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Tag: Members Only News

  • Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care settings: Applications Due by July 23, 2013

    The following information was released on June 27, 2013 via e-mail to FHTs, CHCs, AHACs & NPLCs from the Ministry: On April 18, 2013, the Minister of Health and Long Term Care announced that Ontario will be integrating physiotherapists into Primary Health Care (PHC) settings, beginning in the 2013/14 fiscal year. The initial focus of this initiative is focused on the following PHC settings: Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Family Health Teams (FHTs), and Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics (NPLCs). Opportunities to integrate physiotherapy into primary health care organizations will be supported in settings where the focus will be on the inclusion of physiotherapy into existing interdisciplinary primary health care programs. This could include programs related to Lung Health (COPD/Asthma), Cardiovascular Health (Congestive Heart Failure), Diabetes, Healthy Aging etc. Funding is limited in 2013/14 however there will be future opportunities for integration in subsequent years. Click on the links below for the PHC physiotherapy funding application:

    Should your organization wish to apply for PHC physiotherapy funding please submit a completed application by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2013 to the following email address:

    phc.physiotherapy@ontario.ca

    To assist with receipt of applications submitted to the ministry, please include in the Subject line:

    2013 Primary Health Care Physiotherapy Application – “(Name/Type of Organization)”

    Sincerely,

    Melissa Farrell Director, Primary Health Care Branch

  • Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care settings: Call for Applications will launch in last week of June

    To assist primary care organizations in preparing proposals to integrate physiotherapists, the Ontario Physiotherapists Association (OPA) has share the following resource document defining the role of physiotherapists in primary care settings:

    The call for applications to integrate physiotherapists into primary care settings should be sent next week directly to all FHTs, AHACs, CHCs and NPLCs by the Ministry of Health and Long Team Care.

    *************************************************

    On Friday, June 14, 2013, AFHTO sent out the notice below from the Ministry regarding the applications process and criteria for successful applications: Following a consultation meeting yesterday with associations representing interprofessional primary care organizations (AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO), the Ministry has providing the following advance notice about physiotherapy to share with our members:

    On April 18, 2013, Minister of Health and Long Term Care (MOHLTC) announced that Ontario will be integrating physiotherapists into Primary Health Care (PHC) settings, beginning in the 2013/14 fiscal year.

    Opportunities to integrate physiotherapy into primary health care organizations will be supported in interdisciplinary Primary Care settings where the focus will be on the inclusion of physiotherapy into existing interdisciplinary primary health care programs. This could include programs related to Lung Health (COPD/Asthma), Cardiovascular Health (Congestive Heart Failure) Diabetes, Healthy Aging etc.

    Successful applications will be those that demonstrate an advanced state of readiness (e.g. mature programs), evidence of collaboration with other primary health care organizations/providers and the impact of physiotherapist integration on patient needs and organizational programming.

    The ministry is planning on running a Call for Applications process for PT integration in 2013/14.  This will be open to FHTs, AHACs, CHCs, and NPLCs.  Please note that the Call for Applications is expected to be released the last week of June from phc.physiotherapy@ontario.ca.  Applicants will be given a fairly short timeframe for completion (approximately 3 weeks).  Please organize accordingly if you are interested in this initiative.

    An information package will be sent along with the Call for Application with additional information.

    From what was discussed at this consultation meeting, AFHTO would encourage all who are interested in integrating physiotherapy into your programs to apply. This will give the Ministry a sense of overall need and interest. The Call for Applications applies to the current fiscal year, and the criteria for successful applications are listed above. The Ministry indicates you will be able to apply for these positions again in future years, through the usual business planning process. While waiting for the Call for Applications, you are encouraged to develop your collaboration ideas with potential partners. The Ministry has stated a preference for joint proposals from groups of providers. This could include partnering with other FHTs, NPLCs, CHCs, AHACs and/or opening up programs to patients in the community who are not rostered/registered to the team. The scope includes requests to approve new PT positions (salary, benefits and appropriate overhead funding) and re-profile existing vacancies. Beyond this the applications are intended to be resource-neutral. You will receive the Call for Applications directly from the Ministry. There will be one central intake and review/approval process for all primary care organizations, regardless of model. If you have questions, you are welcome to contact Clarys.Tirel@afhto.ca (she’ll be back July 2) or Angie.Heydon@afhto.ca and/or your Ministry Consultant.

