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Tag: Library

  • Data to Decisions (D2D) ebulletin #2

    This is the second issue of the Data to Decisions (D2D) eBulletin. It will be released biweekly to keep members up-to-date on using manageable and meaningful measurement in your work, and how to participate in Data to Decisions 2.0 (D2D 2.0), tentatively planned for May 2015. The first issues of the bulletin will be sent to all AFHTO member contacts to allow members to judge whether they want to sign up to receive the bulletin on an ongoing basis.  Please forward the eBulletin to interested members of your team. We will be introducing the “sign-up” process for this eBulletin in the next issue.  In the future, only those who “sign-up” will continue to receive the eBulletin. In the meantime, if you have any comments or questions about the eBulletin, please let us know by e-mailing improve@afhto.ca.

    Data to Decisions eBulletin #2 – Jan 8, 2015

    Data to Decisions (D2D) is a member-wide summary of performance on indicators that are both possible for members to measure and that are meaningful to members.  D2D 2.0 is the second iteration of the report.  See the D2D page on AFHTO’s web site for more information about D2D and manageable meaningful measurement.  See below for updates about D2D and opportunities for you to be part of the process. The bulletins will be released every other Thursday. They will capture important developments emerging from the AFHTO members across the province and shared through the weekly QIDS Specialist web conferences.  Past issues will be posted on the QIDS Program page of AFHTO’s members only web site to make it easier for you to find all the relevant information related to D2D in one place.  For more information, please contact improve@afhto.ca

    Contributing to D2D 2.0

    REMINDER!! Complete the indicator selection survey by Jan 23, 2015.  Please review the instructions for working with your team to provide input about which indicators should be included in D2D 2.0.  The survey was released Dec 15, 2015 and is due Jan 23, 2015. Preliminary data dictionary for D2D 2.0: Please check out the preliminary data dictionary describing potential indicators for D2D 2.0.  It is now posted on the D2D web page.  Indicators Working Group meeting Jan 13, 2015: The group will discuss D2D report design and communication strategies among other things.

    Using D2D 1.0 to improve data quality and care

    Custom Query to extract data from forms in PS: A large and growing proportion of teams using PSS are taking advantage of this new data extraction functionality developed through the East Wellington FHTs Innovation Project. The query is simple to use and can be installed without cost. Click here for details Custom Queries details. To register for installation or get further information, please contact Marg Leyland.

    Other news about manageable meaningful measurement

    Leadership opportunities: the call for volunteers closes TOMORROW (Jan 9, 2015)! Please consider volunteering for one of the leadership roles in advancing manageable meaningful measurement. QIP Reports now available online: Health Quality Ontario has just released reports summarizing the quality improvement plans (QIPs) submitted this year by health care organizations across Ontario. Click here for the primary care report and click here for additional QIP resources. Patient-doctor partnership composite indicator development: Patients Canada will be working with AFHTO over the coming weeks to contribute patient input to the patient-doctor partnership composite indicator, one of the core components of meaningful measurement aligned with the Starfield principles.   See project outline or contact Puja Ahluwalia for more details

    What do you think?

    We will be introducing the “sign-up” process for this eBulletin in the next issue.  Please forward the eBulletin to interested members of your team. In the future, only those who “sign-up” will continue to receive the eBulletin. In the meantime, if you have any comments or questions about the eBulletin, please let us know by e-mail to improve@afhto.ca.

  • Introducing the Data to Decisions (D2D) ebulletin

    This is the first issue of the D2D ebulletin.  It will be released biweekly to help members and AFHTO staff keep track of everything everyone has to do and know to produce Data to Decisions 2.0 (D2D 2.0), tentatively planned for May 2015. Today’s public release of the FHT evaluation report underlines the importance of our collective work to use data to measure and improve, and demonstrate the value delivered by interprofessional teams providing comprehensive primary care. The ebulletin will give updates and reminders for key dates and activities on the following topics:

    • Contributing to D2D 2.0
    • Using D2D 1.0 to improve data quality and care
    • Other news about manageable meaningful measurement

    The initial issues of the bulletin will be sent to all AFHTO member contacts to allow members to judge whether they want to sign up to receive the bulletin on an ongoing basis.  The process for signing on to the distribution list will be outlined in a subsequent issue.

