February 2022

Preparing for Increased Wait Times for Patients

Sometimes referring a patient to see a Specialist is unavoidable. As the holidays end and Ontario starts to see enhanced restrictions due to COVID-19, patients will be contacting their primary care provider to address their health concerns, many will need to see a Specialist. This may result in longer wait times for patients this winter. eConsult can be used to manage your patient's care while they're waiting to see a Specialist.

You can send any eConsult to a specialist to seek advice on:

• If a referral is required
• What tests to order in preparation for your patient’s Specialist visit 
• How to manage your patient's care while they wait to see a Specialist
• Confirm a proposed treatment plan

New Quick Guide for Sending eConsults

Take a look at the new eConsult requesting provider best practice Quick guide too easily reference:



• Key responsibilities when sending an eConsult
• An overview of how to send an eConsult
• Five key elements of a high quality eConsult request
• Important information about privacy, consent, documentation, and billing

For more guide along with other eConsult resources, visit: http://www.econsultontario.ca/resources

Leveraging Delegates in your

eConsult Workflow

Implementing the Delegate Model is one way Primary Care Providers in the Windsor, Chatham and Sarnia regions are incorporating eConsult into their workflows.

The eConsult Delegate Model is a secure web-based tool that allows Primary Care Practitioners to utilize their staff to assist with the sending of their eConsults to Specialists. This can be done by a Receptionist, Nurse or Staff Administrator.

Advantages of the Delegate Model

• Improved workflow for front line primary care providers, by utilizing administrative support to manage eConsult workflow in non-integrated EMR settings.
• Improved information flow, managed by delegates (e.g. referral clerk, nurse, or administrator), Ensuring timely management of related inquiries.
• Providers and delegates can build upon existing clinical best practices to incorporate eConsult into their workflow

Contact us at DigitalHealth@transformsso.ca

for assistance in setting up your Delegate.

Ontario eServices Program: eReferral

The Ontario eServices program delivers digital services that support clinical workflows and facilitate smoother transitions in care and an improved patient experience. eConsult and eReferral are the first initiatives in the scope of the Ontario eServices program.

eReferral is a secure and seamless transfer of patient information from one point of care system into another, via an electronic platform for the purpose of engaging another provider in the care of a patient.



• The program is funded to provide local change management resources to support implementation, training, adoption, and sustained use
• The solution-generated data enables comprehensive analytics to support local and system level decision making
• Referral status and appointment details are updated directly in providers EMRs (Telus PS Suite EMR, Accuro EMR and Oscar EMR) or the Ocean Portal (non-EMR users)
• Patients received automatic email notifications on their referral status and appointment information
• This eReferral initiative has been funded since 2017 as part of the System Coordinated Access Program (now part of the Ontario eServices Program)

Looking for more information? Contact us at DigitalHealth@transformsso.ca

Why Set your eConsult Priority Regions?

• Setting your priority region to Erie St Clair gives access to local specialists within the Erie St Clair regional based managed specialty groups automatically
• Without setting priority regions, cases can only be sent 2 provincial groups



Book a Team Training Session

Are you part of or run a family practice, community health centre or hospital unit? Reach out to us today to book a group training session for your fellow staff.

We can cover:

• How to create an OTNHub account
• How to submit any eConsult directly to a Specialist
• How to submit any eConsult to an Erie St. Clair Regional Specialty Group
• How to utilize a delegate to save time

Email us at digitalhealth@tranformsso.ca to book your session today.

SEAMO's accredited eConsult webinar series

Join us for half-hour sessions about the benefits of eConsult in your

practices. Attend one or all 8 webinars to receive up to 4 credits from theCollege of Family Physicians + the Royal College!

Missed the session? Watch the recording here and email seamo.communication@queensu.ca to let us know so you can receive the credits! 

Contact Us

For more information on anything in this email, or to schedule a follow-up appointment with our team, please contact us at the email listed below.

Darren Hopper

Windsor / Essex

Change Management and Adoption Coordinator

Darren.Hopper@transformsso.ca

Matthew McAvoy

Chatham-Kent / Sarnia-Lambton

Change Management and Adoption Coordinator

Matthew.McAvoy@transformsso.ca

Resources:

https://econsultontario.ca/resources/