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2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Lori Letts; Julie Richardson FHT/ORG: School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University ABSTRACT: This presentation will share findings from two research projects that evaluated the contributions rehabilitation professionals make with patients with chronic diseases in primary care. The first study was a randomized trial with patients seen by physiotherapy and occupational therapy for individualized assessment, intervention, group self-management, and web-based supports to self-manage their conditions and functioning. Intervention group participants had significantly fewer planned hospital days, and were significantly more satisfied with rehabilitation services. The second study was a before-after design with case-matched controls, using a population based approach to rehabilitation self-management and organizational capacity-building. Participants in the intervention group had significant improvements in physical activity and strength; and improved self-efficacy that was not maintained. Team members reported benefits from the capacity building intervention. Together, these two studies call attention to the importance of self-management, physical functioning, and meeting rehabilitation needs of patients with chronic illnesses seen by Family Health Teams. Click here to view presentation.

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Janet Obre, RN (EC), BScN, PHCNP; Kate Jasper, B.A., M.Sc., Mental Health Counselllor FHT/ORG: STAR FHT ABSTRACT: The “Teen Health Check In” Clinic was developed to increase accessibility to mental and physical health care for youth in our practice community. The goal of the clinic is to provide information and supports that promote prevention, early identification and intervention for common mental and physical health concerns in a format that fits for teens. The plan for achieving this involves offering weekly open access / drop in time for teens, no appointment is necessary and youth can meet with a nurse practitioner and / or a mental health counselor. This initiative was developed in collaboration with community partners that can be referred to from the clinic. In providing this clinic the gap between mental and physical health is closed thereby decreasing stigma associated with mental health concerns. This presentation will outline the development and progress of this initiative, specifically addressing need, planning, implementation and evaluation. Click here to view presentation.

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Kimberly Vaughan, MSW RSW; Elizabeth Smith, RN (EC), MN PHC Nurse Practitioner FHT/ORG: Thames Valley FHT- Old South Site ABSTRACT: Adapted from the Antidepressant Skills Workbook (Dan Bilsker PhD/Randy Paterson PhD), this program for individuals with mild/moderate depression is short, structured, and focused on getting activated. An antidepressant toolkit encourages SMART goals and small steps towards success. Participants complete the PHQ-9 and Herth Hope Index at the beginning of the first session and at the end of the fourth session to provide pre- and post-test evaluation of the program’s effectiveness. In the pilot project of this program, participants post-test PHQ-9 scores averaged 2-3 points less than pre-test scores and post-test HHI scores averaged 4-6 points higher than pre-test scores indicating an decrease in depressive symptoms and an increase in hopefulness. Feedback provided by participants was overwhelmingly positive emphasizing benefits of the materials provided and the group format. Facilitated by a social worker and nurse practitioner, the success of this intervention also highlights the impact of interdisciplinary collaboration of FHT’s. Click here to view presentation.

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Brenda Mills, Coordinator, Child & Youth Mental Health Initiative; Jaclyn Busser, BScN, RN, CCHN(C) Public Health Nurse City of Hamilton & Hamilton FHT FHT/ORG: Hamilton Family Health Team ABSTRACT: The Hamilton Family Health Team (HFHT) has embarked on two key partnerships to improve patient care. This presentation will discuss the unique relationships between the HFHT and the Children’s Aids Societies, and the HFHT and Public Health Services. The first initiative involved the assignment of two child protection staff to work collaboratively with three family practices to increase knowledge and communication with a goal of early intervention and prevention strategies that are timely and less intrusive. The second initiative, the HFHT- Public Health relationship, started in 2009 with a focus on facilitating adaptation of the new ‘Enhanced 18 Month Well Baby Visit’ and has continued to expand since that time. This presentation will illustrate how the HFHTs partnerships have reduced barriers and increased capacity building, and will provide insight as to facilitating factors, challenges and key lessons learned from both exciting collaborations. Click here to view presentation.