    Data to Decisions ebulletin #1 – December 18, 2014

    Data to Decisions (D2D) is a member-wide summary of performance on indicators that are both possible for members to measure and that are meaningful to members.  D2D 2.0 is the second iteration of the report.  See the D2D page on AFHTO’s web site for more information about D2D and manageable meaningful measurement.  See below for updates about D2D and opportunities for you to be part of the process. The bulletins will be released Thursday afternoons to synchronize with the weekly QIDSS calls and thus provide the most up to date information possible.  Past issues will be posted on the QIDS Program page  of the AFHTO members only web site.  We hope this will make it easier for you to find all the relevant information related to D2D in one single place.  For more information, please contact improve@afhto.ca

    Contributing to D2D 2.0

    Things to do Participate in the indicator selection process: Complete the survey by Jan 23, 2015.  Please review the instructions for working with your team to provide input about which indicators should be included in D2D 2.0.  The survey was released Dec 15, 2015 and is due Jan 23, 2015. Things to know Tips and Tricks to increase consistency of clinical EMR data entry and extraction: Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) is sponsoring 4 regional sessions with QIDSS to increase consistency of entry and extraction of clinical data related to cancer and associated chronic conditions.  In addition, QIDSS and the EMR Data Management subcommittee are working on strategies to increase access to data for 7-day follow-up, data quality and other clinical indicators.  Want to know more?  Please contact your QIDSS, Carol Mulder (carol.mulder@afhto.ca) or Kevin Samson (kevin.samson@ewfht.ca), chair of EMR DM subcommittee. D2D 2.0 consultation activities conducted to date: In addition to ongoing input from QIDSS and members, input on D2D 2.0 was sought from the Advisory Panel, the QIDSS host EDs and Patients Canada.

    Using D2D 1.0 to improve data quality and care

    Things to do How to get team-level ICES data: Teams can access team-level data through the HQO portal  with the collaboration of at least one doctor on their team.  HQO will be making team-level data available directly to EDs likely by the end of the 14-15 fiscal year (i.e. in time for D2D 2.0 submission). How to get drill-down data for D2D 1.0 “cost” indicator: All teams who requested data from ICES for D2D 1.0 can access drill-down detail on the cost of care indicator from ICES by contacting Rick Glazier.  The deadline for the original D2D 1.0 request is past.  If you didn’t make the June 2014 deadline, you will not be able to access cost data at the moment.  However, you can prepare to request these data for D2D 2.0.  Please see request form for information about what permissions are needed. Things to know QIDSS ongoing professional development: In addition to the CCO-sponsored regional sessions on EMR data entry and extraction, QIDSS are meeting in January for a full day professional development session to share and learn about helping clinicians use D2D to improve data quality and/or care.

    Other news about manageable meaningful measurement

    Things to do Leadership opportunities: consider volunteering for one of the leadership roles in advancing manageable meaningful measurement. Things to know Starfield framework development: Welcome Puja Ahluwalia, who joined the AFHTO team as coordinator for this project.   See the high-level project description for more details. HQO’s Primary Care Performance Measurement Framework: The prioritization of system-level indicators is near completion.  Input from and alignment with D2D figured prominently in the process, resulting in overlap of 7 of 10 indicators which were relevant for practice-level reporting.  Watch future bulletins and/or HQO’s site for more information about the prioritization process. Towards the next ministry contract: AFHTO members have indicated they want to have their accountability to the ministry defined in terms of collectively agreed upon measures that reflect value delivered. The ministry has said it is looking to AFHTO, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, to recommend performance measures. We are well-positioned to do this, by leveraging our collective work on D2D 2.0. HQO Measuring Up: When compared to the performance of primary care providers across the province reported in HQO’s Measuring Up report, D2D 1.0 shows that AFHTO members are performing well on several of the indicators included in both reports.  This is encouraging! Quality Improvement Plans: QIP navigator has been launched by HQO.   QIDSS will be meeting in early 2015 to share strategies for using D2D process in QIPs.

    What do you think?

    You will receive several more D2D bulletins before you will be asked if you want to sign up to continue receiving it.   We look forward to hearing from you about if and how this D2D bulletin is working for you!

