Ultimate Blogging Championship

Tag: Management/Operations

  • Bits & Pieces: In year reconciliation materials, mental health and addiction QI collaborative webinar & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • In-year reconciliation deadline webcast slides and video
    • Mental health and addiction QI collaborative webinar
    • Increasing access to patients through virtual care visits slides and video
    • Measuring Up 2019
    • The Unnecessary Conference – Choosing Wisely Canada’s National Meeting
    • Opportunity with Geriatric Mental Health Education Network on Jan 24
    • Upcoming events on preparing for audits and more

    In-year reconciliation deadline webcast slides and video

    In-year reconciliation deadline webcast

     

    On Monday, December 16, a webcast was held with the ministry to discuss submission of the year-end expenditure forecast and resulting in-year surplus. The presentation, recording and Qs and As are now posted on our website.

    If you’d like to make a voluntary contribution to AFHTO, please contact accounts@afhto.ca for an invoice and set up for EFT if preferred.

     

    Mental health and addiction QI collaborative webinar

    Join CMHA, AMHO, and AFHTO on Jan. 14 for a second of a 4-part webinar series on community and primary care QI projects and initiatives with a focus on mental health and addictions.

    In preparation for Ontario Health Teams, learn about opportunities for collaboration with your local mental health and addiction agencies and how to implement quality improvement initiatives. You can also see the recording and slides from the first webinar in June.

    Increasing access to patients through virtual care visits slides and video

    Increasing access to patients through virtual care webinar

    On Dec. 10, AFHTO hosted a webinar featuring Minto Mapleton and Peterborough FHTs’ focus on virtual care.

    Minto Mapleton is 4th out of 125 FHTs in the use of eVisits with the most referrals for respirology and psychiatry. And Peterborough has been supporting unattached patients since August 2018 through their Virtual Care Clinic (VCC) in Peterborough and a NP run PFHT Clinic in Lakefield that supports rural unattached patients and seasonal visitors.

    Visit our site to see the slides and video.

    Measuring Up 2019

    Health Quality Ontario, now the Quality Business Unit of Ontario Health, has released Measuring Up 2019 — a yearly report on the performance of Ontario’s health system. This year’s report, with Bright Lights award winner Dr. Paul Gill, Maitland Valley FHT on the cover, focuses on a set of 10 key indicators and is based on the Quadruple Aim of health care improvement: better health outcomes, better patient experience, better provider experience, and better value and efficiency.

    Findings include:

    • About 69% of Ontarians say the timing to see their primary care provider when they were sick or had a health problem was “about right.” About 17% say their wait was “somewhat long” and about 13% say it was “much too long.”
    • In a 2019 survey, 54% of primary care doctors in Ontario reported that their job was “extremely” or “very” stressful, while 37% said it was “somewhat” stressful.
    • Ontarians’ life expectancy is flattening, mainly due to a steep increase in opioid-related deaths.

    Find out more here.

    The Unnecessary Conference – Choosing Wisely Canada’s National Meeting
    There’s a fine line between what is necessary and unnecessary in health care. The Unnecessary Conference will explore the nuanced ways in which overuse permeates health care delivery and what people are doing about it.

    The Unnecessary Conference takes place on May 25 and 26, 2020 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, Ontario and is hosted by Choosing Wisely Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association. You can get involved by submitting an abstract to be considered in their interactive breakout sessions. For more details, visit their site.

    Opportunity with Geriatric Mental Health Education Network on Jan 24
    Geriatric Mental Health Education Network, Baycrest has a gap in their schedule on January 24, 2020. They’d be happy to facilitate if any external site would like to present a challenging case.

    Also, if individuals would like to forward clinical challenges, or send questions about geriatric mental health, they could have an interprofessional panel to discuss, with everyone’s input. For details, please contact Anna Virdo or Cindy Grief, Geriatric Psychiatrist, Medical Director for Mental Health, Baycrest.

    Preparing for Audits, Jan. 15, 2020
    Register early for AFHTO’s upcoming Financial Webinar Series session. Learn how to prepare for audit season. Register now!

    Unlocking the Future Of Healthcare: Digital Health Forum, Jan. 25, 2020
    Attend the Lung Association’s First Digital Health Forum online, for free. Learn more here.