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Difat Jakubovicz, MSc, MD, CCFP, FCFP; Ian Waters MSW RSW; Azadeh Moaveni, MD CCFP, Gita Lakhanpal, MES, OT Reg (Ont) FHT/ORG: Toronto Western Hospital Learning Objectives Participants will be able to: a)     Understand key components of an Interprofessional Team Case Conference (IPCC) b)    Appreciate how IPCCs can help health care professionals become a patient centered collaborative practice team c)     Discuss opportunities and challenges when planning an IPCC Rationale/Background: Family Health Teams face numerous challenges in becoming effective interprofessional teams.  The Toronto Western Hospital (TWH) Academic Family Health Team (AFHT) pioneered the Interprofessional Team Case Conference (IPCC) as a way to share expertise among health professionals in order to improve patient care. TWH then shared their expertise with St. Joseph’s Health Centre (SJHC) Urban FHT, who developed a site-specific model.  Successes and challenges of developing and maintaining IPCCs will be discussed and suggestions provided for how one can implement a similar model in their own practice. The IPCC focuses on improving patient care by developing: a) an understanding of the various roles and scopes of practice of various health care professionals, b) the ability to effectively communicate with other team members, c) respect for each profession’s contribution to patient care and d) a reflective process to maximize the quality and effectiveness of patient care. This will be an interactive presentation. Click here to view presentation.

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Andrea Stevens Lavigne, MBA, Vice-President, Provincial Programs; Carole Madeley, RRT, CRE, MASc, Director, Respiratory Health Programs FHT/ORG: Ontario Lung Association ABSTRACT: Research from the Ontario Lung Association has demonstrated that a comprehensive patient care model for primary care, which utilizes evidenced-based tools for health care providers and patient education, can not only improve lung health but also save health care costs. The Primary Care Asthma Program (PCAP) model was proven to be effective in improving patient outcomes and reducing expensive healthcare resources. A Comprehensive Patient Care Model suggests adapting the successful asthma management model (PCAP) for COPD patients, and making the model available to all patients with asthma or COPD throughout Ontario. The direct economic impact of other interventions, such as smoking cessation models, will also be illustrated, over 10 years and 30 years into the future. Click here to view presentation.

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Lucy Bonanno, Executive Director;  Nadya Zukowski, Health Promotion Specialist FHT/ORG: Summerville FHT ABSTRACT: The Summerville Arthritis Program is a novel, collaborative approach to community Osteoarthritis care. Our interdisciplinary team partnered with The Arthritis Society and Pfizer to map out the delivery of a comprehensive yet flexible program. The program guides the patient through in-house services including a group education session, one-on-one counseling, a joint injection clinic and the ‘Maximize Your Health’ Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. It also identifies a pathway for Rheumatoid Arthritis care. The program was piloted winter 2011 and is now being offered Summerville-wide starting fall 2011, thus optimizing patient-centered care. Click here to view presentation.

We will be welcoming a capacity audience to the AFHTO 2011 conference on October 25-26 – over 500 leaders and staff from 146 of Ontario’s 186 FHTs. Plenary sessions include:

• Steven Lewis, well-respected Canadian health policy researcher and consultant will speak on Leading Change on Day 1.
• Panel on the Future Direction for Primary Care within Ontario’s Health System on Day 2 will include Susan Fitzpatrick, ADM, MOHLTC Negotiations and Accountability Management Division; Greg A. Reed, President and CEO, eHealth Ontario; and Dr. Stewart Kennedy, President, Ontario Medical Association and physician in the Harbourview Family Health Team.

Click here for up-to-date details about the conference and program agendas.

AFHTO 2011 conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Lucy Bonanno, Executive Director;  Nadya Zukowski, Health Promotion Specialist FHT/ORG: Summerville FHT ABSTRACT: The Summerville Arthritis Program is a novel, collaborative approach to community Osteoarthritis care. Our interdisciplinary team partnered with The Arthritis Society and Pfizer to map out the delivery of a comprehensive yet flexible program. The program guides the patient through in-house services including a group education session, one-on-one counseling, a joint injection clinic and the ‘Maximize Your Health’ Stanford Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. It also identifies a pathway for Rheumatoid Arthritis care. The program was piloted winter 2011 and is now being offered Summerville-wide starting fall 2011, thus optimizing patient-centered care. Click here to view presentation