  • Preparing for a busy influenza season

    Dec.17- AFHTO forwarded the following information to all AFHTO members on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer of Health: Please see the memo regarding recommendations in response to current influenza activity, including circulation of potentially mismatched influenza A/H3N2 strains. For more information, please contact your local public health unit. Visit the ministry’s website to locate your local public health unit. French translation of this memo will be distributed in the coming days.

  • Indicator Selection for Data to Decisions (D2D 2.0) – survey deadline Jan 23, 2015

    It’s D2D time again! We’ve made a list – we’d like you to check it twice! Please provide your input into the selection of indicators for the second iteration of Data to Decisions (D2D 2.0).  We would like to finalize the list early in the new year to give everyone as much time as possible to get the data and pull the report together.  To that end, please complete the survey by Jan 23 2015. What is D2D 2.0? Data to Decision 2.0 is AFHTO’s way of “keeping going” in the journey to advance manageable meaningful measurement.  It is the second iteration of a membership-wide report summarizing performance on indicators that are both possible for members to measure and that are meaningful to them.  It follows the lead of D2D 1.0, which was AFHTO’s attempt to “get started” on this journey  (see FAQ for more background on D2D 1.0).  “Keeping going” is different than “getting started”.  For example, the goal this time is to get as many teams as possible contributing data.  This is partly to ensure that all members have equally good opportunities to use the report to fuel their own local efforts to improve quality.  It is also important to ensure that the results are truly representative of AFHTO members as a whole.  And finally, it is critical to making sure that the new ministry contract focuses on measures that matter to members.  Input from the MOHLTC suggests they are very open to the idea of using D2D 2.0 as a basis for this contract, assuming it represents the vast majority of members. Where did the short-list of indicators come from? The short list of indicators for D2D 2.0 is based on input from an advisory panel of clinicians and EDs, the QIDSS host ED forum, Patients Canada and consultation with members regarding the new Ministry contract as well as ongoing informal input from members before, during and after the release of D2D 1.0 in a variety of forums.  The list is also heavily influenced by the recent work to prioritize the long list (i.e. 200+) of indicators in the PCPMF.  The criteria for selecting indicators that emerged from this input is as follows:

    • Be part of D2D 1.0 unless there is a clear indication against including them again
    • Address a clear and important-to-members gap among D2D 1.0 indicators
    • Be possible for majority of AFHTO members to access data with reasonable effort
    • Align as much as possible with sector wide reporting processes/capacity (i.e. to facilitate inter-model comparisons)
    • Be among the top-weighted indicators in the Starfield Primary Care Index (to extend capacity to measure quality of comprehensive, patient-centered care aligned with patient expectations)

    What is the short list of indicators? There are 3 groups of indicators for members to provide input on.

    1. Existing D2D 1.0 indicators: All of the D2D 1.0 indicators will be retained in 2.0 unless there is clear evidence that it is not possible for a large proportion of AFHTO members to do so in a consistent way.  The definitions and data capture processes for some indicators have been modified to address concerns raised about feasibility and data quality in the D2D 1.0 process.
    2. Potential additions for D2D 2.0: Several indicators are proposed to fill perceived gaps in coverage in D2D 1.0.  The specific rationale for each indicator is provided in the survey materials.  Only a small number of candidates are offered for input, given the very clear guidance against having large numbers of indicators.
    3. Context indicators: In addition to the “peer group” characteristics included in D2D 1.0 (i.e. roster size, rurality and EMR access to hospital discharge data), several other indicators (e.g. teaching status) are proposed to make it more meaningful for teams to compare to peers.

    See survey instructions for detailed list of indicators. How do AFHTO members provide input for indicator selection?

