Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: key issue

  • External evaluation report on family health teams is now available

    The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has released the report: An External Evaluation of the Family Health Teams (FHT) Initiative. It is a longitudinal study over the period from Dec. 2008 to November 2013, prepared by the Conference Board of Canada under contract to the ministry. AFHTO has prepared a summary of this 311-page report. The FHT evaluation report shows clear evidence of improvement over the study period, 2009-2012:

    • Patient survey data suggests the ability to get same-day appointments in FHTs ranks among the best in the world for primary care. 79% of patients reported they could get a same day appointment. This compares to 40% for Ontario (and 72% for top-performing Germany) in Health Quality Ontario’s Measuring Up report
    • FHTs are offering a wider range of programs and services to promote health and manage chronic disease. Interprofessional teams make it possible to bring together the variety of skills needed to help people stay as healthy as possible

    AFHTO welcomes this release. The FHT evaluation report provides further evidence and direction for the Ministry, AFHTO, FHTs and other primary care organizations together with their associations, on what is needed to continue to improve. We have better understanding of factors that have improved patient experience in accessing care, including strong leadership, team culture, use of patient data, and provider involvement in quality improvement activities. The most notable findings indicate that staff make the biggest difference to patient experience; however recruitment and retention of staff is particularly challenging. The FHT evaluation report’s findings reinforce those of previous AFHTO reports – below-market compensation is a problem; adequate funding is needed to solve it. Improvement continues. Since August 2013, this has been greatly assisted through government funding for Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Specialists and AFHTO’s provincial QIDS and Governance + Leadership programs. The AFHTO membership is advancing to achieve optimal quality, access and total cost of care, in line with public and patient expectations. Click below to link to further information:

  • HQO Releases Report On End-of-Life Care in Ontario

    Dec. 15 – Health Quality Ontario’s (HQO) End-of-Life Health Care in Ontario report was released today. Click here to download the full report and recommendations. The report addresses where the health system must improve to ensure the best end-of-life care for all Ontarians, and highlights the need for an increased number of professionals trained in palliative care. The report also identifies the need for a more patient-engaged approach to end-of-life care, encouraging productive, informed conversations about end-of-life care between patients, their loved ones and their care providers. The End-of-Life Health Care in Ontario report is accompanied by recommendations from HQO’s Ontario Health Technology Advisory Committee (OHTAC) and builds on important work by Cancer Care Ontario, the Local Health Integration Networks, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario, and the Ontario Medical Association, among others. For more information:

  • AFHTO members participating in Ontario Low Back Pain pilot program

    Nov. 26 – The government of Ontario announced the launch of a pilot program as part of the province’s Low Back Pain Strategy. Six AFHTO member organizations will be participating in this pilot:

    The government announcement indicates that these organizations will be able to provide additional hours for a range of allied health providers such as chiropractors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, kinesiologists and registered massage therapists to:

    • Provide faster, more accurate assessment of low back pain problems
    • Use a more holistic approach to treating patients suffering from low back pain
    • Educate patients on low back pain self-management techniques
    • Refer patients to an appropriate health care provider as needed

    Click below for more information:

  • Comparing Health Quality Ontario’s new Measuring Up report to D2D 1.0 results

    Health Quality Ontario has just released its yearly report on Ontario’s health system, Measuring Up. The section on primary care presents indicators related to access to primary care, patient experience and recommended screening tests, with some comparisons at the LHIN, provincial and international levels.  Click here to view the full report. A number of these same indicators are reported specifically for AFHTO members in Data to Decisions 1.0: Advancing Primary Care (D2D 1.0), which enables team-level measurement and reporting. The table below compares the HQO and D2D 1.0 results.  Keep in mind D2D 1.0 was about getting started; while the results are generally positive, they are based on a self-selected sample of 50 teams and therefore possibly not representative of all members.  As work continues towards the next iteration (D2D 2.0), a larger sample of teams and more clarity about data quality will make comparisons to other groups more appropriate.  In the meantime, the initial pattern, should it continue, is encouraging!