  • Update on employment of Physician Assistants

    AFHTO members may be interested in the time-limited funding to be made available by MOHLTC in the “Physician Assistant Career Start” program and other news related to the employment of PAs.  Click here to read the memo from Suzanne McGurn, ADM, Health Human Resources Strategy Division, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

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    In case you missed AFHTO’s June 5 e-mail, please click here for the full report of our recent meeting with the FHT Unit. Topics covered:

    • QIDSS implementation: how the allocations have been made and what to expect in their implementation
    • Physiotherapy in FHTs: timing and process to apply for positions
    • Health Links: staffing implications for FHTs that are coordinating and/or taking on care for more patients
    • Changes in Ministry reporting: ensuring FHTs have adequate training and lead time
    • Flexibility and accountability in FHT budgets: finding the way toward greater budget flexibility while enabling the Ministry to ensure good value and appropriate oversight for public funds
    • A number of specific budget pressures:  recognizing that 2013-14 budget packages are already in the approval process, these were noted with the view to improving the situation for the 2014-15 budget cycle
    • Transfer of rostered patients within a group: FHTs are seeking clarification of Ministry policy and application
    • As well as quick updates on other issues.

    These topics zeroed in on the priority issues identified and developed by AFHTO’s ED Advisory Council and Board of Directors, with input from the AOHC CFHT ED Executive group.

  • Letter to AFHTO Members: Nominations to the AFHTO Board open until August 1

    Dear fellow AFHTO members: Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO board of directors? The Governance Committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone who works within an AFHTO member’s team to apply.

    FOUR people are to be elected for a 3-year term on the 14-member AFHTO board. The AFHTO bylaws call for balanced representation on the board to include the various forms of FHT governance, the regions of the province, and a mix of the professions working within FHTs. Due to existing gaps on the AFHTO board, candidates from eastern Ontario, and from professions other than EDs and MDs are particularly encouraged to apply. The AGM takes place in conjunction with the AFHTO annual conference.  This year it will be held: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM The Westin Harbour Castle 1 Harbour Square Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A6 The Governance Committee of the AFHTO board will review all applications to assist the AFHTO board to determine the slate of candidates to recommend to the AFHTO membership for election at the AFHTO annual general meeting. Nominees will be informed of their status by September 20. Following from AFHTO member advice at the last AGM, nominees who are not recommended for the slate can choose whether they wish to proceed with having their name go forward on the election ballot. Please:

    • Click here to read AFHTO’s Nominations and Elections policy.
    • Click here for information on the role and requirements of AFHTO board members.
    • Click here to fill in the nominations form.

    Sincerely, John Stanczyk Chair, Governance Committee AFHTO Board of Directors Pharmacist, Delhi Family Health Team

  • Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, June 3, 2013

    FHT Executive Directors representing AFHTO and AOHC members met with the FHT Unit on Monday.  Topics covered included:

    • QIDSS implementation: how the allocations have been made and what to expect in their implementation
    • Physiotherapy in FHTs: timing and process to apply for positions
    • Health Links: staffing implications for FHTs that are coordinating and/or taking on care for more patients
    • Changes in Ministry reporting: ensuring FHTs have adequate training and lead time
    • Flexibility and accountability in FHT budgets: finding the way toward greater budget flexibility while enabling the Ministry to ensure good value and appropriate oversight for public funds
    • A number of specific budget pressures:  recognizing that 2013-14 budget packages are already in the approval process, these were noted with the view to improving the situation for the 2014-15 budget cycle
    • Transfer of rostered patients within a group: FHTs are seeking clarification of Ministry policy and application
    • As well as quick updates on other issues.

    These topics zeroed in on the priority issues identified and developed by AFHTO’s ED Advisory Council and Board of Directors, with input from the AOHC CFHT ED Executive group. Please click here for the full report from the meeting. This report details the background, updates from the meeting and next steps on each of these items. Understanding the financial constraints within which the FHT Unit must operate, the AFHTO and AOHC group appreciated their openness to involving FHTs, through their associations, to find ways to optimize these scarce resources to deliver the best outcomes possible for patients.  The specific next steps include:

    • Consulting with AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO on implementation of physiotherapy positions in the interprofessional primary care models.
    • Convening a joint working group in the fall, with the aim to implement some initial improvements in the accountability reporting for the 2014-15 fiscal year, and thereby set the stage to enable greater flexibility in use of budgets.
    • Receiving evaluation and recommendations on the QIDSS roll-out from AFHTO’s QIDSS Steering Committee.
    • Giving the opportunity for FHTs, through their association structures, to give input into priorities for funding.