    1. Find out what your team thinks about the indicators:  You may choose to ask your Board, your Quality Improvement committee, your physician group and/or your staff about what indicators matter most to them.   If you want to do a local “first round” of the survey, we have a provided a mechanism for that.   We have also provided a short handout about D2D 1.0 in case that helps start the conversation.  See survey instructions for more details.
    2. Complete the survey by Jan 23, 2015: You can complete the survey as an individual or as a group.  Just indicate how many are in your group when you do, so we can account for that in the results.
    3. Talk to us! Contact Carol Mulder (carol.mulder@afhto.ca), any QIDSS or member of the Indicator working group.  All of these people are actively involved in the actual implementation of the report so they can give you more background and/or bring your comments forward.
    4. Take the lead! AFHTO has is asking for members to volunteer for a variety of leadership roles related to advancing manageable meaningful measurement.  One of the newest of these is the Physician Leadership Council.  More information will be forwarded to all members soon.  In the meantime, please consider these opportunities for you to provide further input.

    How do we find out more? AFHTO will be launching a regular bulletin to better share emerging news about advancing manageable meaningful measurement.  Watch for this coming soon to your inbox.  In the meantime, please check out the D2D page  or contact Carol Mulder (carol.mulder@afhto.ca) for more information.

  • EDAC News: Ensuring Value, FHT Evaluation, & Work Ahead

    AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met yesterday. This update provides an overview and highlights key items discussed:

    • Ensuring EDAC Value
    • FHT Evaluation Report
    • Towards the Next Ministry Contract
    • PHC Branch Meeting
    • QIDS Program Update

    Ensuring EDAC Value

    EDAC plays a significant role in enabling EDs to surface operational issues, provide a sounding board on operational matters and give advice to AFHTO staff as needed. EDAC provides a platform for our members to work together to advance best practice knowledge transfer, enhance collaborations and foster leadership communications. In order to continue with the effectiveness of EDAC, the Terms of Reference have been updated and a clear work plan and set of objectives has been developed to guide the course of work over the next 6 months. EDAC members recognize the need to support their ED colleagues. An initial priority is to develop an ED Resource Toolkit consisting of standardized resources and best practice templates pertaining to governance and operations. EDAC members also shared how they communicate, engage and consult with the group of EDs they represent within their group (i.e. LHIN region or by special focus – aboriginal/inuit, academic, blended salary model or NPLC) and keep them informed of EDAC’s work as it progresses. Click here for a list of all EDAC members.

    FHT Evaluation Report

    In 2008 the MOHLTC commissioned an external five-year evaluation of the FHT model of primary care. An embargoed copy of the final evaluation report, led by the Conference Board of Canada has been shared with AFHTO, FHTs and NPLCs. A membership webinar was held on December 10th to review the results and AFHTO has developed a summary to aid in the assessment and interpretation of the document.  It is anticipated that MOHLTC will release the report in the next few weeks. The report points to areas of focus for optimizing FHT/NPLC value, function and operations. EDAC’s work plan is aimed at some of the key points in the report – enhancing leadership capacity, strengthening governance and fostering collaborative working relationships as crucial components for achieving high-performing primary healthcare teams.

    Towards the Next Ministry Contract

    MOHLTC-FHT contracts expire on Mar.31, 2016. The templates that are developed to replace them could significantly reshape the relationship FHTs have with the Ministry. For this reason, under the direction of the board, AFHTO is moving along the journey to work with and on behalf of members to achieve a contractual relationship that is much more conducive to achieving the vision that all Ontarians will have timely access to high-quality comprehensive primary care that is delivered by the right mix of professionals, informed by the social determinants of health, anchored in an integrated and equitable system, and sustainable.

    • Performance Measurement & Accountability

    A central component for new contract development is the process to determine the performance measures to be reported under Schedule A. The ministry is looking to our members, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, to recommend performance measures aligned with the ministry’s focus on enhancing access/integration and supporting quality and sustainability in primary care. We are well-positioned to do this, by leveraging our collective work on the next iteration of Data to Decisions (D2D 2.0) and continuing to engage our members and other stakeholders (ICES, HQO, AOHC, OMA).  Encourage your team members to participate in the D2D 2.0 indicator selection process – details to be emailed on Dec. 15.

    • MOHTLC-FHT  Contract Template

    The contract template itself identifies the terms and conditions of funding in addition to some programmatic elements. Reviewing current MOHLTC-FHT contract templates provides the opportunity to develop more mature and meaningful contracts that will support interprofessional teams to continue to deliver high-quality primary care and improve the health of the people in the communities served. A number of EDAC members volunteered to participate on a working group that will provide recommendations on possible amendments to the contract template that will support FHTs in achieving their objectives.  All members will be kept informed and engaged as this process unfolds.