    Holiday hours 2019

  • Bits & Pieces: In year reconciliation materials, mental health and addiction QI collaborative webinar & more

    Bits & Pieces: In year reconciliation materials, mental health and addiction QI collaborative webinar & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • In-year reconciliation deadline webcast slides and video
    • Mental health and addiction QI collaborative webinar
    • Increasing access to patients through virtual care visits slides and video
    • Measuring Up 2019
    • The Unnecessary Conference – Choosing Wisely Canada’s National Meeting
    • Opportunity with Geriatric Mental Health Education Network on Jan 24
    • Upcoming events on preparing for audits and more

    In-year reconciliation deadline webcast slides and video

    In-year reconciliation deadline webcast

     

    On Monday, December 16, a webcast was held with the ministry to discuss submission of the year-end expenditure forecast and resulting in-year surplus. The presentation, recording and Qs and As are now posted on our website.

    If you’d like to make a voluntary contribution to AFHTO, please contact accounts@afhto.ca for an invoice and set up for EFT if preferred.

     

    Mental health and addiction QI collaborative webinar

    Join CMHA, AMHO, and AFHTO on Jan. 14 for a second of a 4-part webinar series on community and primary care QI projects and initiatives with a focus on mental health and addictions.

    In preparation for Ontario Health Teams, learn about opportunities for collaboration with your local mental health and addiction agencies and how to implement quality improvement initiatives. You can also see the recording and slides from the first webinar in June.

    Increasing access to patients through virtual care visits slides and video

    Increasing access to patients through virtual care webinar

    On Dec. 10, AFHTO hosted a webinar featuring Minto Mapleton and Peterborough FHTs’ focus on virtual care.

    Minto Mapleton is 4th out of 125 FHTs in the use of eVisits with the most referrals for respirology and psychiatry. And Peterborough has been supporting unattached patients since August 2018 through their Virtual Care Clinic (VCC) in Peterborough and a NP run PFHT Clinic in Lakefield that supports rural unattached patients and seasonal visitors.

    Visit our site to see the slides and video.

    Measuring Up 2019

    Health Quality Ontario, now the Quality Business Unit of Ontario Health, has released Measuring Up 2019 — a yearly report on the performance of Ontario’s health system. This year’s report, with Bright Lights award winner Dr. Paul Gill, Maitland Valley FHT on the cover, focuses on a set of 10 key indicators and is based on the Quadruple Aim of health care improvement: better health outcomes, better patient experience, better provider experience, and better value and efficiency.

    Findings include:

    • About 69% of Ontarians say the timing to see their primary care provider when they were sick or had a health problem was “about right.” About 17% say their wait was “somewhat long” and about 13% say it was “much too long.”
    • In a 2019 survey, 54% of primary care doctors in Ontario reported that their job was “extremely” or “very” stressful, while 37% said it was “somewhat” stressful.
    • Ontarians’ life expectancy is flattening, mainly due to a steep increase in opioid-related deaths.

    Find out more here.

    The Unnecessary Conference – Choosing Wisely Canada’s National Meeting
    There’s a fine line between what is necessary and unnecessary in health care. The Unnecessary Conference will explore the nuanced ways in which overuse permeates health care delivery and what people are doing about it.

    The Unnecessary Conference takes place on May 25 and 26, 2020 at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, Ontario and is hosted by Choosing Wisely Canada, in collaboration with the Canadian Medical Association. You can get involved by submitting an abstract to be considered in their interactive breakout sessions. For more details, visit their site.

    Opportunity with Geriatric Mental Health Education Network on Jan 24
    Geriatric Mental Health Education Network, Baycrest has a gap in their schedule on January 24, 2020. They’d be happy to facilitate if any external site would like to present a challenging case.

    Also, if individuals would like to forward clinical challenges, or send questions about geriatric mental health, they could have an interprofessional panel to discuss, with everyone’s input. For details, please contact Anna Virdo or Cindy Grief, Geriatric Psychiatrist, Medical Director for Mental Health, Baycrest.