    Timely access to primary care – encouraging results among AFHTO members

    D2D 1.0 reports significantly better performance in same day or next day access to care among the 50 AFHTO members who contributed these data, compared to Ontario primary care providers in general. International survey results reported by HQO indicate 40% of Ontario patients have same day or next day access to their primary care provider in Ontario, while D2D 1.0 results show 59% of patients from the reporting AFHTO members have same day or next day access. It’s no wonder the case study HQO uses to illustrate the impact of getting this timely access is a patient in a family health team! (Meet Theresa, Measuring Up, page 37)

    AFHTO members continue the journey toward manageable, meaningful measurement

    Data to Decisions allows teams to compare themselves with relevant peers and support efforts to improve quality. All members are invited to participate in a variety of ways, including contributing data. AFHTO is aiming to launch Data to Decisions 2.0 in May 2015.

    Comparing results

    The table below presents results from both reports for the comparable indicators.

    Ontario: HQO Measuring Up Report (see infographic for primary care results)

    AFHTO D2D 1.0: Advancing Primary Care (50 teams reporting)

    Timely access to primary care

    40% of those surveyed report that they are able to see their primary care provider on the same day or next day if they are sick (Figure 4.2, page 35).

    59% of patients responded they are able to see their primary care provider on the same day or next day if they are sick.

    Overall patient experience

    83% of surveyed Ontarians report that their provider always or often gives them the opportunity to ask questions (Figure 4.6A, page 40).

    87% of surveyed patients report that their provider always or often gives them the opportunity to ask questions.

    82% of surveyed Ontarians report that when they receive care, their provider always or often spends enough time with them (Figure 4.6B, page 41).

    87% of surveyed patients report that when they receive care, their provider always or often spends enough time with them.

    85% of surveyed Ontarians report that their provider always or often involves them in decisions regarding their care (Figure 4.6C, page 42).

    88% of surveyed patients report that their provider always or often involves them in decisions regarding their care.

    Colorectal cancer screening

    57.8% of eligible Ontarians had recommended colorectal cancer screening in the past year (Figure 4.7, page 44).

    64% of eligible Ontarians had recommended colorectal cancer screening in the past year.

    For more information on D2D and the indicator results, click here to go to the AFHTO members only website. (If you do not have your member login information, please email info@afhto.ca.) In addition to primary care, HQO’s Measuring Up report also covers health status, public health, hospital care, home care, long-term care, system integration and health workforce.

  • AFHTO 2014 Conference: In Partnership with Patients

    • “Nothing about me without me.” At the close of the AFHTO 2014 Conference, Dr Tia Pham, lead physician at the South East Toronto FHT, reminded the audience of these famous words on patient partnership from Don Berwick, founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.
    • “It’s the patient’s experience that counts.” Concluding comments from Dr Joshua Tepper, CEO of Health Quality Ontario and physician at the St. Michael’s Hospital Academic FHT, at the Bright Lights Awards dinner.
    • “May I help you?”  Advice from patient/caregiver advocate, Sandra Dalziel, for putting up a simple sign in clinics that communicate a critical message and core value to patients and staff.
    • “Caregivers are the unpaid jewels of the healthcare system.” An important reminder from patient/caregiver advocate Sara Shearkhani, on the need to fully engage with them as key members of the patient’s team.

    Close to 900 people took part in the AFHTO 2014 Conference – In Partnership with Patients: True Integration of Care.

    Proceedings were opened by the Honourable Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins, who spoke to the key role FHTs and NPLCs are making in the transformation of Ontario’s health system.  As he closed, he acknowledged the key challenge of recruiting and retaining staff in these organizations. “This is very much front of mind for me,” he told the audience, and AFHTO followed up with a media release to give public reinforcement to this need. Much of the Minister’s speech focused on one of the three core themes of his mandate – “Putting patients at the centre.”  This theme ran throughout the conference from Dr. Sholom Glouberman’s thought provoking opening to the closing panel discussion – “In partnership with patients: How far have we come? How far must we go?” Themes of partnership shone throughout the conference with the 48 concurrent sessions; 74 poster presentations; 15 networking sessions for the various types of health professionals working in primary care teams; the leadership session attended by 200 executives, lead clinicians and board members from AFHTO member organization; and the 5 EMR User Sessions spearheaded by AFHTO’s communities of practice partnering with EMR vendors.

    The AFHTO annual conference is the best learning and networking opportunity for people who work in and with family health teams, nurse practitioner-led clinics and others providing comprehensive, interprofessional primary care. Please help us to continue:

    • Submit your evaluation survey: If you didn’t fill in the form at the conference, please take a moment to do so now.
    • Book your calendar NOW for the next AFHTO conference on October 28-29, 2015, once again at the Westin Harbour Castle.

