RESOURCES • All Web Resources

FAMILY CARE TEAMS - A HEALTH POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Family Care Teams: A Health Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador is intended for those involved in the planning, implementation, ongoing service delivery, performance monitoring and evaluation of Family Care Teams in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Family Care Teams aim to improve access and continuity of primary health care (PHC) for individuals and families in their community.

TEAM PRIMARY CARE

At its core, Team Primary Care aims to further improve access to care by supporting the training of team-based comprehensive primary care among health care practitioners.

In collaboration with over 100 partners, over 20 practitioner-specific and over 20 team training projects are in progress to enhance, align and increase preparedness to practice in a collaborative approach to care delivery. Supporting each of these partners are cross-cutting teams and an Indigenous Advisory Circle.

PATIENT’S MEDICAL HOME

The Patient’s Medical Home is the future of family medicine in Canada. Since the original PMH vision was launched in 2011, progress has been made across the country - the provinces that have well-structured, long-term health care system reforms in place are performing the best. All provinces have shown progress in adopting the team-based, patient-centred, continuous, comprehensive, and accessible vision for primary care aligned with the PMH, but there remains an opportunity to do more.

FAMILY PRACTICE RENEWAL PROGRAM

The Family Practice Renewal Program (FPRP) is a joint initiative of the Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association (NLMA) and the Department of Health and Community Services (DHCS). FPRP recognizes that improved population health and health system sustainability requires a renewed focus on primary health care reform, and on family practice reform in particular, and that family physicians have an important role to play in the improvement and full integration of primary care and primary health care services and supports. The FPRP has three core initiatives: Family Practice Networks, Fee Code Program, and Practice Improvement Program.

THE CANADIAN INTERPROFESSIONAL HEALTH COLLABORATIVE

The Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative promotes collaboration in health and education.

Membership in the CIHC is available to everyone with an interest in making lasting changes to Canadian healthcare.
Join a group of educators, policymakers, health providers and students who are committed to changing the healthcare system for the better.

With a CIHC membership you’ll have access to numerous resources and new networks. You’ll receive early notice of conferences, and have opportunities to interact with others who share your enthusiasm for strengthening collaboration and teamwork across the health care system.

COLLEGE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS OF CANADA - INTERPROFESSIONAL PRIMARY CARE TEAMS

A significant contribution of Toward a Primary Care Strategy for Canada was identifying the features of high-functioning primary care systems.

• Identify potential best practices in relation to the interprofessional primary care teams in jurisdictions that have successfully implemented teambased care.
• Examine the evidence of the impact of identified best practices.
• Understand the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of identified best practices.
• Identify the lessons that Canada can learn from the experiences of international jurisdictions.

NL HEALTH SERVICES’ HEALTH INFORMATION (“HI”) WEBSITE

Find information on a wide range of health and wellness topics for all ages. From family meals to family planning, from sexual health to mental health, from getting active to getting immunized - the Hi website has you covered!

Note: As of April 1, 2023, all regional health authorities and the Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Health Information transitioned to NL Health Services, a single provincial health authority. This website (formally Eastern Health's Hi website) will continue to be updated during the transition period.

PROVINCIAL CANCER CARE PROGRAM

The Provincial Cancer Care Program is responsible for providing services to cancer patients throughout the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. We have staff to help patients access screening services and manage their diagnosis, treatment, follow-up care, survivorship, palliative care and pain and symptom management.

• radiation therapy,
• systemic therapy (chemotherapy),
• cancer screening programs (breast, colon, cervical),
• tele-oncology,
• clinical trials,
• consultative services, and
• supportive care services such as nursing, nutrition, pharmacy and social work.

INDIGENOUS PATIENT NAVIGATORS

The Indigenous Patient Navigator Program is a partnership between Eastern Health and First Light - St. John’s Friendship Centre to provide support and assistance for Indigenous patients and their families who travel to St. John’s for medical appointments.

• Provides referral and/or advocacy to ensure access to the most appropriate health care options
• Navigation to and escorting patients to appointments
• Arranging translation services
• Assisting to access meals, transportation, accommodations, medical supplies and discharge planning

211 NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

NL.211.CA is the public online version of the database used by information and referral specialists for the 211 telephone/email service. It is 100% free and confidential.

This up-to-date, accessible, searchable database provides comprehensive access to information about social, community, health and government services in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is searchable by location and topic.

Call 211 or search their website for:

• Food banks
• Alzheimer support
• Mental health help, and more

TIME FOR THE SHOT

Immunizations protect people and communities by preventing the spread of disease. As more people are immunized, the risk of disease for everyone is reduced.

Vaccines are safe and effective. Getting an Influenza or COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others.

• Information on how to book a vaccine appointment.
• Answers to frequently asked questions about vaccines.
• Resources for health care professionals.
• Resources for parents and employers.

THE COMPREHENSIVE RESPIRATORY CARE (CRC) PROGRAM

The Comprehensive Respiratory Care (CRC) program is a comprehensive, pragmatic strategy to improve and promote lung health serving patients through fostering a bridge between acute and community-based care. It is rooted in best evidence and promotes access to specialized care for patients living with respiratory disease.

The CRC team consists of health-care professionals who work to their full scope of practice in the community setting, including respiratory therapists, a physiotherapist, and clerical support. The program is operated by the provincial manager and a respirologist who serves as the medical director providing clinical oversight.