    Preparing for Audits, Jan. 15, 2020
    Register early for AFHTO’s upcoming Financial Webinar Series session. Learn how to prepare for audit season. Register now!

    Unlocking the Future Of Healthcare: Digital Health Forum, Jan. 25, 2020
    Attend the Lung Association’s First Digital Health Forum online, for free. Learn more here.

    Holiday hours 2019

  • Bits & Pieces: more OHTs, in-yr reconciliation webinar, OCFP awards members & more

    Bits & Pieces: more OHTs, in-yr reconciliation webinar, OCFP awards members & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In This Issue  
    • More OHTs announced
    • In-year reconciliation deadline webcast
    • OCFP recognises AFHTO members at 2019 Awards Ceremony
    • Digital Health Toolbox slides and video available
    • Safer opioid prescribing through a clinic-wide urine drug testing system – the HARMS Program
    • Holiday perks
    • New toolkit for people who provide and who receive mental health care
    • Upcoming events on virtual care, preparing for audits and more

    More OHTs announced
    As of Dec. 3, more of the first 24 Ontario Health Teams were announced:

    • Southlake Community OHT – including Aurora-Newmarket FHT, Georgina NPLC and Southlake Academic FHT
    • Guelph and Area OHT – including East Wellington and Guelph FHTs, eHealth Centre of Excellence (part of Centre for Family Medicine FHT)
    • Durham OHT – includes North Durham FHT
    • North York Central OHT – includes North York FHT and Carefirst FHT
    • Burlington OHT- includes Burlington and Caroline FHTs
    • Toronto East OHT – includes South East Toronto FHT

    This makes 8 OHTs announced to date, with a target of 24 to be announced. Visit our site to learn more.

    Over the next few weeks, the Ministry will be rolling out 24 OHTs across the province. To stay up to date we encourage you to subscribe to the Connected Care Updates.And to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

    And please let AFHTO know if your OHT is being announced and share any media announcements so that we can spread the word.  

    In-year reconciliation deadline webcast
    Join us on Monday, December 16, at 11:30 a.m. for a 30-minute call with Fernando Tavares, Program Manager at the Ministry of Health, to discuss and ask questions about

    submission of the year-end expenditure forecast and resulting in-year surplus. The in-year reconciliation deadline this year is January 10, 2020.

    We hope teams projecting unspent funds will consider a voluntary contribution to AFHTO to assist with our Governance & Leadership program and other supports for members. This will be discussed on the call. Please register here.

    OCFP recognises AFHTO members at 2019 awards ceremony
    AFHTO congratulates physicians in our member family health teams who were recognized at the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP) 2019 Awards Ceremony, including Dr. Jocelyn Charles of Sunnybrook Academic FHT, named 2019 Reg. L Perkin Ontario Family Physician of the Year.

    Visit our site to find out who won the Awards of Excellence.

    Digital Health Toolbox slides and video available

    Digital health toolbox

    Last week we held The Digital Health Toolbox: Enabling High-Performance Teams in The Delivery of Integrated, Patient-Centred Care Webinar. Presented by the eHealth Centre for Excellence, it highlighted:

    • a virtual visits solution co-designed with providers and patients
    • an eReferral solution, co-designed with providers and patients, supporting seamless transitions in care
    • EMR-integrated tablets, enabling efficient patient assessments
    • Chronic disease prevention and management (CDPM) decision support tools; and
    • a system of regionally-based tools that support the sharing of vital health information across geographies and health sectors.

    Slides and video are now available.

    Safer opioid prescribing through a clinic-wide urine drug testing system – the HARMS Program

    HARMS AFHTO 2019

     

    Slides from the AFHTO 2019 presentation on this Bright Lights award winning program are now available here.

     

     

     

    Holiday perks

    Perkopolis December

    Don’t forget, as you shop for the holidays, AFHTO members are eligible to sign up for Perkopolis discounts, which include travel, major retailers, tickets to major attractions, sporting events and more. So far, we have over 500 active members.
     
    Check with your administrator if your team is already signed up and you can register right away. If not, please have them contact info@afhto.ca. It’s free to sign up!

    New toolkit for people who provide and who receive mental health care
    The toolkit from McMaster University includes two new workbooks that were jointly developed by healthcare providers and mental health service users.

