No Patient Left Behind: Electronic Health Record Use in Saskatchewan

We want to hear from you! No Patient Left Behind: Electronic Health Record Use in Saskatchewan

 Have you ever wanted to see or even access information in your medical record? Are you interested in learning more about what an Electronic Health Record (EHR) is? Or how it works? 

Your EHR is a secure and private lifetime record that gives you access to much of your health data through electronic devices (e.g.: computer, tablet or phone). In Canada, the EHR stores and provides information on your lab results, medication profiles, key clinical reports (e.g.: hospital discharge reports), diagnostic reports from x-rays or other similar tests, and your immunization history. This information can be seen by authorized health care providers and is becoming available for more and more patients to access across the country.  

This technology offers many benefits for patient and health care professionals. For example, the EHR gives patients the ability to see test results and previous and current prescriptions. Access to this data can reduce test duplication and increase communication with doctors and nurses saving time for both parties.  There are also potential challenges with EHR use, including technical difficulties, access to electronic devices and or internet connectivity and concerns about privacy and confidentially. 

Dr. Tracie Risling from the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan is partnering with SCOA on a new research project, No Patient Left Behind: EHR Use in Saskatchewan. This study is about supporting patients across the province to uptake and use their electronic health records. We want to hear from you! How would you want to learn about EHRs? What do think some of the challenges might be when it comes to using EHRs? What type of supports could be developed to support EHR users?

In the coming weeks, Dr. Tracie Risling and her team will be announcing dates for information sessions about EHR use in Saskatchewan and this research project. We are excited to start this research, working with SCOA and looking forward to meeting with those who are interested in sharing their thoughts about this technology and how best to use it.  

For more information on this project contact RisTech Research Coordinator Courtney Carlberg at courtney.carlberg@usask.ca 

This research is funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) and the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Orientated Research (SCPOR). 

This research has been approved by the U of S Behavioural Ethics Board (BEH 1259). 

Spotlight on Seniors News

Celebrate 20 years of active aging at Spotlight on Seniors 2019!

This year we will take a look back at 20 years of Spotlight to celebrate memories and milestones of this special event for older adults.  The first Spotlight on Seniors was held in 1999, the International Year of Older Persons [ IYOP]. The show has been going strong ever since!

This year we  feature our wall of photos – a visual retrospective of past years and special moments at Spotlight. Experience a day to learn about products and services that enrich your lives, enjoy coffee and refreshments, displays,  music, draws for prizes and much more!

Visit our online photo gallery! 

Date: October 1, 2019 
Time: 9 am [doors open] to 3 pm
Location: Grand Salon, TCU Place – 35 22nd  Street East, Saskatoon
Cost: $10 [pay at the door]

Program Lineup includes:

Doors open 9 am
10 am – Greetings from SCOA
“A Look back at Spotlight”
10:30 to 11 am – Cloggers/Free Flow Dance Theatre Company
11 am to 11:45 am -Spectacle performs
12 to 12: 15- Lunch/Sponsor speeches
12:15 to 1 pm -Young at Heart performs
1 pm to 1:30 pm – Forever in motion
1:30 pm to 2 pm – Free Flow Dance Theatre Company
2 pm to 2: 30 pm – Slightly Off Centre Jam Band performs
Draws for prizes 2:30 pm

For more information, visit our web page or phone 306.652.2255.  See you there!

Grand “Old” Opry Zoomer Style

Saskatoon Council on Aging presents

Grand “Old” Opry – Zoomer Style event on March 27, 2020 at the Western Development Museum. 

News: Grand “Old” Opry finalists will be selected early this fall! More exciting news to follow for this one-of-a-kind event! 

Let’s celebrate the talents of older adults specializing in country and western music. This event will start with a wonderful meal followed by entertainment and an exciting competition between country music acts.

There will be several winners at the event.  Winners receive an award, press coverage and fan adoration”. This is your opportunity to be part of an entertaining night of fun where Saskatoon’s seasoned talent is showcased.

For more information call the Saskatoon Council on Aging at 306-652-2255.