    Meetings with the Ministry’s PHC Branch

    The most recent quarterly meeting between AFHTO and the Primary Health Care (PHC) Branch was held on November 21st and an email update was circulated to members on November 24th. Following from this, EDAC members discussed:

    • 2015/16 Operating Plan & Funding Envelope

    The PHC branch has requested input from EDAC on the process, timelines and draft materials. Over the next week all members of EDAC will review the draft documents and compose feedback. A number of EDAC volunteers will synthesize the feedback received and provide a report back to the Ministry.

    • 2013/14 Annual Report Feedback

    It was noted that over half of the EDAC members polled have received an annual report feedback from their Ministry consultants. While overall there is consensus that these scorecards are valuable, it is recognized that many of them contain transcription and statistical errors. Members are encouraged to provide feedback to their Ministry consultants to rectify errors accordingly. EDAC will develop a summary of recommendations and advice to the PHC branch to support the development of more accurate and useful feedback.

    • Physiotherapy Allocation Updates

    All physiotherapy allocation letters have been circulated. The PHC Branch acknowledged that while the application was open to about 300 interprofessional teams (FHTs, NPLCs, CHCs, AHACs) there was only limited funding available. For those members who wish to discuss their application, they can contact Sue Hache (Senior Program Consultant, Interprofessional Programs Unit MOHLTC) at 613-536-3206.

    • Recruitment & Retention

    This continues to be the area of primary focus for AFHTO. EDAC members received an update on advocacy activity. Again members are encouraged to meet with MPPs so that political pressure will continue to keep this issue on the front burner.  (And thank you to EDs and others who have been active. The Minister has faced a number of questions in the legislature.)

    • Need for timely, robust and helpful feedback from Ministry

    Drawing some threads through these discussion items, EDAC members observed the need to work in a more meaningful and mature partnership with the Ministry. Feedback is critical to improving the delivery of care. In order to be useful, the feedback must be timely, with sufficient context and specificity to understand and act on it, and be constructive, so it can lead to solving problems and improving performance. AFHTO will be taking this message forward to PHC Branch to work together to improve.

    QIDS Program Update

    A brief update was provided on the status and current work of the QIDS program. Key highlights are identified below:

    • Build capacity to measure and improve interprofessional primary care by applying the lessons learned from D2D 1.0 to the next iteration (ie 2.0) tentatively scheduled for mid-May 2015.
      • Reminder that indicator survey will go out Dec.15, for reply by late January.
      • Advocate for manageable meaningful measurement and accountability in the upcoming renewal of the FHT contract with MOHLTC
      • An evaluation of the QIDS program will be conducted and will include direct input from QIDSS and host and partner EDs. Surveys will be circulated over the next few weeks.

    The next meeting of EDAC will be held in late January/early February. For any further questions, please contact your EDAC representative (click here for list) or:

    Kavita Mehta (Chair, EDAC) Executive Director, SETFHT kavita.mehta@setfht.on.ca Bryn Hamilton Provincial Lead, Governance & Leadership Program 647-234-8601 Bryn.Hamilton@afhto.ca

     

  • Chief Medical Officer of Health Memo: new and updated on Ebola virus disease resources

    The Chief Medical Officer of Health has released the following new and updated resources on Ebola virus disease for primary care and paramedic services:

    • updated Chief Medical Officer of Health Directive for Paramedic Services
    • summary of changes to the Chief Medical Officer of Health Directive for Paramedic Services
    • new Chief Medical Officer of Health Directive for Primary Care Settings
    • screening tools for paramedic services and primary care settings

    These resources are now posted in English at www.ontario.ca/ebola and in French at www.ontario.ca/virusebola.

  • Five-year FHT evaluation report: Registration details for briefing on Dec. 10

    Registration details for the ministry briefing on the five-year FHT evaluation report on December 10, 2014 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm have been confirmed. This message has been sent to the Executive Director, Lead MD/NP and Board Chair of all AFHTO member organizations. Register for the webinar here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8399439067843427073

    • After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
    • You are invited to share this information with your colleagues and staff. However, due to the limited capacity of the webinar, we ask that each team limit the number of separate log-ins and view the webinar together.