    The value of the AFHTO 2014 Conference continues.

    Click on the links below to access:

    Thanks once again to the volunteers who contributed to the success of the AFHTO 2014 Conference – speakers, working group members, program hosts, networking hosts, registration desk volunteers. Thank you as well to our sponsors and exhibitors. It’s truly an honour and pleasure to work with so many highly talented, enthusiastic and committed people across the AFHTO community. We look forward to seeing you next year – October 28-29, 2015!

  • AFHTO calls for quick action on government’s Primary Care Guarantee

    800 Primary Care Providers meet in Toronto to share best practices and push for enhanced primary care.

    Toronto, ON (October 16, 2014): The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) called for the Wynne government to take quick action to implement one of its election commitments: a guarantee that every Ontarian has access to primary care. “The evidence is in. When patients have access to high quality, team-based primary care they stay healthier longer, get sick less, and we save the health system money by staying out of hospital,” said Angie Heydon, Executive Director of AFHTO. “Evidence from around the world, and more recently in Ontario, demonstrates that the introduction of primary care teams are providing patients with better care, at the best value.” The Association’s members provide primary care in over 200 communities, serving over 3.5 million patients throughout Ontario. AFHTO announced support for the government’s election commitment to guarantee timely access to primary care in Ontario. They also rolled out several key solutions they believe will help ensure the government meets the commitment:

    • Introduce immediate measures to help primary care teams recruit and retain health care professionals like dietitians and nurse practitioners that are leaving primary care
    • Expand access to interprofessional primary care teams in the province
    • Enhance the capacity of primary care teams to measure and track patient outcomes

    The Association’s annual conference is taking place October 15 and 16 in Toronto. During the conference AFHTO also announced their third annual Bright Lights Awards, which recognize individuals for their leadership and work to improve the value of services delivered by primary care teams in Ontario. Winners were selected from over 60 submissions in a nomination process that took place in August of this year. A full list of winners can be found below. Profiles of the winners and their work are detailed here. About AFHTO: The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario is a not for profit organization representing Ontario’s interprofessional primary care teams. AFHTO works to support the implementation and growth of primary care teams by promoting best practices, sharing lessons learned, and advocating on their behalf. Evidence and experience shows that team-based comprehensive primary care is delivering better health and better value to patients.

  • AFHTO launches Data to Decisions 1.0: comparing measures across teams for the first time

    Data to Decisions 1.0: Advancing Primary Care (D2D 1.0) is the tangible result of our collective “get started” effort in team-based performance measurement across the AFHTO membership. D2D 1.0 is a summary of primary care data that are currently available, comparable and mean the most to AFHTO members in their efforts to advance quality of care for their patients. AFHTO members can access D2D 1.0 in the Members Only website.

    Why D2D 1.0?

    Measuring our performance helps us demonstrate the value of patient-centered, relationship-based comprehensive primary care.  It helps us fulfill our commitment to our patients by helping us find the gaps locally AND provincially so we can direct the attention of our funders and partners to work with our members to improve the system.  Measurement also helps us use our resources to develop processes and tools that can help ALL primary care providers use manageable and meaningful measurement to improve quality. The measures in D2D 1.0 were selected by members through a process that began with Indicator Working Group review of indicators defined by the HQO’s Primary Care Performance Measurement Framework and aligned with the Starfield principles, and culminated with a vote by members on a short list based on data availability and feasibility. Fifty members contributed their data in this completely voluntary initiative. D2D 1.0 can be used by ALL members – whether or not your team has contributed data. The report is accompanied by a suite of supporting materials to help teams use the data to advance their work to improve quality for their patients.

  • AFHTO’s 2014 Annual Report to the Members is now available

    The 2014 Annual Report gives insight into the progress of AFHTO members – family health teams and nurse practitioner-led clinics – collectively supported by their association, to move toward their shared vision. This is a vision where all Ontarians would have timely access to high-quality and comprehensive primary care, and that care is informed by the social determinants of health, delivered by collaborative teams in partnership with patients and communities, and anchored in an integrated, equitable and sustainable system. The association’s achievements are firmly grounded in AFHTO’s strategic priorities.  These priorities are squarely focused on ensuring members are supported in all the key factors required to optimize quality and value – governance and leadership, measurement and improvement, integration and support for care delivery, and the ability to recruit and retain staff. Read about the past year’s achievements in each of these strategic priorities – click on the link to go to AFHTO’s 2014 Annual Report to the Members.

