Ultimate Blogging Championship

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  • AFHTO members meet with Ministry: what we know and what we’re doing about it

    Over forty AFHTO members from around the province – the combination of AFHTO’s Physician Leadership Council (PLC) and ED Advisory Council (EDAC) – came together last Thursday to dialogue with the Ministry to gain further clarity on what is known (and not known) as it plans for primary care.  One of the messages is that work to develop policy and strategy is underway and that there will be further discussion and consultation as this progresses. Following this dialogue, members concluded the priorities for action they identified over July/August are on the right track, and then developed further advice on each topic.

    Meeting summary

    For the full meeting report click here. So what do we know and where do we go from here?  EDAC and PLC members concluded that:

    • Members should expect a closer relationship between LHINs and primary care, but we don’t know yet what that will look like and whether or not this will include any form of funding and accountability. We need to further develop these relationships right away. AFHTO is facilitating meetings and preparing education materials to help members do this.
    • Government’s priority on access and equity signals that interprofessional teams must continue (or begin) to look more broadly at their communities to find ways to broaden access to team-based care to those who need it most.
      • More equitable funding is needed to attract and retain the staff needed to do all this work. We have no formal commitment from government as of yet; this remains the top priority for AFHTO’s advocacy.
      • As demand grows to broaden access to teams, AFHTO members’ collective work in defining how we measure and track health human resource capacity is critical to reduce the risk of compromising patient care and teamwork. The goal is to introduce an initial indicator of this capacity in the next cycle of Data to Decisions – D2D 3.0.
    • Government is considering a common set of publicly reported, primary care performance indicators. The collective work of AFHTO members to advance measurement is absolutely critical to lead the way to ensure these measures are meaningful to clinicians and manageable for reporting.
    • At the strategy and planning level, we remind the Ministry and LHINs of the need for thoughtful ways to include primary care leaders in its development.
    • As teams, we also need to look internally at how we can improve the value we deliver to our patients and communities.
    • Transparency is critical – at all levels, from the Ministry, from LHINs, from AFHTO, from all of the stakeholders. Information is needed from the Ministry since the voids are being filled by misinformation.

    In light of AFHTO’s growing impact on the provincial stage, EDAC and PLC members applauded as the AFHTO President announced the board’s decision to confer the title of Chief Executive Officer to Angie Heydon, following their recent leadership review. For further details from this meeting please see the full report [PDF].

  • Primary Care Practice Reports available for FHT Executive Directors

    Health Quality Ontario has informed us they are launching team-level access to ICES data for Executive Directors. There is also the possibility of using them to access data for D2D. Discussions are underway to confirm this possibility which will make it that much easier for your team to contribute data to D2D 3.0. The consent page is now live with a deadline of October 30th, 2015 for delivery to teams by mid-December. Please sign up using your official email address to make registration easier (as this should match Ministry records). For further information please see below. …………………………………………………………….. Everyone providing primary care to Ontarians is dedicated to quality improvement. Now, Executive Directors working in Family Health Teams have access to team-level data as well as trends and change ideas through Health Quality Ontario’s group-level Primary Care Practice Report. These team-level  reports will provide you with information on your team’s demographics, case mix, patterns of patient use of service, the health status of your practice population, and information on specific chronic disease management indicators, as well as related quality improvement change ideas. They share how your Family Health Team is performing compared to other teams in your Local Health Integration Network and across the province. They do not have physician-level data but they do have data at the level of the physician group (e.g. FHN, FHO). Physicians can get their own data through a similar process (see below). Primary Care Practice Reports are confidential. Your team’s reports will not be shared with others. It can be used to inform quality improvement work and your Quality Improvement Plans. Before you sign up, inform the physicians in your practice that you’ll be receiving a report with aggregate data for the team. Then sign up to receive your report by visiting HQO’s website. You will receive your first report in December. These Primary Care Practice Reports, which are now being introduced for Executive Directors, have been and still are available to individual physicians who work in primary care and long-term care settings. Encourage physicians working in your Family Health Team to sign up to receive their personalized Primary Care Practice Report. They can also watch this video to hear from family physicians already using this report to help drive change in their practice. The Primary Care Practice Report has been created by Health Quality Ontario and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, in partnership with the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario.