    One workbook can support people dealing with a mental health challenge to navigate their care and prepare for appointments with their primary care provider (e.g. family doctor, nurse practitioner, or other healthcare provider within a primary care setting).

    The other workbook can be used by providers during appointments to facilitate communication between patients and providers, as well as plan next steps. PDFs of the workbooks can be downloaded here, or you can request hard copies of the toolkit for your clinic here.

    Increasing Access To Patients Through Virtual Care Visits Webinar, Dec. 10, 2019
    Listen to the Minto Mapleton and Peterborough FHTs share how they integrated digital health tools in their programs. Register now!

    Advanced Social Work With Older Adults, Jan. 15, 2020
    The OASW is holding their popular online certificate course in January. Register before Dec. 15. Learn more here.

    ECHO Mental Health Programs, Jan 2020
    ECHO Complex Patient Management and Adult Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities are multi-week programs that commence in January. Learn more and apply here.

    Preparing for Audits, Jan. 15, 2020
    Register early for AFHTO’s upcoming Financial Webinar Series session. Learn how to prepare for audit season. Register now!

     

  • Ministry of Health seeks supply chain volunteers ASAP

    This email is being sent to EDs, Lead Clinicians and Board Chairs of AFHTO member organizations.

    The Ministry of Health is undergoing significant Health Sector Supply Chain Transformation in partnership with the Ministry of Long-Term Care, Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and the Treasury Board.
     
    They’re trying to integrate the various vendors currently in the health care space by coming up with seamless supply chain management practices – this voluntary initiative will initially be focusing on streamlining the work of OHTs but they hope to offer this across all sectors eventually.   
     
    The Ministry wants to have an AFHTO-focused workshop in October and we’re looking for volunteers to participate in person or virtually through Zoom to provide insight on how supply chain works now and how it could work in the future – they’re hoping to have a variety of professions at the workshop including physicians, NPs and executive directors. The workshop is scheduled for:
     
    Date: Oct 10th – 9:30 – 11:30 am
    Location: 18 York Street or via Webex      
     
    If you would like to participate please contact Beth MacKinnon at beth.mackinnon@afhto.ca. More details can be found in this one-pager.

  • Bits & Pieces: RISE webinars for OHT full application, AOP, early bird next week & more

    Bits & Pieces: RISE webinars for OHT full application, AOP, early bird next week & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In this Issue:  
    • RISE webinar series to address key topics for teams invited to submit an OHT full application form
    • Tools and resources for the AOP submission
    • What to do before Sep. 4 to enhance your conference experience
    • Check out an example of an OHT website
    • CCO call for expressions of interest: ultrasound reporting working group
    • Upcoming events regarding OHTs and more

    RISE webinar series to address key topics for teams invited to submit an OHT full application

    The RISE regional sessions by McMaster Health Forum are now transitioning to a series on topics for teams invited to submit an Ontario Health Team (OHT) full application. They will build on lessons learned from, and sometimes feature, team members who participated in the regional sessions. Many of the insights will be relevant to teams in development and teams in discovery as well.
     
     Register now for one or more of the sessions:

    • Tuesday, Sep. 3, 2019 12:00-1 PM – Population-health management by OHTs
    • Monday, Sep. 9, 2019 12:00-1 PM – How OHTs can approach their work with an attributed population
    • Thursday, Sep. 19, 2019 12:00-1 PM – Key considerations for OHTs working with Francophone and Indigenous communities [Provisional title]
    • Monday, Sep. 23, 2019 12:00-1 PM – Topic to be confirmed
    • Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 12:00-1 PM – Topic to be confirmed

    Tools and resources for the AOP submission

    The 2019-20 Annual Operating Plan was distributed on August 16 with a deadline of September 25 at 5 PM. Check out AFHTO’s website for materials and resources:

    to help with the submission. If you have any questions, please reach out to your ministry contact or to Bryn Hamilton.