The program has several key components focusing on the fundamentals of health:

• INSPIRED COPD Outreach Program™ – Focuses on patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) with a recent history of an emergency room visit or hospitalization for their respiratory disease. This strategy has demonstrated a marked reduction in hospital admissions and emergency room visits.
• Comprehensive Respiratory Education Clinic – Offers respiratory assessments and diagnostic testing for those with asthma, COPD, Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD).
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) – Assists with improving physical activity and reducing shortness of breath for those with chronic respiratory disease. This strategy is evidence-based and has been shown to improve health outcomes for this population.
• ALS Respiratory Care – The CRC team has partnered with the Neurology division in the Eastern Urban Zone to provide home-based care for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Patients with chronic respiratory symptoms are supported with a variety of techniques and equipment to improve their quality of life at home.
• Ottawa Model of Smoking Cessation (OMSC) – The CRC team has a partnership with the public health program to offer OMSC for any patient that chooses to quit smoking.

BRIDGE THE GAPP

Bridge the Gapp is an online resource designed to connect with guidance and support for mental health and addictions in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The best thing about it is its accessibility. From a computer, tablet or a phone in your pocket, you can instantly access content that can provide advice, inspiration, assurance, or direction for finding additional supports when you need it the most.

Bridge the Gapp offers self-help resources, links to local services, and allows the user to share their own personal stories.

TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE (TIC) E-LEARNING SERIES

The TIC e-Learning Series consists of seven (7) foundational self-study modules, each of which can be completed in approximately 30 minutes or less. The modules have been designed for a broad audience, including those providing Addiction & Mental Health treatment services. The content has been developed using evidence-informed best practices and is organized sequentially to create a seamless, flowing learning experience; the modules should be taken in order.

TEAM UP! PODCAST

The Team UP! podcast explores different ideas related to team-based primary care, focusing on what is happening here in Canada.

HEALTH CARE PROVIDER PHYSICAL ACTIVITY KIT

The Health Care Provider (HCP) Physical Activity Kit is a collaborative initiative between the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation and ParticipACTION. The kit was developed under the guidance of an advisory committee that included representation from NL Health Services, Nunatsiavut Government's Department of Health and Social Development, Department of Health and Community Services, Recreation NL and ParticipACTION.

OVARIAN CANCER PREVENTION RESOURCES FOR PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS

Offer tools to help healthcare providers identify individuals at increased risk for ovarian cancer. These resources include bilingual posters and handouts designed for waiting rooms and examination areas, aiming to raise awareness about prevention strategies and the importance of early identification. They also provide guidance on initiating conversations about genetic risk factors and available preventive measures. These materials are available for download or can be ordered in printed form through the Ovarian Cancer Canada website.

THE NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR INSULIN PUMP PROGRAM

The Newfoundland and Labrador Insulin Pump Program (NLIPP), provides financial support for insulin pumps and supplies to eligible residents with Type 1 Diabetes. Children under 18 get full coverage, while adults undergo income-based co-payment. The program covers one pump every five years but excludes medications and other devices. Applications require medical verification.

COMPREHENSIVE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM

The Comprehensive Respiratory Care Program by NL Health Services has been enhanced to expand virtual care, introduce pulmonary rehab, and provide home-based respiratory support for ALS patients. These improvements increase access and help patients better manage chronic respiratory conditions across Newfoundland and Labrador. Referrals from primary care providers are required.

EH BREAST SCREENING PROGRAM

The Breast Screening Program by Eastern Health in Newfoundland and Labrador offers free mammograms to women aged 50–74 (and optionally 40–49) at five locations across the province. No referral is needed—women can self-book. The goal is early detection of breast cancer to improve outcomes. The program includes follow-up navigation for abnormal results. Results are sent within 7–10 days, and 5–10% of women may be called back for further testing. The procedure uses low-dose radiation and may cause brief discomfort.

NLHS CERVICAL SCREENING PROGRAM

The Cervical Screening Program by NLHS aims to reduce cervical cancer rates in Newfoundland and Labrador through organized screening and education. The program offers Pap tests to detect early cell changes caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for nearly all cervical cancers. Screening is available through family physicians, nurse practitioners, and clinics across the province. The program also provides information on risk factors, preventive measures, and follow-up care for abnormal results.

EH COLON CANCER SCREENING PROGRAM

The Colon Cancer Screening Program is designed to reduce the impact of colon cancer in Newfoundland and Labrador by promoting early detection and prevention. The program offers the Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT), a home-based screening tool that detects hidden blood in stool samples—an early indicator of potential colon cancer or polyps. Individuals aged 50 to 74 without a personal or family history of colon cancer or inflammatory bowel diseases are encouraged to participate. Those with positive FIT results are referred for a follow-up colonoscopy to further assess and manage any findings.

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

The Alzheimer Society of Newfoundland and Labrador (ASNL) supports individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. It offers education, support services, advocacy, and resources for those living with dementia, their families, and caregivers.

Key offerings include:

• First Link® Support: Connecting individuals to resources and support from diagnosis onward.
• Support Groups: Peer support for caregivers.
• Educational Programs: Including the Dementia Learning Series and Dementia Passport e-learning platform.

ARTHRITIS SOCIETY OF CANADA

Arthritis Society Canada is a national nonprofit dedicated to supporting the six million Canadians living with arthritis. It funds research, provides education, advocacy, and support services.

Key offerings include:

• Arthritis Line: Free information and support.
• Arthritis Connections: Online peer support groups.
• Arthritis Talks: Expert-led webinars.
• Community Grants: Support for underserved communities.

CROHN’S AND COLITIS CANADA

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada is a national nonprofit focused on finding cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and supporting those affected by these chronic illnesses.

Key offerings include:

• Research funding for innovative IBD studies
• Patient programs like Camp Got2Go and Gutsy Peer Support
• Advocacy and education to raise awareness and improve care

CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is the country’s largest national cancer charity, dedicated to eradicating cancer and supporting those affected.

Key focus areas:

• Research funding for all cancer types
• Support services including information lines and peer communities
• Advocacy for better public policies
• Prevention and education on reducing cancer risk