  • Data to Decisions eBulletin #18: Accessing your team’s ICES data

    Start the sign-up process to get team-level access to your ICES data. Click here for instructions. Progress in measuring our capacity to serve all patients: Click here (scroll down to the “human resource capacity” section) for information about emerging considerations for this new indicator for D2D 3.0. Patient contact system: Learn how the patient contact system is helping 5 teams automatically do patients surveys directly from their EMRs. Nightingale EMR data extraction: Thanks to the efforts of their Community of Practice, all Nightingale EMR users now have access to Data Miner to extract data!  Contact Marg Leyland for information about training. AFHTO at Health Quality Transformation: Come see AFHTO’s posters about working with patients as partners and increasing access to EMR data at Health Quality Transformation 2015 – it’s free! New addition to AFHTO: Welcome to Catherine Macdonald as the new QIDS Program & Governance and Leadership Program Assistant, stepping in as we bid a fond farewell to Denise Pinto who supported our programs from the very beginning! Help spread the word about D2D. Invite others to sign up for the eBulletin online.  What is D2D? 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. See the D2D page on AFHTO’s website for more information.

  • Data to Decisions eBulletin #17: AFHTO making progress since D2D 1.0

    We have made progress since D2D 1.0! Decisions from Data: Progress from D2D 1.0 to 2.0 report takes a look at our journey to advance manageable meaningful measurement.

    Make sure D2D makes clinical sense: Click here to join the conversation with fellow clinicians and/or see progress on development of indicators for ED visits, follow-up after hospitalization and more. The COPD query to build a registry from your EMR can now be run on OSCAR – in addition to Accuro and Telus PS! New! View all your D2D data on the new D2D Historical Data webpage (NOTE: This page is temporarily disabled while we prepare for the launch of D2D 3.0, coming on December 3). You can view the data submitted by your team for D2D 1.0 and D2D 2.0. Spreading knowledge: Has your team found something that works in using data to improve? Drop us a line so other teams can learn with and from you. Help spread the word. Invite others to sign up for the eBulletin online.  What is D2D? 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. See the D2D page on AFHTO’s website for more information.

  • Member News: Women’s health grants, IHP & Physician fellowship programs & more

    See below for more information on the following:

    • Grant and Fellowship Opportunities:
      • Research Grants for Local Women’s Health Issues – notice of intent due September 1st
      • Grants for IHPs & Physicians from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (multiple deadlines)
    • Clinical Resources & Training:
      • Perinatal mental health support online (consultation, assessment & ongoing care)
      • CIHI Web Conference Series – Meeting the Needs of Health Care’s Highest Users
    • Government of Ontario:
      • Community Hub Framework Advisory Group Releases Report
      • Ontario Retirement Pension Plan Details Released

    Grant and Fellowship Opportunities:

    Grants for Local Women’s Health Issues – notice of intent due September 1st

    AFHTO members partnered with community organizations may be eligible to apply for $15,000 in one-time one year (non-renewable) grants to support research projects that advance the health of women and girls at the local level. Offered by Women’s Xchange, see below for relevant deadlines:

    • September 1, 2015 at 4:00pm – deadline for a notice of intent (necessary for application)
    • October 1, 2015 at 4:00pm – deadline to apply for funding

    To learn more including how to apply, you can visit their site.

    Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – 2015 Call for Proposals Grant for IHPs and Physicians

    Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) Ontario Region has now released its Fall 2015 Call for Proposals. IHPs and physicians working with breast cancer initiatives may be eligible for the Research Grants and Fellowship Programs.

    Clinical Resources & Training:

    Perinatal mental health support available online (consultation, assessment & ongoing care)

    Mount Sinai Hospital has increased capacity to support women with perinatal mental health problems through the use of advanced video technology. They can offer consultation, assessment and ongoing patient care, either in a health care provider’s office or in the patient’s home via a new Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) program, Guest Link. With this program neither the patient nor health care provider needs to be a registered OTN member. Services are OHIP billable. For further information, you can visit their program website. If you have any questions, please contact Natasha Persaud, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Perinatal Mental Health at 416-586-4800 ext. 8630 or npersaud@mtsinai.on.ca.

    CIHI Web Conference Series – Meeting the Needs of Health Care’s Highest Users

    Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)’s is launching a web conference series From definitions to action: meeting the needs of health care’s highest users. This series reviews examples of different approaches to defining “high users”, the contexts in which the various definitions are being used and some of the implications of using these definitions. For more program information, please visit the conferences website. If you have any questions, you can also email conferences@cihi.ca.

    Government of Ontario:

    Community Hub Framework Advisory Group Releases Report

    The Premier’s Community Hub Framework Advisory Group has now released its report, Community Hubs in Ontario: A Strategic Framework and Action Plan, outlining eight recommendations for the creation of community hubs, which have been accepted by the province. These recommendations, among others, could have implications for community coordination of patient care. To learn more or provide further input, please visit the site.

    Ontario Retirement Pension Plan Details Released

    Premier Kathleen Wynne released some key details on the province’s plan to expand pension coverage through creation of the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan (ORPP). These include timelines for implementation and eligibility including:

    • The ORPP would not apply to those currently in a comparable workplace pension plan.
    • It will be funded by equal co-contributions from both employers and employees.
    • Enrolment and contributions would be phased, with the latter reaching 1.9 per cent each from employers and employees by 2021.
    • Benefits would be earned as contributions are made and would be paid starting in 2022.

