Click here to read AFHTO’s response to the Ministry’s Patients First discussion paper, approved by the AFHTO board and submitted today to the Minister, Ministry and LHIN CEOs.
Response is grounded in feedback from members
In early January, AFHTO hosted 14 web meetings for FHT and NPLC leaders in each of the LHIN regions, resulting in priority action items. These provided the basis for AFHTO’s response.
Member input on question of accountability and contractual relationships
The January meetings revealed this topic to be the top priority item. The driving concerns appeared to be:
- Potential for misalignment since Patients First proposes to keep FHT/NPLC contracts and funding with the Ministry while accountability for planning and performance management goes to LHINs.
- Added burden and potential conflict in reporting requirements to the Ministry, LHIN and HQO.
In these meetings AFHTO members had expressed diverging views on the question of reporting to LHINs versus the Ministry, and so all FHT/NPLC leaders were invited to explore this topic more deeply. With the goal to develop with AFHTO members a position on accountability and funding relationships with the ministry and LHIN, about 30% of FHT and NPLC leaders responded via survey and/or two web meetings.
Respondents considered 10 facets of accountability and funding relationships between a FHT/NPLC and the Ministry or LHIN. Consensus emerged on the view that it’s important for performance expectations and funding decisions to be set by the same level; however, the membership was split on the ultimate question of funding relationship the Ministry versus LHIN. Click here to see the full report on the survey and web meeting results.
In assessing the responses and the response rate, the AFHTO board determined the following recommendations would best express the collective views of the membership:
- Ministry must establish minimum requirements for the LHINs’ role in planning and overseeing primary care, and hold LHINs accountable for meeting those requirements
- Ministry and LHINs must ensure that funding and performance requirements set out in contracts with primary care organizations, individual or groups of primary care providers, and other entities are aligned to achieve desired outcomes for the population and the health system
- Consistent performance measurement is critical
- Streamline multi-level reporting requirements and processes, and provide feedback to teams
- As capacity and trust are developed within each LHIN over time, evaluate whether funding and contractual relationships should remain with Ministry or shift to LHIN
Developing a unified response for primary care
AFHTO is chairing work by the Ontario Primary Care Council (OPCC) to develop a joint response to the Minister, to be finalized at its March 9 meeting. In a letter to Minister Eric Hoskins on January 25, 2016, six associations of the OPCC have provided initial feedback on the Province’s plans to strengthen our health care system. This work has been greatly informed by AFHTO’s consultation with members.
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