A new digital tool created by doctors cuts through COVID confusion

As many struggle with information overload about the quickly changing COVID-19 landscape, a new digital tool launched by family doctors aims to help Ontarians cut through the confusion.

This morning we were joined by the President of the Ontario College of Family Physicians, Dr. Elizabeth Muggah to tell us more about ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca.

The University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine’s Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) and the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) have launched  ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca.

The site is a resource to provide Ontarians with a reliable source of information on common worries, potential health impacts and the latest guidance to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Muggah says the idea for the site came because family doctors were getting a lot of questions about the COVID-19 Omicron variant. 

“It was clear for us listening to our patients that we needed to create something,” said Muggah. “There was a bit of a gap in terms of information.”

She says ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca gathers all the information and up-to-date guidelines surrounding COVID-19 and puts them in one place for people to access it. 

The online guide helps people understand current COVID-19 realities and guidance by answering questions like:

• What do I do about my symptoms?
• Can I see my relatives, or do I need to self-isolate?
• When should I call my doctor?

The first six questions are available online now and will be updated with more common questions as the Omicron situation evolves. 

Muggah says all the information has been vetted by trusted family doctors and all the questions came from patients. 

“[The DFCM and the OCFP] work together to make sure that the guidance really reflects the realities on the ground with what public health is telling us to do and the changing situation,” said Muggah. 

She says the most common question her team is getting right now is: when should I call my family doctor? 

“Our offices are open, so if there’s anything concerning you about your child getting COVID, any symptoms they are having that are worrisome to you, you should know that we’re here,” said Muggah. “In most cases, COVID can be treated at home, even for kids, with just some acetaminophen or Tylenol, some rest.”