    For further details, including the definition of “comparable plan”, you can visit the site.

  • Forging Ahead: AFHTO members preparing for next stage of primary care evolution

    Government announcements are anticipated in early September. This email summarizes priorities for AFHTO, set through the ED Advisory Council (interview results and July 28th meeting), Physician Leadership Council (July 30th meeting) and AFHTO Board (August 12th). In light of government’s communications to date, the 5 priorities identified for AFHTO were:

    1. Developing and strengthening relationships with (and education for) LHINs, in anticipation of a tighter relationship between LHINs and primary care.
    2. Addressing the province’s intent to broaden access to teams while ensuring teams can continue to deliver quality care.
    3. Determining how to measure “Capacity” – a fundamental component in assuring quality care.
    4. Shaping what it means to take a “Population-Based Approach to Primary Care”.
    5. Strengthening governance of teams – a critical requirement for leading this next stage in primary care’s evolution.

    Scroll down to read more about these priorities.

    Stay Tuned:

    • Sept. 17 — The ED Advisory and Physician Leadership Councils will meet together to review further developments from government and plan next steps.
    • Oct. 28 — Leadership session at the AFHTO conference is open to leaders of all member organizations.
    • November through February — AFHTO is organizing “Regional Leadership Sessions” – to include AFHTO leadership, FHT/NPLC EDs, Lead Physicians, Board Chairs, LHIN leadership, and other stakeholders deemed appropriate within each LHIN region.

    What can you do now? Relationships are fundamental…start getting to know the FHTs/NPLCs in your region, think about how you could strengthen partnerships with the LHIN or how AFHTO might assist! Moving Forward – AFHTO will continue to engage our membership and keep everyone informed as soon as formal announcements are made or direction is received.  Working together we will identify and provide the necessary education, training and guidance needed to lead the way for comprehensive, high-quality, team-based primary care.

    1.    Relationship with/Education for LHINs

    All members – EDAC, PLC and the AFHTO board – as a priority to be addressed immediately, to prepare for the evolution ahead. Next Steps:

    • To build profile for FHTs and NPLCs with each LHIN CEO, ED Advisory Council reps have been invited to join with AFHTO’s ED (and one or two other EDs/Lead MDs) in meeting with their respective LHIN CEOs.
    • To foster greater understanding about primary care across LHIN staff, AFHTO has initiated development of educational material together with the LHIN Collaborative.
    • These two activities will help set the stage for Regional Leadership Sessions in each LHIN (November through February).

    2.   Broadening Access to Teams

    The Ministry has been clear on a shift toward improving “Access to team-based primary care for all Ontarians who would most benefit” – currently only a quarter of the population is served by FHTs/NPLCs and have access to IHPs within team based care. HOW this is done, lends itself to a number of challenges and potential opportunities. How primary care is organized going forward, the possible role of the LHIN, and expectations of FHTs/NPLCs will be key factors in determining how we can broaden access to team based care. Next Steps:

    • AFHTO’s paper on optimizing value of and access to team-based primary care presents evidence-informed advice on how to spread access to high-quality team-based primary care in a way that achieves the best value, and provides a number of recommendations to the Ministry.
    • The joint EDAC/PLC in-person meeting on September 17th will identify areas for further recommendations for the Ministry and members on approaches to broadening access to teams (including addressing challenges such as liability).

    3.   Advancing Capacity Measurement

    Team capacity has been the core issue for FHTs and NPLCs seeking Ministry funding to meet patient needs. As the province calls for broader access to teams, this will be THE number one issue – what can teams take on while assuring quality of care? Quality, capacity and total cost of care are the core concepts for measurement in the “Starfield Principles”, adopted by AFHTO. Through D2D 2.0, we have progressed in measuring cost and quality. AFHTO members, staff and other stakeholders are working to find meaningful ways to measure capacity. Expanding access to teams only makes sense where capacity is sufficiently developed. Next Steps:

    • In-depth clinical consultations are underway on capacity measurement (and other strategic indicators). Click here to participate.
    • Aiming to include a capacity measure in D2D 3.0 (launching January 2016).