    What to do before Sep. 4 to enhance your conference experience

    Choice

    1. Register at the early bird rate to save on registration. After Sep. 4, rates increase for both members and non-members.
    2. Confirm your spot in your favourite concurrent sessions. Sessions are filling up fast and you don’t want to miss out on the chance to see a particularly relevant presentation.
    3. Book your hotel room Our room block is now open to the public, but you can still book available rooms at our group rate. September is a busy month for hotels so make sure you’re paying the best rate for the best location. Prices start at $222/night. That’s more than $100 discount on current rates!
    4. Book your tickets with Porter Airlines, Air Canada and/or VIA Rail Canada to get the best rates and times for your schedule.
    5. Volunteer: We have volunteer opportunities onsite for deeply discounted registration, such as registration desk, attendee assistance at breakfast and lunch and wayfinding. Email paula.myers@afhto.ca if you’re interested.

    Referral: We have received entries for our referral program but so far it’s a tie! So we’re extending the deadline until Sep. 12. All non-members have to do is say who recommended them during registration and the organization with the most referrals wins a complimentary registration! Non-members and members alike can win. Any existing registration for the winning team as of Sep. 12 can be refunded as well.

    Check out an example of an OHT website
    Guelph and Area OHT, led by Guelph FHT, has a temporary website for interested partners that’s garnered positive feedback. Check it out, as well as other resources, tools, and supports that are regularly updated on our OHT webpage.

    CCO call for expressions of interest: ultrasound reporting working group

    Cancer Care Ontario’s Ontario Gynecologic Cancers Advisory Committee has identified the need for standardized ultrasound reporting of adnexal masses as a top priority to address a quality gap in ovarian cancer diagnosis and management. They’re seeking members for the Adnexal Masses Standardized Ultrasound Reporting Working Group. Please review the Call for Expressions of Interest. If you’re interested in participating or have any questions, please contact Michelle Zang at Michelle.Zang@cancercare.on.ca by September 3, 2019.

    AFHTO 2019 Conference, September 19- 20, 2019
    The early bird deadline closes next week! Members save 50% off their registration when using the early bird rates. Get your member access code from your administrator and come explore Health System Integration Built on The Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care. Register  now!

    OHT Webcast Series: The Shift To Shared Leadership, September 12, 2019
    AFHTO and the OCSA will review approaches to creating shared leadership tables and/or working groups, and offer practical “OHT Starter Kit” tips and tools. For more information or to register, click here.

    Primary Care Virtual Community, September 25, 2019
    The primary care virtual community, brought together as an AFHTO/OCFP partnership with Change Foundation, will bring together primary care change makers interested in leading in their context and supporting meaningful system change within the Ontario healthcare system.  Find out more here.

    Understanding an evolving opioid crisis, September 11, 2019
    HQO’s next Quality Rounds Ontario webinar, rescheduled. Find out more here.

  • Bits & Pieces: join the IHP Advisory Council, free conference registration & more

    Bits & Pieces: join the IHP Advisory Council, free conference registration & more

    Your Weekly News & Updates

    In this Issue:  
    • Join our IHP Advisory Council!
    • Call for applications: patient digital identity, access and authorization
    • How to come to the conference for free
    • IHP Session Leads needed
    • Considerations for Primary Care Teams as a Not-for-Profit Corporation, July 17
    • Senior Friendly Care Learning Series
    • Ebola Virus Disease readiness memo
    • Upcoming events including BoneFit and more

    Join our IHP Advisory Council!
    There are two vacancies on AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council, which was established in May 2018 to provide input on team-based care matters related to IHP issues; to give advice and input to the AFHTO board, staff, and leadership council; and to foster leadership across the IHP community within team-based models of care.
     
    We’re inviting all AFHTO-member IHPs to apply! More information and the Terms of Reference are here. One vacancy is a regular two-year term and the other is a one-year term for a maternity leave.
     
    Interested members are asked to complete this application by Wednesday, July 31. Any questions, please contact Beth MacKinnon.

    Call for applications: patient digital identity, access and authorization
    The Ministry of Health invites AFHTO members to submit applications for establishing a public-facing digital identity, authentication and authorization (IAA) service for patients in Ontario’s health system.

    Interdisciplinary and collaborative project teams made up of health care providers, technology providers and community-based associations and advocacy groups are encouraged to submit applications.

    Full details on the eligibility requirements, the submission and review process, and project requirements and deliverables can be found in the Call for Applications document.

