Features cont’d
24 New Guideline for Opioid Prescribing
The new Canadian guideline for opioid therapy
for chronic non-cancer pain takes a much more
conservative approach to the prescribing of opioids.
Specifically, it encourages using opioids as a treat-
ment of last resort, and prescribing smaller doses.
29 Accepting New Patients
Introductory meetings – such as medical “meet and
greet” appointments – and medical questionnaires
are good ways to get to know your patient better,
but they can’t be used to vet prospective patients,
states an updated policy.
31 Ending the Physician-Patient Relationship
An updated policy provides more explicit guidance
with respect to the circumstances in which it may
be appropriate to end the physician-patient rela-
tionship, and the circumstances in which it is not.
33 MAiD Protections
Recently passed Ontario legislation will support the
implementation of medical assistance in dying by
providing protections for patients and their health-
care professionals.
35 “Liberation” Therapy Debunked
A study has found that the use of balloon vein dila-
tion therapy in the treatment and management of
patients with multiple sclerosis is neither safe nor
efficacious.
39 Choosing Wisely
Choosing Wisely Canada’s report, called “Unneces-
sary Care in Canada”, presents data on eight tests
and treatments spanning the health system.
41 Patient Ombudsman Reflects on First Year
As she reaches her first anniversary as Patient
Ombudsman, Christine Elliott looks to advocate for
fairness for Ontarians navigating the health-care
system.
43
Practice Partner
43 Doc Talk – Think Before You Post
With social media, the platforms may be new but
the need to maintain patient privacy and confiden-
tiality is not. Don’t let the informal nature of social
media encourage you to let down your guard.
46
Calculation Errors
Physicians are being urged to express doses of
levothyroxine in micrograms not milligrams after
the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada
became aware of errors involving the medication.
47 Patient Safety
Consider using a patch if your patient is unable to
swallow a long-acting pain medication, says the
Geriatric and Long-Term Care Death Review Com-
mittee.
49 Organ Donation: Missed Opportunities
Many patients at risk of imminent death or who die
are not being referred to Trillium Gift of Life Network
until the opportunity to speak to families has been
lost.