Preface: MOHs should be applauded for their tireless commitment to the health & safety of our communities.
Thread: As a person who writes #guidelines & is a specialist in a condition that depends on self-care, a few thoughts to offer on "guidance": 1/8 #abhealth #abpoli https://twitter.com/CMOH_Alberta/status/1290674295903928320

When guiding ppl you need to know where they R, where they need to go & what they need to get there.
When it comes to back to school:
Where are ppl: Anxious & at home
Where do you want them: Safely at school
What do they need: A plan that aligns w/ what they know about safety 2/8

Evidence will evolve, but as I see it, there is little harm in telling families you will give them what they need to keep their kids safe: masks, socially distanced learning environments, home learning options & lots of hygiene support. 3/8

Having "evidence" be the stop valve on providing parents what they have been told for months is required for safety is confusing & erodes trust.
David Sackett would call this "evidence-burdened" decision-making, not evidence-based decision-making BTW. 4/8

In my experience, evidence is never as compelling to patients as it is do docs. Never. Ppl need to know what has a reasonable chance of working **in their lives**. This requires talking to patients in clinical medicine, and public consultation for public health. 5/8

Going into the fall w/ all this uncertainty & distrust of medical, education & political institutions is a bit of a nightmare.

But the remedy is actually simple, take the time (& resources) to talk to people. It is respectful & lived experience brings wisdom. 6/8

Inclusive, respectful policy making will build healthier communities. Do that & invest in that. Keeping ppl on the edge of their seats as they wait to hear if their schools sound "safe enough" is frankly cruel & unnecessary. 7/8

We know what families need to be comfortable with sending their kids to school. Don't patronize them and tell them that a lack of "evidence" stands in the way of doing what is sensible. Respect families & teachers, invest in safety. 8/8