    The meeting participants were:

    • MOHLTC: Phil Graham (Manager, FHTs and Related Programs), Richard Yampolsky (Program Manager, FHT Implementation), Fernando Tavares (Senior Program Consultant).
    • FHT EDs: Randy Belair (Sunset Country FHT in Kenora), John Golanch (Owen Sound and Sauble FHTs), Lynne Poff (North Hastings FHT in Bancroft), Keri Selkirk (Thames Valley FHT in London)
    • Association staff:  Angie Heydon and ClarysTirel (Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario), Sophie Bart and Tara Galitz (Association of Ontario Health Centres).

  • Advancing use of data and measurement in FHTs

    This is an update for AFHTO members on activities to advance use of data and measurement in FHTs (scroll below for more information):

    • Dr. Rick Glazier, Lead Scientist in ICES Primary Care and Population Health Program, joins AFHTO board
    • AFHTO recruitment is underway for a QIDSS Project Manager
    • AFHTO to establish QIDSS Steering Committee
    • Status of approvals for new QIDSS positions in FHTs
    • Practice Solutions Suite (PSS) EMR Working Group is collaborating to resolve common problems for users
    • AFHTO Conference 2013 features streams in using data to improve care and meaningful use of EMRs

    Dr. Rick Glazier, Lead Scientist in ICES Primary Care and Population Health Program, joins AFHTO board

    AFHTO’s strategic direction gives priority to ensuring FHTs are supported to measure and improve the quality of care they deliver. AFHTO’s board is thrilled that Rick Glazier, one of the key forces advancing the use of data for improvement in Ontario, agreed to fill a mid-term vacancy on the board.

    AFHTO recruitment is underway for a QIDSS Project Manager

    Following from AFHTO’s Recommendations on the Optimal Configuration of the Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) Role, AFHTO has just launched recruitment for a QIDSS Project Manager to coordinate start-up activities among the FHTs that will host QIDSS positions, and foster on-going mentoring, coordination and collaboration among the QIDSSs.  The Project Manager will also support the QIDSS Steering Committee (see below) to achieve successful completion of QSC-approved projects, communications and provision of agreed support services to all participating FHTs.

    AFHTO to establish QIDSS Steering Committee

    Recommendations on the Optimal Configuration of the Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) Role also presented the need for a QIDSS Steering Committee (QSC). This body will set specific project priorities and objectives to advance best practice and optimize performance measurement capacity across the FHT sector. Once it’s known which FHTs will be hosting or participating in QIDSS partnerships, AFHTO members will be invited to nominate candidates for QSC.

    Status of approvals for new QIDSS positions in FHTs

    FHT budget proposals are part way through the Ministry’s internal approval process. FHTs would receive confirmation of funding with their budget approvals – best guess is this will be about the beginning of July. We anticipate seeing 32 – 33 positions allocated, to be shared amongst groups of FHTs.

    Practice Solutions Suite (PSS) Working Group is collaborating to resolve common problems for users

    The PSS Working Group was born out of user desire to get better value from this EMR, deployed in about half of all FHTs. With leadership from a couple of FHT EDs to get this off the ground, the PSS Working Group now comprises 22 members from FHTs and from TELUS, the parent company for PSS EMR. A progress report went out last week to the leaders of FHTs using PSS. (If your FHT uses PSS and did not receive this e-mail, please contact info@afhto.ca to be added to this distribution list.)

    AFHTO Conference 2013 features streams in using data to improve care and meaningful use of EMRs

    There will be plenty to learn on these topics at the AFHTO 2013 Conference, October 22-23 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. A highly-experienced working group is currently reviewing over 30 presentation proposals to choose the best for the concurrent sessions on Using Data to Improve Care and Meaningful Use Of EMRs. Conference registration opens in a month.

