Your Weekly News & Updates
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2023 pre-budget submission and a new Canada Health Transfer agreement

On February 6, 2023 AFHTO submitted our recommendations to the government for their 2023 budget. Recommendations 1 and 2 of our 2023 pre-budget submission was done in collaboration with partners in the Primary Care Collaborative and recommendation 3 and 4 are two other recommendations AFHTO is advocating for.
Our recommendations are broken into four sections:
- Make team-based primary care available to more Ontarians through an investment of an additional $75 million per year for 10 years.
- Address the health human resource (HHR) crisis in primary care through the creation of a primary care HHR table.
- Provide mental health and addictions services and home and community care in coordination with primary care.
- Provide resources to support the implementation of primary care networks (PCNs) and recognize PCNs as the organizing model for primary care.
And in related news, read the Primary Care Collaborative’s release on today’s meeting between the Prime Minister and premiers here:
Collaboration in team-based primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic: study
Now published in BMJ Open, “A qualitative study of collaboration in interprofessional primary care teams during the COVID-19 pandemic” is our study with Drs. Rachelle Ashcroft, Catherine Donnelly and others. “Results revealed the importance of collaboration for provider well-being, and the challenges of providing collaborative team-based primary care in the pandemic context. Caution against converting primary care collaboration to predominantly virtual modalities postpandemic is recommended.” Read more here.
COVID vaccinations and digital supports materials
Recent updates include:
- COVID vaccinations and digital supports materials – UofT and OCFP, Feb. 3, 2023
We continue to update multiple pages on our site with resources and news:
Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates– the original page, with news and updates. You can find links to related pages here as well.
Member stories
Markham FHT – Dr. Allan Grill on how primary care is dealing with demand
St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT – Dr. Tara Kiran contributes to The Globe and Mail– “We need bold reform to fix family health care”
Coming soon: Updated High Risk OBSP genetic assessment referral criteria and forms
Ontario Health wishes to inform everyone of some upcoming changes to the High Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP). The High Risk OBSP was launched in 2011 to support organized screening of people at high risk for breast cancer. The program now screens approximately 13,000 participants each year with mammography and screening breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (or screening breast ultrasound if breast MRI is not medically appropriate). Read the full email here.
Seeking participants for an online survey about improving osteoarthritis care
With funding from the Arthritis Society, Dr. Anna Gagliardi and University Health Network (UHN) researchers interviewed 27 women with osteoarthritis (OA) and 31 healthcare professionals to identify strategies needed to improve OA care for diverse women, and possibly other disadvantaged groups. They are now seeking women with OA, family physicians, and healthcare researchers to participate in a two-round online survey. They will ask you to complete the Round One online survey (about 20 minutes). A few weeks later, they will send you anonymous results, and ask you to complete the Round Two survey (about 10 minutes).
ELIGIBLE WOMEN:
— Have suspected or confirmed osteoarthritis
— Are aged 40 or older
— Were born in or have lived in Canada for 10 years or more
— Can speak and understand English language
— Represent the following ethno-cultural group(s): Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Pakistani, African, Caribbean
***If you are a woman interested in participating or wish to learn more about the study, please contact: Angelina.abbaticchio@uhn.ca. Women will receive an e-giftcard for their participation.
ELIGIBLE HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS:
— Are a family physician practicing in Canada
— AND/OR are a researcher in the area(s) of health services research on OA or inequities in women’s health
***If you are a healthcare professional interested in participating or wish to learn more about the study, please contact: madeline.theodorlis@uhn.ca.
Seeking patients for early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
The Alzheimer Society of Toronto (AST), Toronto Memory Program, Retispec and Summerhill Optometry are conducting a study, funded by the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative. The aim is to enable early detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s disease through increased awareness and assessment in accessible community-based settings. While they have 3 assessment locations in Toronto, they are also open to travel to your location if there is significant interest. Cognitive Assessments are delivered by trained social workers. The completed assessments will be provided to the patient’s primary care provider for interpretation and follow-up. AST will provide services to those diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
The study is open to individuals 65 years and over who are experiencing memory problems, but do not have a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment or Dementia.
Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria:

To learn more:
- Flyer
- Video explanation of the study
If you would like to find out more by speaking to someone directly, please contact Sangeeta Semwal at DACstudy@alz.to or 416-708-8423.
Canadian Health and Well-Being In Developmental Disabilities, Feb. 8, 2023
Digital conference hosted by Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. Find out more here.
Using Culturally Safe Practices to Build Meaningful Relationships with Indigenous Communities, Feb. 9, 2023
Hosted by Indigenous Primary Health Care Council. Register here.
New Horizons Speaker Series webinar, Feb.10, 2023
What are the roles of virtual only clinics and technology-enabled care in the future of the health care system? How will these shape the future of primary care in Ontario? Join U of T Department of Family and Community Medicine faculty members for this discussion. Register here.
Cybersecurity and Canadian Health Care: Where do vulnerabilities lie? Feb. 14, 2023
Hosted by The Globe and Mail. Register here.
OHT Engagement Learning Series – Session 3 of 7: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Feb. 21, 2023
Hosted by Institute for Better Health and Trillium Health Partners. Register here.
Strategies to Increase Client and Family Engagement, Feb. 27, 2023
Hosted by RNAO and presented by Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). Register here.
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