    4.   Population-based Approach to Primary Care

    MOHLTC leaders have consistently used the term “population-based primary health services for Ontarians”. Working collaboratively to plan and offer programs and services that are designed to meet the specific needs of the patient population will be central to implementing a population based approach. Next Steps

    • AFHTO will continue to work with the Ministry and other stakeholders to establish a clear definition and principles of a population-based approach to primary care.
    • AFHTO is establishing a joint Work Group with MOHLTC PHC Branch to improve the approach to program planning and the ministry’s template for reporting on program plans (Schedule A in FHT contracts/Schedule E in NPLC contracts). A workshop will be provided at the AFHTO 2015 conference with a focus on: what constitutes a program; key elements of a well-designed population-based approach to program planning; how to conduct a needs assessment; goal setting; performance measurement principles and evaluation; and how to use the reporting tool effectively.
    • Members are encouraged to start looking at their own communities, to get to know the teams in the same geographic region, and to begin to explore ways that teams can reach out to larger segments of the population that are not formally rostered patients.

    5.    Governance of Teams

    Given the Ministry’s anticipated announcement, strong governance and leadership practices will be even more paramount for FHTs/NPLCs to successfully navigate the upcoming transition and change. Next Steps:

    • AFHTO is offering the Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care workshop to AFHTO member board members, executive directors and lead clinicians on October 27th (one day prior to the AFHTO conference).
    • AFHTO will work with the Ministry to target FHTs/NPLCs who may benefit from individualized plans to develop effective governance practices and leadership capabilities.
    • Through the work of D2D, AFHTO will begin looking at the correlation between high performing teams and associated governance structures.

    AFHTO is supporting the development of an ‘ED Mentorship Program’ as a way to provide support and encourage knowledge translation for new EDs and EDs requiring additional guidance.

  • Last Chance! Bright Lights Nominations due by noon tomorrow

    Don’t forget to send in your nominations and supporting documents for the 2015 Bright Lights Awards. The deadline is 12:00 pm tomorrow (Tuesday, August 11). We look forward to hearing your stories!

    Experiencing issues submitting your nomination form? Due to the high volume of responses coming in today there may be delays submitting your Bright Lights nomination. If the nomination doesn’t go through on the first try, please try again a little later. As a backup to your submission, send a Word version of your nomination with your supporting materials to info@afhto.ca before noon tomorrow. If you have any questions or concerns please contact us, we’ll be happy to assist.

  • Data to Decisions eBulletin #16: EMR Queries for D2D Data

    EMR queries for D2D data, including diabetes, ready for your consideration: check out the queries here and let us know what you think. D2D’s impact spreads west! Following our survey on patient expectations conducted in partnership with Patients Canada (see “Partnering with patients on measurement works” ), Carol Mulder was interviewed about it for their blog. This interview has now been picked up by Health Quality Council of Saskatchewan. Congratulations to all involved! Are you doing patient experience surveys this summer? Consider including the D2D questions described here. Has your team made the most of your EMR? Improved data entry, collection, or reporting? Submit a Bright Lights award nomination in the Advancing manageable meaningful measurement category by 12 noon on Tuesday, August 11 for a chance to win a $3000 education grant from Merck Canada. Visit our site for more details. Help spread the word. Invite others to sign up for the eBulletin online.  What is D2D? 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. See the D2D page on AFHTO’s website for more information.

  • Deadline Extended – you now have until August 11 to nominate a Bright Light!

    In order to accommodate summer vacations and busy schedules, we have extended the deadline for Bright Lights nominations until 12 noon Tuesday, August 11.

    This is your opportunity to share your story with health teams from all across Ontario.

    To showcase the incredible diversity of our member teams, we want all of you to participate. Keep in mind that little innovations can have a huge impact, especially if they’re shared, so small teams are just as deserving of awards as big ones. We strongly encourage nominations from teams who have never submitted one before – and from those who have. Don’t be discouraged if you’ve previously submitted a nomination that did not receive an award; it may have been a strong contender. Consider nominating it again, and tell us how your innovation has grown or been refined since last time, and what results you’ve seen. Don’t miss out! Nominations close in a week. Winners in four categories will receive an education grant to help them build on their success. Relevant Links

    For more information you can also contact us at info@afhto.ca.

  • Don’t wait until summer’s over – register for the AFHTO 2015 Conference today to access “early-bird” rates

    Plan your trip to the AFHTO 2015 Conference today!

    Register today for “early-bird” rates (applicable until September 28th)

    NEW – Earn education credits by attending the AFHTO 2015 Conference: Physicians: This program has been reviewed by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and is awaiting final accreditation by the College’s Ontario Chapter. Health Leaders: Attendance at this program entitles certified Canadian College of Health Leaders members (CHE / Fellow) to 2.5 Category II credits for Oct 27th Governance in Primary Care; 1.5 Category II credits for Oct 28th pre-conference (Leadership and IHP Sessions); 4 Category II credits for the Conference towards for their maintenance of certification requirement. Conference highlights:

    Visit our conference page to learn more about this year’s program – including IHP Community of Practice learning and networking sessions; EMR sessions, and our closing plenary discussion on the current state of primary care in Ontario.