  • AFHTO 2014 Conference: Minister & keynote speakers confirmed; Registration still open

    We are very pleased to welcome the Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins and other keynote speakers: Special Keynote: Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Speaker - Opening Plenary - Minister Eric Hoskins - small for webDr. Eric Hoskins was first elected to the Ontario legislature as the MPP for St. Paul’s in 2009. He was re-elected in 2011 and 2014. Minister Hoskins currently serves as Minister of Health and Long-Term Care. He was appointed as Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment in February 2013. He has previously served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Minister Hoskins is also a renowned humanitarian, family doctor and a proud Ontarian with a long and dedicated record of public service.   Opening Plenary: “In Partnership with Patients” Wednesday, October 15, 2014 from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM Speaker - Opening Plenary - Sholom Glouberman - small for web Dr. Sholom Glouberman, President of Patients Canada Dr. Sholom Glouberman, President of Patients Canada and Philosopher-in-Residence at Toronto’s Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, will lead conference participants in a thought-provoking exercise designed to prepare you for the conference sessions ahead and challenge you to think differently about how we plan and deliver primary care. Dr. Sholom Glouberman is a well-respected and knowledgeable health care systems policy analyst and teacher, and he is the president and founder of Patients Canada. In 2005, Sholom underwent a major surgical procedure and became a patient. He thought he could manage his experience as a patient in the system, but he was wrong. He now works to create a whole new education for patients – however sophisticated they are – to cope with the complexities and difficulties posed by being a patient in the system for any length of time. He believes that strengthening the patient voice is critical to improving everyone’s healthcare experience. Closing Plenary: “In partnership with patients: How far have we come? How far must we go?” Thursday, October 16, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM Ask the experts:  What do patients think about the innovations and knowledge shared at this “In Partnership with Patients” conference?  A group of thoughtful and articulate patients will join Sholom Glouberman, President of Patients Canada, and Cathy Fooks, CEO of the Change Foundation and senior health leaders to reflect on what they saw and heard in the conference sessions. From their perspective – Where did they see promising progress? What is their advice for strengthening the patient-provider partnership and optimizing the patient experience? Click here for plenary description and further details. Register for the AFHTO Conference today!

    We look forward to seeing you there!

  • AFHTO 2014 Conference: One week left to register at “early-bird” rate, prices go up at 5pm on Sept. 22

    conference logo with border-2014-05-27-680px

    Book by September 22 to take advantage of discounted rates

    AFHTO has obtained an extension for preferred accommodation rates at The Westin Harbour Castle, and so the deadline for reduced rates for conference registration is also extended. Register for the conference: To qualify for early-bird rates, payment must be received by Sept. 22, at 5:00 PM EST.  As of Sept. 22 all conference registration fees increase by $75 per person; Awards Dinner fee increases by $25 per person. Members must enter a validation code for further discounts. Discounted travel and accommodation arrangements for conference attendees:

    AFHTO members – take advantage of additional FREE programs available to you immediately before the conference:

    • Profession-based programs to develop relationships and share experiences with peers from across Ontario
    • For board chairs/members, executive directors and lead MD/NPs of AFHTO member organizations. (Please note these are not open to other FHT/NPLC team members):
      • Towards the Next Ministry Contract: This 2-hour facilitated session is designed to develop a common statement of principles and a set of agreed priorities to guide AFHTO’s advocacy on behalf of members.   It will build on findings from a survey of FHT/NPLC leaders (to go out by Sept.17).
      • Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care:  This is evidence-based training program is delivered by delivered by FHT and NPLC peer leaders. Click for more information on the session and to register.
    • NOTE: QIDS Specialist Professional Development Program is being deferred to later this year.

    Go to the AFHTO 2014 Conference webpage for conference program details and frequently asked questions. Conference Highlights:

    • Education Credits available:
    • This program has been reviewed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and is awaiting final accreditation by the College’s Ontario Chapter.
    • Attendance at this program entitles certified Canadian College of Health Leaders members (CHE / Fellow) to 4.75 Category II credits toward their maintenance of certification requirement.