Leading Primary Care through the Next Stage: Leadership Session summary of proceedings (Oct. 28)

The results of the AFHTO Leadership Session held on October 28, 2015, immediately before the AFHTO conference, are presented for your review. This report summarizes what we heard from these members – approximately 200 Executive Directors, Lead MDs/NPs, and Board chairs/members – and ties in related comments and observations from members throughout the conference. The Leadership Session was designed to identify issues and shape the direction to be taken by this sector, supported by the advocacy, networking and knowledge-sharing made possible through AFHTO. This year, the session focused on the question of a “population based approach to primary care”.  What came out from our members is a clear readiness to tackle the challenges that await us and there is significant caution about how change is implemented.  Most importantly members want:

• To be heard. Members are ‘skeptically optimistic’ regarding closer LHIN alignment; they want thoughtful consideration and adequate consultation with FHTs/NPLCs.
• To be valued. Primary care is the foundation of a sustainable health system; policy, planning and resourcing need to strengthen this foundation.
• To be supported to succeed. Above all else, sufficient funding is needed to stabilize the workforce and ensure sufficient capacity to deliver quality care. IT infrastructure and EMR connectivity are also in need of further development.

This report will be used to guide AFHTO’s advocacy and member services – with increasing focus on advocacy with LHINs in addition to the Ministry – to ensure our members get the support and resources they need to navigate the changes ahead. AFHTO members are welcome to send further comments and ask questions at any time:

• Regarding advocacy work, to CEO Angie Heydon.
• Regarding the governance and leadership of FHTs/NPLCs, to the Provincial Lead for the Governance and Leadership Program, Bryn Hamilton.
• Regarding AFHTO’s work to advance measurement capacity, to the Provincial Lead for the Quality Improvement Decision Support Program, Carol Mulder.