  • PSS Users: Update from the AFHTO-PSS Working Group

    AFHTO and the Practice Solutions Suite team at TELUS remain committed to working together to resolve common problems faced by the FHTs using PSS.  This is an update on progress to date. Background: AFHTO’s March 2012 survey of FHT EMR satisfaction revealed that about one-half of FHTs use PSS. While it scored relatively well on usability, there was a strong level of dissatisfaction with support provided. Results of a June 2012 follow-up survey of FHTs using PSS were circulated to these FHTs, and since that time AFHTO has used the results to advance a more responsive approach to solving common problems. At the AFHTO 2012 Conference in October, MDPS Assistant Vice President Andrea Holland agreed to host a customer relations session. After a number of follow-ups, it was agreed that a joint AFHTO-PSS working group was the best mechanism to address the issues highlighted by the surveys and at the conference PSS session. In late February, fourteen FHT members responded to the call for volunteers to join TELUS-PSS staff on the AFHTO-PSS Working Group (click here for the list of members of the working group). The terms of reference for the working group were developed jointly by AFHTO and TELUS-PSS. Update and next steps: The June 2012 follow up survey of FHTs using PSS clearly identified four key priority areas: data extraction, interfaces, communication and the FHT environment. In each of the four priority areas, the Working Group has identified specific and well defined action items.  Click here for the final list of action items identified. In the next week the Working Group will prioritize the action items on the list and work with TELUS to establish a timeframe for resolution of each of the items. At the PSS conference, the agenda includes a” FHT session” on May 31st where members of the Working Group will  discuss the work completed to date with senior members of TELUS- PSS and review the action items list. The Working Group will continue meeting to support the resolution of the items identified. At the AFHTO conference in October 2013, there will be a “PSS session” where a report on the work completed will be presented to all FHT PSS users. If you have any questions or concerns , please contact Clarys Tirel at clarys.tirel@afhto.ca.

  • Issues discussed at inaugural meeting of AFHTO’s ED Advisory Council

    The ED Advisory Council provides a mechanism to surface operational issues, be a sounding board on operational matters, and give advice to the AFHTO board and staff as needed on these matters. The AFHTO board announced its creation in March. Please click here to view terms of reference.The inaugural meeting of April 29 enabled the group to get organized and become oriented to a number of operational issues that have already come forward.This report covers:

    • Communications role for EDAC
    • Issues discussed at the April 29 meeting
      • Operational issues to press with the MOHLTC FHT Unit
      • Input for AFHTO board on broader operational issues
      • Supporting FHTs to address their operational issues
    • Next steps to be taken
    • List of representatives and their contact information

    Communications role for EDAC:

    As the key link between their teams and the Ministry’s FHT Unit, EDs are in the unique position to identify the opportunities and challenges with respect to the on-going operations of their FHTs and their interactions with the FHT Unit. The ED Advisory Council builds on the existing ED networks and supports the development of new networks in areas where a formalized network does not exist. Each group of FHT EDs – one for each LHIN and one for each group of FHTs that has distinct needs and perspectives (i.e. FHTs with blended-salary physicians, aboriginal/Inuit FHTs, francophone FHTs, academic FHTs) – was invited to name their representative.EDAC members are asked for their perspective and advice to help in triaging and resolving operational issues identified. The triage process includes determining:

    • The potential scope and prevalence of the issue
    • The level of action at which action is required: Could it be resolved within the “FHT family”? Is the required action within the MOHLTC FHT Unit mandate? Or, is it a much broader issue that will require influence at a higher level or multiple domains to resolve?
    AFHTO staff will support EDAC members by:
    • Ensuring each EDAC member has a up-to-date e-mail list for all EDs in the network they represent,
    • Sending e-mail updates to all AFHTO members after each EDAC meeting,
    • Continuing to send e-mail updates to AFHTO members after each formal meeting with the FHT Unit,
    • Maintaining the ED discussion space on the AFHTO Members Forum,
    • Setting up, if desired, a discussion space for your specific network,
    • Setting up working group if necessary.