    This webinar will give participants a brief overview of the findings of the report and give an opportunity to ask questions. Click here for background information on the study and ministry briefing. To help prepare members for the public release of the five-year FHT evaluation results, AFHTO will be hosting the webinar and providing supporting materials as follows:

    Monday, December 8

    		 An embargoed copy of the report and briefing slides will be shared with members in advance of the briefing.

    Wednesday, December 10

    		 Attend briefing, several methods for participation:

    1. Log-in to the webinar when it starts using the link provided in your confirmation e-mail.
      1. Participants will be able to send in questions during the session.
      2. Participants can access the webinar by computer or on their smartphone (Download the app for iPhone or Android).
    2. Phone in to the webinar. You will be able to listen but not ask any questions.

    Friday, December 12

    		 A recording of the webinar and any other supporting materials will be available on the AFHTO members only website.

  • Ministry contracts and funding issues: update from Nov.21 PHC Branch meeting

    The quarterly meeting between AFHTO and the MOHLTC’s Primary Health Care Branch was held on November 21st 2014. The meeting focused on:

    • Process to revise Ministry contract templates and schedules
    • Recruitment and retention
    • 2014/15 funding, reporting & budget reallocation
    • 2015/16 Operating Plan process
    • Funding envelope for interprofessional primary care

    Process to revise Ministry contract templates and schedules

    Following from the AFHTO membership’s work to develop a common direction — Toward the next ministry contract: Principles and guidance for moving forward –  AFHTO and PHC Branch have begun to map out a path to put in place new contract templates before the current Ministry-FHT contracts expire on March 31, 2016. With this comes the opportunity to develop more mature and meaningful contracts that will support interprofessional teams to continue to deliver high-quality primary care and improve the health of the people in the communities served. While these discussions focus on FHTs, AFHTO retains a clear focus on the needs of, and implications for, our NPLC members. Discussion with PHC Branch focused on the process to review and renew the contract template, which identifies the terms and conditions of funding in addition to some programmatic elements. The Ministry is looking to our members to provide recommendations on possible amendments to the contract template that will support FHTs in achieving their objectives. Discussion also focused on the process to determine the performance measures to be reported under Schedule A of the contract. Members have agreed that:

    • Financial and clinical reporting should minimize duplication in data collection and reporting.
    • Accountability should be defined in terms of collectively agreed upon measures that reflect value delivered.
    • Reporting requirements should place more emphasis on the work of the team to achieve outcomes and less on individual member activities and patient encounters.

    The ministry is looking to AFHTO, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, to recommend performance measures aligned with the ministry’s focus on enhancing access/integration and supporting quality and sustainability in primary care.  We are well-positioned to do this, by leveraging our collective work on the next iteration of Data to Decisions  (D2D 2.0) and continuing to engage our members and other stakeholders (ICES, HQO, AOHC, OMA). Ministry representation will be added to the process.  As a collective, we will continue to identify manageable and meaningful measurement and demonstrate the value and impact of interprofessional primary care as we work towards the next ministry contract.

    Recruitment & retention

    Recruitment and retention remains the most significant challenge for FHTs and NPLCs. This issue is well-recognized in the PHC Branch. AFHTO members:  This issue can only be addressed at the political level of government. We understand planning work is underway, and are encouraged by support that has emerged from the opposition parties – seen in a question in the Legislature from the NDP Health Critic (Oct.28) and a Member’s Statement from the PC member from Huron-Perth riding this past week. The best thing AFHTO members could do at this point is continue to meet with MPPs – this is the political pressure that will be the most effective at this point. To help you in this work– click here for:

    2014/15 funding, reporting & budget reallocation

    All budget letters have been mailed out to the FHTs; NPLC letters are in the approval process. For FHTs that requested funding for physiotherapy, these letters are separate and should be sent out over the next few weeks. The need for transparent letters that clearly identify funding increases versus reinstatement of funds was noted. Ministry representatives accepted the feedback but noted that the letters are based on standard ministry templates they are required to use. The approved funding for QIDSS positions was also reviewed. While we are pleased to see some increase in QIDSS positions, MOHLTC was able to fund only 3.5 FTEs out of the 13 requested. The ministry signalled the commitment to continue with performance measuring and maintaining a strong focus on quality yet stressed the limitation of working within confined budgets. There is a need to develop more clear expectations for host sites of QIDSS; AFHTO will work with our host and partner sites to develop advice for the ministry accordingly. While funding is tight there is room for flexibility in use of budgets.  PHC Branch noted there are still dollars being returned at the end of each fiscal year. FHTs and NPLCs are encouraged to request reallocation of approved budgets to meeting needs.  This includes requests to move funds for current vacant positions (clinical or admin) to a QIDSS position. For the quarterly reports, the ministry noted that there is no expectation for FHTs to backfill data for Q1 or Q2, the expectation is that data will be provided for Q3 only.

    Accountability Reform Initiative

    Now that budget letters have gone out, this will be the next focus for the ministry. Stay tuned for ARI approvals and information on the next cycle of applications. AFHTO’s Fundamentals of Governance guidebook, videos and toolkit is available to help members take the steps needed to meet the requirements.

    2015/16 Operating Plan

    AFHTO conveyed members concerns regarding the challenge of meeting reporting deadlines and then waiting 8 months for approvals. We acknowledge that much of the approval process takes place beyond the control of PHC Branch, but both sides are interested in continuing to find ways to improve the process that takes place within the branch. Ministry staff are currently working on  process and timelines for the 2015-16 operating plan and budget submissions. Draft material will be shared in the next couple of weeks; the ED Advisory Council will review during their December meeting and provide feedback. As the process unfolds, AFHTO will work closely with our members to support them in completing the submission requirements.

    Funding envelope for interprofessional primary care

    The current budget allocated for Interprofessional Programs (FHTs, NPLCs and AHACs) has pretty well reached the limit.  The message to AFHTO members is:

    • Your association will continue to use all available evidence to make the case for investment in interprofessional primary care.
    • In order to do this, we must collectively demonstrate and document the value to health and the health system from Ontario’s investment in interprofessional primary care.
    • Our collective work to advance manageable and meaningful measurement, aligned with the Starfield principles, is a fundamental key to accomplishing this.

    In the current fiscal climate, it will be challenging to expand the budget envelope.  As we approach the next cycle of operating plans, we must all be prepared for no new money, and find ways to make optimal use of available funds.

  • New Resources and Opportunities: QIP Navigator Training, Award Nominations and Support for Patient Care

    FHTs and NPLCs are invited to take advantage of the following opportunities, some of which are time-sensitive. This post includes information on the following:

    • QIP Education and Navigator Training to prepare for the launch of the QIP Navigator on Nov. 24
    • Nominate an individual for The Change Foundation’s 20 Faces of Change Awards by Nov. 28
    • New resources available to support patient care
      •    Opportunity for patients: Diabetes Hope Foundation scholarship  available for youth
      •    Online resources on prenatal education in Ontario
      •    Online course – Radon: Is it in your patients’ homes?
      •    Cancer screening app available from Cancer Care Ontario
    • Call to participate in expert panels with the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health

    QIP Education and Navigator Training to prepare for the launch of the QIP Navigator on Nov. 24

    Health Quality Ontario (HQO) is offering four opportunities to attend education sessions (Nov. 24- Dec. 2) to support QIP development and submission. These webinars will also be archived and posted on the Navigator site for later reference. Click here for the webinar invitation and registration details. The QIP Navigator will go live on November 24, 2014. Should you have any questions, please contact the QIP team at QIP@hqontario.ca.

    Nominate an individual for The Change Foundation’s 20 Faces of Change Awards by Nov. 28

    The Change Foundation needs your nominations for their 20 Faces of Change Awards, which will honour those who have inspired positive, patient-focused change in our healthcare system. Do you know a health care champion who has improved care for patients and families in your community? Help shine a spotlight on their work to advance our system for all Ontarians – good ideas are worth spreading. Click here to submit a nomination before November 28, 2014.

    New resources to support patient care:

    Opportunity for patients: Diabetes Hope Foundation Scholarship available for youth

    Teens making the transition from high school to post-secondary education, and from pediatric care to adult care for 2015, can apply for one of the $2,500 scholarships offered annually through Diabetes Hope Foundation. Applications must be received by March 9th, 2015.  Please share this information with your patients and send any questions to heather@diabeteshopefoundation.com.

