Interprofessional Health Care is a team approach that brings together primary care providers (family doctors, nurse practitioners and medical residents) with other health care providers to give you the best possible care. One of the benefits of being a part of a family health team is having access to a range of Interprofessional Healthcare Providers (IHPs). Our IHP team includes chiropodists, dietitians, nurses, an occupational therapist, pharmacists, a physiotherapist, a respiratory therapist, and social workers. Below is a short description of each IHP.
Chiropodists are foot experts that assess, manage, and prevent foot disorders and diseases. Chiropodists manage both acute and chronic conditions affecting feet and lower limbs. The chiropodists at our FHT clinic provide total nail and skin care and can prescribe and fit you with custom foot orthotics, ankle foot orthoses and orthopaedic footwear. In addition, they can prescribe topical and oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
Dietitians are regulated health professionals who use their expertise in food and nutrition to improve overall health. The dietitians at our FHT clinic offer individual nutrition care for diabetes, weight management, heart health, gastrointestinal disease, and pregnancy. Dietitians provide nutrition counselling and education, with a focus on health promotion and chronic disease management. As well, dietitians counsel healthy eating for children, adults, and seniors.
Occupational therapists are experts in the activities of daily living that help bring meaning to your life. The occupational therapist at our FHT clinic works with you and your caregiver to identify your current function, understand your personal goals, and helps you perform tasks as safely and independently as possible. An occupational therapist helps you with a variety of diagnoses ranging from mental health issues to mental concerns, to physical dysfunction concerns. They also provide you with recommendations, education, support, and offer you additional resources.
Pharmacists are highly skilled and trusted medication experts that provide thorough medication assessments. The pharmacists at our FHT collaborate with you, your caregiver, and your primary provider to identify, prevent and solve issues related to medications you take. Pharmacists will assess and make recommendations about medications, and always consider your health care goals and preferences.
Physiotherapists provide evidence based, client centered care over the life span for multiple body systems. The physiotherapist at out FHT clinic sees patients who do not have access to physiotherapy services through private insurance, OHIP, ODSP or OW. The physiotherapist provides physical assessments, education, and recommendations on how to manage your condition. They may also provide you with a home exercise program or refer you to community programs and services. Common conditions which are seen by the physiotherapist at our FHT clinic include: muscle, bone or joint pain injuries, arthritis, sports injuries, balance, and gait concerns.
Respiratory therapists are lung experts that work with patients to improve their breathing problems and overall lung health. The respiratory therapist at our FHT clinic works with you and your primary care provider to support a new or ongoing diagnosis and provide treatment and care to lung diseases such as asthma and COPD. Our respiratory therapist reviews your symptoms and history, performs breathing tests, and offers recommendations for treatment options. The respiratory therapist also offers individual smoking cessation counselling. Lastly, the respiratory therapist provides lung health education and may offer additional resources to further support you.
Social workers provide services to patients with mental health care needs. The social workers at our FHT clinic provide short-term psychotherapy and supportive counselling for mild to moderate mental health concerns, such as: anxiety, depression, adjustment or stress, grief or bereavement, and addictions. In addition to therapy, our social workers can help you with advanced care planning (power of attorney and discussion of ACP wishes) and connect you with important resources to help with matters such as drug coverage, financial and housing problems, and unemployment.