    Issues discussed at the April 29 meeting:

    Operational issues to press with the MOHLTC FHT Unit:

    1. Expanding flexibility in budgets:MOHLTC has introduced greater flexibility in spending in the overhead budget.  What’s the next priority?  Recognizing the Ministry’s duty to ensure value for use of taxpayer funds, what can FHTs do to demonstrate this if the budget were to be made more flexible?2. Streamlining data requirements for quarterly reporting:Are there some aspects of these data requirements that clearly have little to no value and could be eliminated or streamlined?3. Improving quality of data  on orphan patients:Several FHTs in the North East LHIN feel that they are not receiving reliable and consistent information about orphan patients.  Some of the FHTs report that data has been cobbled together from a variety of sources, from census data, hospital admissions, MOHLTC remittance advices and other databases.  Although this may provide a picture, it does not provide accurate information on a consistent basis. FHTs need more adequate information to plan for orphan patients and fulfill MOHLTC expectations for increasing rostered numbers of patients.

    Input for AFHTO board on broader operational issues:

    The issue of advocacy on compensation was brought forward for information to the group. Almost two years ago AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO began joint advocacy work to address recruitment and retention challenges in interdisciplinary primary care models.In the past number of months three associations have jointly supported a study conducted by the Hay Group to update compensation survey data and to factor in positions that are in FHTs and NPLCs but not in CHCs (e.g. pharmacist). The Hay Group’s report is close to completion, and the approach to advocacy is being discussed among the three associations. This will be brought to each of the three boards for approval.  Communications to members and the advocacy work will begin thereafter.

    Supporting FHTs to address their operational issues:

    1. QIDSS implementation and QIDSS Steering Committee:In January AFHTO developed the document – Recommendations on the Optimal Configuration of the Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) –through a consultation process with AFHTO members. This document provided advice for both FHTs and the Ministry on allocation of the limited number of positions. It also recommended establishment of a provincial committee structure to guide and support information management activities across FHTs, and small number of provincial level resources to support implementation, collaboration and evaluation. The QSC will ensure the work it does benefits all FHTs and will seek active involvement and support from those who lead and work in FHTs. Once the allocation of the QIDSS positions is known, AFHTO will be able to move forward with implementing the QSC.2. Insurance and Home visits:Many more FHTs are introducing home visits as part of the range of services provided to patients, specifically to home bound elderly patients. The question of adequate insurance coverage has been raised, particularly given that many FHTs cannot afford WSIB coverage. AFHTO will seek out FHTs who have resolved this issue and ensure that the information is dessiminate to all FHTs developing home visit programs.3. Designation of FHTs under new auditing standards and payment of Ontario employer health tax:Canadian accounting and auditing standards have gone through some changes. The Accounting Standards Board has decided to pursue separate reporting strategies for each major category of reporting entity: publicly accountable enterprises, private enterprises and not-for-profit organizations.FHTs are very clearly “Not for Profit” organizations, but they also have to determine if they fall under one of two categories: “Not for Profit – private sector” or “Not for Profit – Government Controlled”.  This determination will affect the way that their statements have to be done and changes a few rules, specifically regarding exemption to the Employer Health Tax.FHTs seem to have received differing advice on this issue. AFHTO will seek to respond to this question.4. Physiotherapy in FHTs:MOHLTC announced that Ontario is improving access to physiotherapy services for eligible Ontarians by changing how and where these services are provided.  The Ministry will integrate physiotherapy positions into primary care settings, including Family Health Teams, Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics, and Community Health Centres. The total number of positions is not yet known. Beginning August 1, 2013, the province will expand availability of community-based physiotherapy, exercise classes and falls prevention services.The Ministry has committed to work with AFHTO when they are ready to begin implementation planning. AFHTO staff will seek input from the EDAC on how to optimize access and capacity for these physiotherapy services within FHTs, for review by the AFHTO board.5. Quality of Care Information Protection Act (QCIPAct):QCIPA is designed to encourage health professionals to share information and hold open discussions to improve patient care, without the fear that the information will be used against them.  Information prepared by or for a Quality of Care Committee is shielded from disclosure in legal proceedings under QCIP Act.   FHTs are not organizations that fall under the jurisdiction of QCIP Act.Some FHTs have done significant work to understand this issue and feel that FHTs should be included under this Act. AFHTO will seek to understand further the implication of FHTs not falling under the jurisdiction of QCIPA, and take action as may be determine by the consultation with the EDAC.