Fall 2019 Classes & Programs

Registration starts August 1, 2019

Note: All class/program fees must be paid in advance.
1. Phone 306-652-2255 to pay with credit card, OR
2. Mail a cheque to our office:
SCOA, Saskatoon Field House, 2020 College Drive, Saskatoon, S7N 2W4 OR
3. Visit our office at the Field House [after September 16th ] to register in person.

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Introduction to Genealogy

This is a basic genealogy class (Instructor Cindy Paradis/Genealogical Society) and will not be able to concentrate on anyone’s personal genealogy.  This class will cover: where to start, where to find information, what to do and what not to do, different organizational methods, and how to record information

Wednesdays (9hrs): October 9, 16, 23  1pm – 4pm            $90

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Wool Fibre Paint Art Class

Dianne Murphy, local wool fibre artist, back with wool painting. You will use natural fibres and the wet felting techniques to create your own “masterpiece”. Participants can bring a picture to work from or just have fun with colouring felts. All materials included.

Monday, October 21, 2019  1pm- 4pm           $50

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Wet Felting Vessel Wool Fibre Class

Dianne Murphy, wool fibre artist, is returning with a NEW Wet Felting class. “Making a vessel using a resist” is a technique used in the wet felting process to make a seamless article.  In this workshop, we will make a small bowl or hot pad while using this technique which can also be applied to making other items such as slippers, mittens, purses and other items.

Monday, November 18, 2019  1pm-4pm  $50

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Life Skills Class “Navigating the changes”

Canadian Housing & Mortgage Corporation:
Supports for aging in place
Canada has many housing options available for seniors that suit a wide range of budgets, health needs and personal preferences. CMHC staff will provide an overview of housing and financing options to help you make an informed decision. In addition, the Presenters will touch on helpful tips to avoid fraud and financial abuse related to housing.

Client Patient Access Services (CPAS):  Housing Transitions
CPAS provides access to, and determines eligibility for Long Term Care Homes (permanent admission and respite care), Community Day Programs, Home Care, Community Therapies, and Volunteer Services. CPAS also provides information on other housing options like, Private Care Homes and Assisted Living Homes. CPAS staff will provide an overview of the role the Health Authority plays in housing transitions for older adults.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019   1pm-3pm     $10 registration fee 

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NEW – Bereavement Class

What do I do now? A look at life after loss.

Caregivers face a major life transition as they move from a caregiving role, to grieving the loss of their loved one. Project topics will include the concepts of normal grief and complicated grief; how to deal with others who may not understand their grief; and how to move forward in their everyday lives. Resource materials included – limited class (10) so register early

Tuesdays, Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, 2019  10am – 12pm
Cost: $10 (Fee to cover administration costs)
Phone 306-652-2255 to register

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Apple Technology Classes

Beginner one-on-one Apple ONLY classes on Friday afternoons.  Become more confident using your Apple iPad, iPhone, Computer or Watches. Register now for 2 classes of 1.5 hrs (3 hrs) which includes a take home manual. Must bring your device.

Date: Friday afternoons  Cost:    $40

IOS 12/13 Apple operating system and iPhone/iPad photography/Cloud Classes

Mystified with the Apple system update (IOS 12/13)? Having troubles with photos stored on the “Cloud”? Small group class sessions with 5 people per class – register early.

Dates:
November 5^th     New Apple IOS update 12/13  1:30 – 3:00pm
November 19^th   Photography/Cloud Storage  1:30 – 3:00pm

Cost: $20 per class

Seniors Tech Buddy – Fall 2019

Older adults receive one-on-one instruction from local high school students. All tech devices and operating systems. Dates and times to be announced. 
Cost $10
Phone 306.652.2255 for more information and to register.

Pain Knowledge Needs of Family Caregivers and Persons with Dementia

The Saskatoon Council on Aging [SCOA] is pleased to collaborate with Dr. Susan Tupper on the research project “Pain Knowledge Needs of Family Caregivers and Persons with Dementia: Role of Virtual Reality as a Training Modality”. As a leading organization in the province dedicated to supporting positive aging through programs and services that enhance health, dignity, and independence for older adults, SCOA recognizes the importance of this research project for our community members.