    The closing date for submissions is August 9, 2019 at 12pm EST. There will be an information conference call during the week of July 22-26. Please RSVP your interest to attend by July 19.

    Please send any questions to digitalhealthsecretariat@ontario.ca.

    How to come to the conference for free

    Woman jumping over gap

    We have several openings for program hosts. These volunteers help keep our sessions on track and get complimentary registration in return. See the role description here and email paula.myers@afhto.ca  if you’re interested by Thursday, July 18, 2019.

    We also have a new referral program. All non-members have to do is say who recommended them during registration and the organization with the most referrals wins a complimentary registration! This offer is good until Friday, August 9, 2019. Find out more here.

     

    IHP Session Leads needed
    Other volunteer opportunities exist with the IHP Sessions- we still need leads for these individual sessions:

    • Administrative
    • Respiratory therapists
    • Social workers

    All IHP session leads get a $50 discount on conference registration. Email us for more information.

    Considerations for Primary Care Teams as a Not-for-Profit Corporation, July 17
    Presented by Melanie Dugard, CPA, CA, Principal, Grant Thornton LLP, the second webinar in the Financial Webinar series is tomorrow, July 17, 12 noon- 1:00 p.m. It focuses on:

    • Role of a Board Member
    • Ontario Not-for-profit Corporations Act
    • CRA’s Risk Identification
    • Project Corporate tax filing requirements – HST, T2 and T1044 Not-for-Profit Information Returns

    You can register here.

    Senior Friendly Care Learning Series
    Co-developed with geriatric clinical experts from Ontario, on behalf of the Regional Geriatric Programs of Ontario, the sfCare Learning Series supports clinicians and organizations in providing best practices in care for frail older adults, and is a companion resource to the sfCare Framework.

    Available at no charge, the series comprises introductory educational modules for clinicians, along with supporting posters and patient handouts on 7 key clinical topics: delirium, mobility, polypharmacy, pain, loneliness, nutrition, and urinary incontinence. You can join their next webinar on July 26 to learn more.

    Ebola Virus Disease readiness memo
    A memo from the Office of Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding an update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) readiness in Ontario regarding updated EVD guidelines, laboratory testing and educational webinars has been provided in English and French.

    Considerations for Primary Care Teams as a Not-for-Profit Corporation, July 17, 2019
    Join AFHTO & Grant Thornton LLP for their second webinar in the Financial Webinar Series. Register here.

    AFHTO 2019 Conference, September 19- 20, 2019
    Members get 50% off registration; plus early bird rates are in effect! Get your member access code from your administrator and come explore Health System Integration Built on The Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care. Register now!

    BoneFit, September 2019 to March 2020
    The BoneFit schedule has been released for sessions in Sault Ste Marie, Guelph, Ottawa, Chatham and Kingston. Hosted by Osteoporosis Canada. View the schedule here.

    The Osgoode Certificate In Privacy Law And Information Management In Healthcare, November 5- December 3, 2019
    Attend this one-week certification program, suitable for professionals in the healthcare field. Find out more here.

  • Provincial Policy Manual for Primary Care Teams and Practices

    We are pleased to share the Provincial Policy Manual developed for primary care.

    The policy templates can be used by primary care teams across the province or by other primary care practices (solo physicians and non-team based clinics). The manual gives you the flexibility to determine, for your own practice or setting, what policies are required, and whether/how they should be tailored for your unique circumstances. To be effective, policies should be reviewed on a regular basis (e.g. every 2 to 3 years) to ensure that they continue to be compliant with legislation, and to assess whether they are achieving their stated goal.

    AFHTO will be updating policies in this manual annually. Although all the policy templates in the manual have been reviewed by legal and HR expertise, users should consult with their own legal counsel for advice pertaining to the use of these policies.

    We would like to thank the Partnering for Quality Program for its contribution to the development of this policy manual, with special thanks to Clinton FHT, West Durham FHT and Thames Valley FHT. The Partnering for Quality Program is a regional program in the South West LHIN that aims to improve information management and collaboration between primary care and community health care partners with the ultimate goal of improving chronic disease prevention.