    Next steps:

    The EDAC members will be communicating with their network to identify operational issues to be brought forward and to seek input into the identified issues. At the next meeting priority and action items will be identified.It was agreed that the next meeting would take place within 4-6 weeks.

    ED Advisory Council members and contact information:

    LHIN Area

    Name:

    Surname:

    E-mail:

    1. LHIN 1 – Erin St Clair

    Denise

    Waddick

    denise.waddick@thamesviewfht.ca

    2. LHIN 2 – South West

    Craig

    Nicks

    cnicks@sfht.on.ca

    3. LHIN 3 – Waterloo Wellington

    Michelle

    Karker

    michelle.karker@ewfht.ca

    4. LHIN 4 -Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant

    Terry

    McCarthy

    terry.mccarthy@hamiltonfht.ca

    5. LHIN 5- Central West

    Michael

    Levitt

    levittm@canes.on.ca

    6. LHIN6 –  Mississauga Halton

    Lucy

    Bonanno

    lbonanno@summervillefht.com

    7. LHIN 7 – Toronto Central

    Alejandra

    Priego

    priega@stjoe.on.ca
     

    Robin

    Griller

    rgriller@innercityfht.ca

    8. LHIN 8 – Central

    Anne Marie

    Graham

    AGraham@southlakeregional.org

    9. LHIN 9 – Central East

    Marina

    Hodson

    mhodson@kawarthanorthfht.ca

    10. LHIN 10 – South East

    Richard

    Christie

    rchristie@kfho.net

    11. LHIN 11 – Champlain

    Connie

    Siedule

    csiedule@tifht.ca

    12. LHIN 12 – North Simcoe Muskoka

    Lynne

    Davies

    l.davies@cfht.ca

    13. LHIN 13 – North East

    Shirley

    Watchorn

    swatchorn@greatnorthernfht.com

    14. North West LHIN

    Marlis

    Bruyere

    marlis@jam21.net

    15. Blended Salary Model FHTs

    Claudia

    Mior-Eckel

    cmior-eckel0626@rogers.com

    16. Academic FHTs

    tbd

    		    

    17. Aboriginal FHTs

    Lois

    Bomberry

    loisbomberry@sixnations.ca

    18. Francophone FHTs

    Tammy

    Coulombe

    tammyc@esfnafht.ca
           

    19. Ex Officio

    Jennifer

    Kennedy

    Jennifer.Kennedy@drdh.org

    20. Ex Officio

    Randy

    Belair

    rbelair@kfht.ca

    21. Ex Officio

    Ross

    Kirkconnell

    ross.kirkconnell@guelphfht.com

    22. Ex Officio

    Kerri

    Selkirk

    keri.selkirk@thamesvalleyfht.ca

    23. Ex Officio

    Kavita

    Mehta

    Currently on mat. leave

     

  • Strategic direction for AFHTO is renewed; 2013-14 plan is approved

    AFHTO has a renewed vision, mission and strategic priorities to guide our work on behalf of our members over the next 2 – 3 years. The AFHTO board is pleased to present the Strategic Direction document, and thanks the many members who provided input through webinars and a survey. To move the organization along this direction, the board also approved the 2013-14 operating plan and budget (outlined further below). The early success of AFHTO’s first strategic plan – put in place two years ago – established the foundation to create the strong voice for family health teams.  AFHTO’s most recent Annual Report documents the progress made to recruit virtually all FHTs into this one organization, build the infrastructure base, and develop the profile, credibility and key relationships with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and many other stakeholders. AFHTO’s next stage builds on this solid base as the advocate, champion, network and resource for FHTs. The focus is on supporting, measuring, and promoting the value of well-integrated interprofessional primary care, and advocating for its expansion so that more Ontarians can access this high-quality comprehensive care. The webinars and survey also invited members to identify the investment priorities to build AFHTO’s capacity to deliver greater value for members. Last August the Ministry added $2000 per year in base funding for FHTs to pay for an annual membership in their representative association. Members approved a new fee structure at the Annual General Meeting in October; this is expected to increase AFHTO’s annual operating budget by roughly $200,000. Member responses gave clear direction – build capacity in government relations, performance measurement and knowledge transfer. Operationalizing the Strategic Direction In this next fiscal year AFHTO’s ongoing capacity to advocate for and support members will expand as staffing grows from two full-time staff to four. The addition of an Office Manager/Admin Assistant will allow the ED to focus more time in government relations and performance measurement. Continuing the position of Senior Project Lead – Governance, Quality and Operations (currently a short-term contract) significantly expands AFHTO’s ability to engage with members and help FHTs to leverage knowledge. Initiatives to advance each of the six strategic priorities include the following:

    • Governing and leading: AFHTO staff continue to support roll-out of the MOHLTC-funded Governing for Quality training program, advocate for additional sessions so that all who are interested can participate, and identify further opportunities to support governance and leadership development, including the Leadership and Governance for Quality stream at the AFHTO 2013 Conference.
    • Measuring and improving quality: A number of developments are converging in a way that could significantly accelerate the ability of FHTs to measure and track their own performance. In line with AFHTO’s Recommendations on the Optimal Configuration of the Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) positions, the Ministry is considering funding for a small number of provincial-level resources operating under a governance structure representative of all FHTs (QIDSS Steering Committee) to be established and supported by AFHTO. Following from last year’s proposal – Advancing a Performance-Oriented Model for Primary Care – the Ministry has expressed interest and has asked AFHTO to re-fresh and re-submit this proposal. Through AFHTO’s work to bring together the Ontario College of Family Physicians, the Ontario Medical Association and its Section on General and Family Practice, OntarioMD and eHealth Ontario have agreed to establish a joint working group to define requirements and processes to extract EMR data.
    • Achieving more seamless integration: AFHTO has been convening bi-weekly teleconferences with the eight FHTs coordinating the first group of Health Links.  This is expected to lead to a number of knowledge transfer opportunities, beginning with the sharing of business plans (once MOHLTC-approved) via the AFHTO website and an Improving outcomes for “the 10%” stream at the AFHTO 2013 Conference.
    • Recruiting and retaining staff:  Building on last year’s report and advocacy initiative, AFHTO is continuing its joint advocacy with AOHC and NPAO for a primary care recruitment and retention strategy. The three organizations commissioned the Hay Group to update a market review of salaries; the results of this work will become the basis for future advocacy.
    • Promoting the value/role of family health teams: Under the direction of AFHTO’s Executive Committee of the AFHTO board, AFHTO’s government relations activity will be raised to more strategic, senior levels of government decision-making.
    • Engaging with AFHTO members: In addition to the Health Link coordinator network mentioned above, AFHTO has recently launched a network through which PS Solutions EMR users will problem-solve with this EMR vendor.  Recruitment for an ED Advisory Council has just begun. Anticipating approval of provincial-level resources to support the new QIDSS positions, a QIDSS Steering Committee (also noted above) is expected to be formed in the next few months.

    For sustainability into the future, membership revenue and on-going operating expenses remain fully balanced. One-time expenses for special projects and other contingencies will be funded as needed from the reserves accumulated thanks to expansion of AFHTO conference sponsorships and the one-time voluntary contribution made possible by the Ministry funding increase this year. AFHTO looks forward to keeping members informed of progress in advancing the Strategic Direction.

  • FHT Leaders’ Response to AFHTO’s Draft Strategic Plan – February 2013 survey results

    To renew its strategic direction, the AFHTO board developed a draft document and invited members give input to via two webinars, held on Jan. 22 and 24, and a membership survey.  Please click here to access the survey results. Responses indicated strong support for the direction. Some modifications were made as the responses gave valuable insight into concepts that needed to be incorporated or clarified. The results appear reasonably consistent:

    • Reasonably strong support for the revised Vision and Mission for AFHTO. A few comments suggested need to clarify the reference to “expand access” in the mission statement and add concepts that were felt to be missing, i.e. equitable access for the marginalized and commitment to collaborative teams.
    • Strong support for the Strategic Priorities as well.  All received reasonably high ratings as priorities (2.4 to 2.6 points out of 3.0).  Comments were varied, but a number spoke to the theme of “equity” – for first nations, marginalized populations, in allocating resources among FHTs, and in compensation for FHT professionals.
    • The final question asked about priorities for investing the roughly $200K increase to AFHTO’s operating budget. Government relations, performance measurement and knowledge transfer capacity were consistently rated the top three; group purchasing and research/analysis capacity as the bottom two.