon, PLP developed and delivered a three part workshop series for specialists, family physicians, and their teams. Accredited with both colleges, these workshops used a flipped-classroom model, where participants viewed a pre-recorded webinar and various resources, and then participated in a live, interactive session. Our presenters and panelists included Dr. Monty Ghosh, Dr. Jessica Kirkwood, Dr. Jessica Mellinger, Dr. Gerald Winder, Dr. Eddy Lang, and Dr. Anne Fernandez, with planning support from Dr. Cathy Scrimshaw. As part of our ongoing scale and spread, this workshop series is available on the PLP website. This workshop series complements previous work in our cirrhosis program, and inspired a new project to be undertaken next year, focusing on alcohol use disorder in primary care. Family physicians often encounter patients with alcohol use disorder, and our needs assessment shows that they are interested in increasing their knowledge of how to manage AUD at any stage, how to prescribe medications to manage AUD, and how to prevent AUD complications, particularly with screening and brief interventions.
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Responding to the Syphilis Crisis in Primary Care
Virtual
Nov 16, 2021
Primary Care / Family Medicine | Dr. Petra Smyczek
Alberta Health Services declared a syphilis outbreak in the province in 2019, and the primary care networks identified this as a high priority topic for responding to the emergent needs of Albertans. Congenital syphilis is a severe and life threatening illness that occurs when the disease is transmitted to babies when the mother has a syphilis infection during pregnancy. In addition to causing birth defects, congenital syphilis has a high rate of fetal death, with approximately 40% of infected mothers having stillborn babies. Despite advances in health care and the fact that syphilis can be treated with antibiotics, the number of syphilis infections is skyrocketing across Alberta, reaching their highest levels in about 70 years. This outbreak is province-wide, affecting all genders and socioeconomic groups. At the request of the Edmonton Southside PCN, we collaborated to develop a pan-PCN educational webinar and quality improvement workshop for family physicians and their teams in November 2021, led by Dr. Petra Smyczek. This webinar and facilitated quality improvement workshop presented information on syphilis, testing, and treatment. Participants then had an opportunity to work on improving processes within their clinic by working with quality improvement facilitators in breakout rooms, and the PCNs followed up with physicians six weeks later to review their QI cycle progress. 138 physicians, allied health, and PCN personnel attended, with engagement from 10 PCNs. Resources, including a summary reference sheet were distributed to all registrants. The webinar recording has been viewed 83 times this year.
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The Care of Pediatric Patients Presenting to Hospital with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Alberta
Virtual
Jun 22, 2021
Endocrinology & Diabetes | Dr. Jennifer Walton, Dr. Elizabeth Rosolowsky
One of the most common endocrine disorders and chronic conditions in the pediatric population is Type I diabetes. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of diabetes, is the greatest contributor to morbidity and mortality of Type 1 diabetes in pediatric patients. Approximately 40% of children with new- onset Type 1 Diabetes present in DKA. In 2018, Diabetes Canada released new clinical practice guidelines that outline optimal care for patients presenting with DKA, and address monitoring, careful management of fluids and electrolytes, and insulin administration. These guidelines have been shown to improve patient outcomes, including reduced duration of stays in intensive care units, reduced overall length of stay, and reduced incidence of cerebral edema, a severe adverse outcome of DKA. However, a Figure Time to correction of DKA based on severity of DKA at presentation study from British Columbia Children's Hospital after the release of the guidelines found that variation in practice still exists. PLP partnered with Dr. Jennifer Walton, Dr. Elizabeth Rosolowsky, and Dr. Jessica Foulds of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta on a project that assessed adherence to these guidelines, including the administration of electrolytes, fluids, and insulin, and laboratory monitoring, and focused on emergency departments. In June 2021, Dr. Jennifer Walton and Dr. Elizabeth Rosolowsky hosted a virtual webinar "The Care of Pediatric Patients Presenting to Hospital with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) in Alberta: A Physician Learning Program Collaboration". 98 physicians and team members attended the webinar, which included a review of the pathophysiology and clinical features of diabetic ketoacidosis in the pediatric population and the current guidelines for managing DKA in this population. The project data and findings were presented, and with discus- sion on how participants could use the project results to improve patient care. The recording of the webinar has been downloaded 83 times. A possible follow-on project in this pediatric DKA series is under consideration.
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Recognizing and Tackling Malnutrition in Primary Care
Virtual
Mar 2, 2021
Primary Care / Family Medicine | Dr. Leah Gramlich
Hospital-based malnutrition is common yet often under-recognized, contributing to poorer patient outcomes, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of readmission. Strengthening early identification and management - both in hospital and after discharge - is critical to improving recovery and continuity of care. This webinar, led by Dr. Leah Gramlich, reviewed the latest evidence on the impact of malnutrition and highlighted practical, evidence-based strategies to detect, prevent, and treat it across care settings. Drawing on research from the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force, the session introduced protocols, pathways, and tools that can be readily integrated into primary care practice. Participants gained key insights into the clinical impact of malnutrition, approaches to minimize risk in hospital and community settings, and accessible resources to support timely identification and management.