     

    Looking for more Governance and Leadership Tools & Resources? Click here to explore more.

  • Invitation to Participate: 2018 Canadian Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey

    Again this year, AFHTO has partnered with Gallagher to offer our AFHTO members the opportunity to participate in a national benefits strategy and benchmarking survey specifically for Canadian employers. Thank you to those organizations that participated in the 2017 survey. We trust you received your copy of the results. This complimentary survey will help us gather data for your current employee benefits offering in order to provide you with even better guidance and solutions for your unique benefits challenges. By reporting your current strategies, you will be able to go into Spring 2019 planning empowered to make data-drive decisions. How? Survey participation gets your organization access to a comprehensive analysis of today’s competitive benefits market. New this year! You will have the opportunity to immediately complete the 2018/2019 Gallagher Salary Planning Survey after submitting the Benefits Survey. By participating in this survey through AFHTO, you will receive your report comparing your responses to those of other employers across Canada. Provided we obtain enough responses from Community Health Ontario members (which includes AFHTO, AOHC and AMHO member organizations), we will also be able to provide a report specific to responses received from Community Health Ontario* members. We feel this would be a valuable resource for our AFHTO membership and would like to encourage you to participate in the 2018 Canadian Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey. The topics covered in the survey are benefits plans, retirement plans, wellness offerings, paid time off and premium-sharing arrangements.  The majority of the survey information should be available in your organization’s employee booklet or HR policy. If you participated in the 2017 Canadian Benefits survey, you have the ability to request your survey be pre-populated with your responses from last year, which allows you to edit your responses based on current information. Click here to receive a form to request your organization’s unique participation password. In return for your time, you will get access to these complimentary resources:

    • 2018 Executive Summary: Overall insights and implications
    • 2018 Canadian National Report (valued at $750): Deep analysis of the full spectrum of employee benefits topics
    • Customized survey report specific to the AFHTO, AOHC and AMHO membership*

    If you need any assistance completing the survey, please contact Alison Muth at Alison_Muth@ajg.com at Arthur J. Gallagher.  Please note the survey will close on June 8, 2018. *In order to obtain a customized report, we must have at least 40 respondents participate in the Benchmarking survey.

  • Privacy Resources from OntarioMD

    OntarioMD (OMD) has launched a new online Privacy and Security Training Module along with other privacy resources.  In addition to being a critical obligation for Health Information Custodians, privacy and security training is necessary to support access to provincial digital health assets, such as the ConnectingOntario Clinical Viewer, HRM, eNotifications, and OLIS – along with future digital health assets as they become available. The OntarioMD Privacy and Security Training Module covers topics such as safeguarding PHI from breaches and security incidents, and how to comply with obligations under PHIPA. The Module is open to all Ontario clinicians, interprofessional health care providers, Executive Directors (and equivalent), administrative staff, as well as IT specialists, QIDSS, and other staff involved in quality improvement and/or data analysis.  Access the Privacy and Security Training Module here.

    NOTE: Each person who accesses the module needs to be a registered user of the OntarioMD portal. IHPs and other staff members can have a physician or office manager create a sponsored account for them. To do this, the physician or office manager simply, signs into their account, goes to ‘My Account’, then the ‘Sponsored Users’ tab and clicks on the ‘Invite User’ button. 

    For physicians completing the training, it offers up to two MAINPRO+ CME credits. It has had the input and support of the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA), the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), the Ontario Medical Association (OMA), and eHealth Ontario, along with feedback from the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Please feel free to share this information with your colleagues and staff.  

  • Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) Webinar

    Starting in Fall 2017, the provincial Ministry of Labour (MOL) is conducting proactive inspections of  family practice health teams (FHTs & CHCs) across Ontario. These inspections are intended to determine compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and associated regulations.

    AFHTO has partnered with Public Services Health & Safety Association (PSHSA) to help our members get ready. How to Engage Everyone in an Integrated FHT  webinar was featured on December 7. The participants were introduced to legal requirements of the workplace, including various ways to define roles and responsibilities to ensure all health and safety minimum requirements are met. Various  strategies aimed at increasing engagement of all workplace parties in health and safety were examined and discussed .

    You can access the slide deck here