    New online resources on prenatal education in Ontario

    Best Start Resource Centre’s report explores the current status of prenatal education in Ontario and identifies existing gaps and needs. It summarizes relevant results and the fact sheets share highlights including recommendations. Click here to access research findings and fact sheets for clinicians.

    Free online course for clinicians – Radon: Is it in your patients’ homes?

    Linked to the lung cancer deaths of 3,200 Canadians every year, MacHealth, the Ontario College of Family Physicians and Clean Air Partnership are pleased to present an online course to help health-care professionals better understand radon. Click here for more information.

    Online cancer screening app for clinicians from Cancer Care Ontario

    Cancer Care Ontario’s free cancer screening app for healthcare providers includes:

    • Quick access to Ontario’s breast and cervical cancer screening guidelines
    • Easy-to-navigate recommendations for follow-up of abnormal results
    • Instant viewing, printing and emailing of patient and provider resources

    Download it by searching “Ontario Cancer Screening” in your app store. For more information about cancer screening programs and other relevant resources, please call 1.866.662.9233, email screenforlife@cancercare.on.ca or visit www.cancercare.on.ca/pcresources.

    Call to participate in expert panels with the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health

    The Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health is looking for expert participants for the following:

    • Sickle Cell Quality Based Procedures (QBP) Expert Panel- deadline to join Nov. 21

    We are seeking a variety of paediatric and adult clinicians from specialties involved in optimizing care for people with sickle cell disease.

    • Transition to Adult Health Services (TAHS) Discharge Planning Implementation work group – meeting on Dec. 9

    Primary Care input (MD and/or NP) would be of tremendous benefit. If you have any questions about either group, please contact Mary Ellen Salenieks, Senior Project Manager at 416-813-7654 x 203667 or Maryellen.salenieks@sickkids.ca.

  • Toward the next Ministry contract: results from the leadership survey and session

    The results of the first phase in our collective journey toward the next Ministry contract has been e-mailed to all AFHTO member Board Chairs, Lead MD/NPs and EDs of AFHTO member organizations. New contracts will come into force for FHTs on April 1, 2016; their content could influence Ministry-NPLC contracts as well. Click here to review the principles and guidance for moving forward. As described in a September 10 e-mail, the objective at this stage has been to develop a common statement of principles and set of agreed priorities to guide AFHTO’s work toward the new contract template. This has been done through a survey of our FHT and NPLC leaders (115 responses) and the leadership session held immediately before the AFHTO conference (over 180 participants). From this process, strong support has emerged for a clear set of principles for:

    • Governance of primary care organizations
    • Accountability and reporting to funders
    • Determining accountability measures

    In addition, the process has revealed priority needs to help strengthen team collaboration and move toward accountability for agreed upon outcome measures. AFHTO members also reported their hopes and concerns as we go through this journey. Overall, AFHTO members have indicated they want to be accountable for achieving meaningful outcomes.  They are hopeful this will provide clear evidence of the value their organizations deliver, and as a result, will lead to improvements in the funding relationship with the ministry as well as greater efficiency in reporting. Members have urged caution in choosing measures, to ensure they meet the stated principles (e.g. evidence-based, clinically important, aligned with other priorities, easy-to-track on an on-going basis, able to reflect variation in teams and complexity of populations). The ministry must collaborate to define these measures, and AFHTO members must have the opportunity to engage in this process. There is indisputable need for sufficient support so that FHTs and NPLCs have the capacity to collect and report their data. Please review the report (in your e-mail) for full details on the conclusions that have been drawn and the membership response that led to these conclusions. The principles and priorities are also posted on the AFHTO members-only website (log-in required). With this clear direction from the leaders of AFHTO member-organizations, the AFHTO board will continue to guide this journey toward the next ministry contract and advance meaningful, manageable measurement. Along the way, ongoing advice from various membership councils and consultations with the broad AFHTO membership will continue. Thank you to all who participated in the survey and in the leadership session. Comments are welcome at any time – please send to info@afhto.ca.