Dr. Tupper and the Pain Dementia Virtual Reality Research Team have proposed to create an innovative training program on pain management for family caregivers and people with cognitive impairments related to dementia. Incorporating virtual reality videos into the training materials is an exciting new way to teach family members and people with dementia about pain. The training materials will be developed based on family member input, and their perspectives on the new virtual reality video will help shape the training program in ways that truly support older adults in Saskatchewan. This education will help our families to better cope with pain and prevent suffering and the many negative consequences of living with pain.

In the news: 

CBC Saskatoon May 20, 2019: Pain researcher uses VR to help caregivers deal with dementia patients’ pain. 

CBC Blue Sky May 29, 2019: Managing Acute and Chronic Pain: A panel of Saskatchewan Experts 

The research is funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation Advancement Inc.

 

Take the bus to the EX and Folkfest!

The Saskatoon EX (Aug 6-11) and FolkFest (Aug 15-17) are quickly approaching.  There is limited parking and increased traffic volumes around both the Saskatoon Ex and FolkFest.

Saskatoon Transit is once again offering FREE service to EX Superpass and FolkFest Passport holders. You can plan your route to and from the EX or FolkFest on the mobile app called Transit (or Google Maps on desktop).

Saskatoon EX Superpass holders can ride free every day on regular Transit routes to and from the exhibition grounds by showing their Superpass when boarding and all older adults (60+) ride FREE all day Thursday (August 8) on regular bus routes.

FolkFest Passport holders can ride free after 4pm on Thursday and Friday (August 15 – 16) and after noon on Saturday (August 17) by showing their Passport when boarding a Saskatoon Transit bus!

The Folkfest Bus Terminal – located on 3rd Ave. in front of City Hall – serves as the main transfer point for all Folkfest buses. Board a FolkFest bus at any pavilion, Market Mall, and participating hotels (Hilton Garden Inn, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Delta Bessborough and Sheraton Cavalier). You can also use the regular #1 and #19 buses to Prairieland Park.

OR take advantage of FolkFest’s Park ’n Ride service at transit terminals around the city. Park your car at one of several malls and ride to the Downtown Bus terminal to transfer at City Hall and ride the FolkFest buses for FREE.

 

Connected Care – Community Health Centre at Market Mall

Purpose: The focus of this Centre is to provide specialty care to older adults (50+) with non‐life threatening complex care needs.

Complex care includes:

• Changes in mobility or changes in memory
• Increasing challenges in managing day-to-day activities
• Increased difficulty coping with life’s events
• Increasing unstable chronic health conditions e.g. COPD

This specialty care is designed to be a form of support that bridges the transition from the hospital to home and to support patients dealing with one or a combination of the following issues: multiple chronic conditions; mental health issues; medication‐related problems; and social vulnerability.

Accessing services:

The Community Health Centre is not a family physician clinic or walk‐in clinic. To access services, please contact your family physician  for a referral. 
Note: A portion of daily appointments are reserved for anyone requiring rapid access to services based on their complex care needs.

Services include:

• In‐depth medical assessments
• Chronic disease management and treatment
• Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
• Support from Community Mental Health Nurses (onsite) and social worker home visits
• Help navigating the health and social services systems
• Home Care (mobile)
• Community paramedicine (mobile)

Clinics – offered on a rotating basis
Dental screening and referral
Home Care (mobile)
Stroke care follow-up (upon referral)

Community Health Centre at Market Mall Unit #55, Market Mall
2325 Preston Avenue South
Saskatoon, SK S7J 2G2
Located in mall, near parkade stairwell and elevator

Phone: 306‐844‐4050
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Daily, including statutory holidays CHCMarketMall@saskhealthauthority.ca

Download Connected Care ‐ Community Health Centre at Market Mall Fact Sheet produced by the Saskatchewan Health Authority