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Deprescibing Proton Pump Inhibitors
Virtual
Feb 23, 2021
Gastroenterology (Digestive Health) | Dr. Sander Veldhuyzen Van Zanten
In 2018/19, 494,683 Albertans (or 11% of the population) were prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to manage heartburn and other acid-related disorders. Of those, 28% were prescribed at a dose higher than the recommended standard. Estimates suggest that up to 40% of patients in Alberta are over-prescribed PPIs, which increases an avoidable medication burden, as well as system and patient costs. This over-prescribing includes extending treatment beyond eight weeks and dosing twice per day instead of once, both in the absence of a clear indication for the PPI. Dr. Sander Veldhuyzen Van Zanten, in partnership with the AHS Digestive Health SCN and the PLP, presented the webinar Bye-Bye PPI: Towards optimal prescribing of PPIs to a pharmacist stakeholder group in September and at the Clinical Connections Conference in October 2020. He presented a third webinar, Prescribing and deprescribing PPI in the elderly, in March 2021. In February, the PLP hosted the webinar Deprescribing PPI in Alberta, attended by 37 physicians and team members. It described the extent of PPI use in Alberta, identified appropriate situations for prescribing and deprescribing PPIs, presented tools (developed with the PLP) that can support patient discussions and decision making about PPI prescribing, and provided physicians with the opportunity to reflect on their own PPI prescribing practices. Electronic copies of all the physician and patient tools for deprescribing PPIs were distributed to all 237 registrants for these events.
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Managing Obesity in Primary Care Webinar Series
Virtual
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Specialty Medicine (Focused Systems)
Obesity has been declared a chronic disease by national and international medical associations. Despite the urgency to improve provider education and training in obesity management, no widely recognized programs have been implemented to date. Many healthcare providers are left feeling ill-prepared and lacking the knowledge and confidence to effectively address weight concerns with their patients. Complicating this issue further, misinformation regarding the chronicity and complexity of obesity has led to negative attitudes and unrealistic expectations on the part of both the healthcare provider and patient. As a result, providers are not routinely discussing weight and many patients feel uncomfortable bringing it up. As part of our ongoing partnership with the Edmonton Southside PCN, we co-developed and delivered a pan-PCN quality improvement workshop series on managing obesity for primary care physicians and their teams. 11 different PCNs participated in the workshops, which featured a condensed version of the 5AsT toolkit, and the 5As Framework for Obesity Management in Adults. Participants also learned about the Edmonton Obesity Staging System Dashboard in the CPCSSN database which was co-developed with PLP. These flipped classroom events each included a live didactic education session with case-based discussions, and a data-driven quality improvement session with PCN improvement facilitators.
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Heart Failure in Primary Care
Virtual
Feb 9, 2021 – Apr 20, 2021
Patients with heart failure are commonly managed by primary care physicians, with approximately 10% of patients attending a specialist clinic. But many patients with heart failure do not have optimal medical therapy. This may be because of either patient, clinician, or system challenges; geographic or temporal difficulties accessing speciality care; or patient complexity and multi-morbidity. Evidence shows that there are methods that can assist physicians in optimizing care, including creating better links between specialists and primary care physicians, and allowing for polypharmacy in patients with greater absolute risk, where lifesaving and life-improving medications exist. This spring, the PLP launched an innovative new program over a year in the making, led by Dr. Justin Ezekowitz in partnership with the Edmonton Southside PCN and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. At the pan-PCN webinar, Heart Failure in Primary Care - Bridging from Guidelines to Practice, in January, Dr. Ezekowitz addressed advances in care for patients with heart failure, illustrated updated methods to diagnose heart failure, and explained the new understanding of disease, including modifying medications for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
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Cirrhosis Care: Practical Tips You Can Use in Your Practice Today
Virtual
Jan 14, 2021 – Feb 18, 2021
Liver cirrhosis is a chronic condition that results from vascular and hepatocellular injury, and leads to progressive hepatic fibrosis. It is a major cause of morbidity and premature mortality in patients with digestive disease. Given that 90-day readmission rates are as high as 44% in Alberta, addressing care gaps in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis is important for improved patient outcomes and health system sustainability. Three priority areas include managing cirrhosis complications, advanced care planning and managing broader health needs such as frailty or alcohol use disorder, and preparing for transitions of care into the community with structured education and timely follow-up post discharge. As part of our support for the cirrhosis care program, the PLP hosted a six-part webinar series in winter 2021, in partnership with Cirrhosis Care Alberta and the Office of Lifelong Learning at the University of Alberta. This project was led by PLP Medical Director Dr. Puneeta Tandon, and featured six speakers from North America. The aim of the cirrhosis webinar series was to provide a range of practitioners (family physicians, internists, and gastroenterologists) with the -"why" and "how" of addressing each of these major care gaps. The live webinars drew a national audience, and the recordings have subsequently been viewed 540 times. Topics included diagnosis, alcohol use, treatment, pain, and palliative care, with a focus on practical clinical tips and information.
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Asthma Management in 2021
Virtual
Jan 12, 2021 – Jan 19, 2021
Respirology (Lungs & Breathing)
Patients with asthma are at higher risk of potentially life-threatening exacerbations, regardless of their disease severity. Most rely on rescue short-acting beta agonist (SABA) inhalers for symptom relief and do not take regular anti-inflammatory maintenance therapy. However, new evidence shows that using an anti-inflammatory reliever can improve outcomes. To support family physicians in caring for patients with asthma, Dr. Mohit Bhutani at the UofA worked with the PLP to develop and host two webinars on asthma in January 2021. The first webinar, Asthma management in 2021: New paradigms and approaches provided an update on current trends in asthma care, reviewed basic principles of approaches to asthma care, and discussed the profound recommendations of the Global Initiative on Asthma on the management of mild asthma, including COVID-19. The second webinar, Approaches to the management of difficult-to-control asthma, reviewed asthma control and barriers to achieving it, and discussed the role and benefits of using biologics to treat asthma, as well as the significant consequences of prednisone bursts. Attending were 52 physicians and team members for the first webinar, and then 46 for the second. The recordings have been viewed 98 and 42 times, respectively.