National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th
Dear Members, As you know, the federal government has introduced a new statutory holiday on September 30th called the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day is intended to be a time for Canadians to spread awareness of and reflect on the tragedies experienced by Indigenous people as a result of the country’s former […]
Eight New Ontario Health Teams Announced
Congratulations to the eight new Ontario Health Teams and to our member teams that are engaged and participating in the development of OHTs. This list may be updated as more information becomes available. Ontario Health Team AFHTO Members Barrie and Area OHT Barrie and Community FHT Barrie CHC Elgin OHT East Elgin FHT Thames […]
AFHTO 2021 Conference: AI panel update
Artificial Intelligence and Robots in Primary Care. The Future is Now Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to become more and more relevant in clinical practice. From machine learning to robotic process automation (“bots”), it’s important that we have a basic understanding of the potentials and limitations. Moderator: Dr. Kevin Samson – Family Physician, East Wellington […]
AFHTO 2021 Conference: Registration now live
Registration now open for the AFHTO 2021 Conference! Primary care has risen to the challenge of COVID-19 and while we wouldn’t dare say we have become used to its sweeping impacts on our work and lives, we can say we have adjusted to provide the best care possible for patients under trying circumstances. Teams have […]
Extended Bright Lights nomination deadline- now Monday, August 30, 12 noon
Bright Lights nomination deadline now Monday, August 30, 12 noon! We know you’re working hard on your nominations so we’re giving you a bit more time to submit. Awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2021 Conference Awards ceremony, which will be held on October 27th, 2021. We encourage small, rural, and Northern teams to […]
JUST ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your Bright Lights nomination
• Are you proud of what your team has accomplished, especially during this pandemic? • Do you want your colleagues to be recognized for the amazing work they do? • Do you think it would be great to see your initiative spread across the province? If you’ve said yes to any of the above, […]
AFHTO Bright Lights Awards – nominations now open! Only until August 27
Shine a light on your team’s achievements. Nominate an outstanding team or individual for a “Bright Lights” Award by August 27, 2021. AFHTO’s “Bright Lights” Awards recognize AFHTO members’ leadership, outstanding work and the significant progress being made to improve the value interprofessional primary care teams across Ontario deliver. There’s no better time to show […]
AFHTO 2021 Conference: If you have submitted an abstract, please make sure you have received confirmation
We received over 40 poster abstracts for the AFHTO 2021 Conference. Thank you to all those who applied! A confirmation email has been sent to the contact person for each abstract. If you are part of a group that has prepared a submission, please ensure your group contact has received the email with the subject: […]
Need for Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and Education for all public servants
To: Hon. Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health Hon. Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General Cc: Hon. Greg Rickford, Minister, Indigenous Affairs Matthew Anderson, CEO, Ontario Health Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ministry of Health Helen Angus, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Health Re: Need for Indigenous Cultural Safety Training and Education […]
LAST DAY to submit a poster abstract!
Today is the deadline! Submit your poster abstract by 5:00 pm! Email info@afhto.ca or call 647-234-8605 x1200 if you have any questions. We’re here to help. Helpful links: Review submissions guidelines and tips Review conference theme descriptions Download the submission form template to start your draft […]
LESS THAN A WEEK to submit a poster abstract
Submit your poster abstract- deadline August 3, 2021 We want your insight on these topics: -Building sustainable programs for improved access -Navigating complex systems to lead effectively -Picking the right partners and integrating care around the patient -Innovations in digital health, especially for rural and remote communities -How to address challenges at the policy and […]
AFHTO 2021 Conference: call for poster abstracts
It’s time to highlight primary care. Present your ideas and initiatives at the AFHTO 2021 Conference: Post-Pandemic Primary Care: Respond, Recover, Rebuild We’ll be selecting content for our 5 core themes and we need your help. We want your insight, from system and policy-level discussions to patient-focused inquiries into the ways teams can […]
AFHTO 2021 Conference: create YOUR virtual conference. Sign up by July 8
Join a working group You can make an impact by joining a working group today. Come behind the scenes and be the first to learn about new developments in the field, influence conference programming and discover the latest innovators in areas directly relevant to your work. Working group members also receive a discount off their […]
AFHTO Statement on Racism and Hate
We want to start by expressing our grief and sorrow about the tragic and horrifying events of the last few weeks, recognizing that racism and hate has been part of Canada since its inception. We mourn the discovery of the mass grave at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The profound loss of 215 […]
AFHTO 2021 Conference: Save the Date Oct. 27-28
AFHTO 2021 CONFERENCE OCTOBER 27-28 We know you’ve been waiting, but the wait is almost over. The AFHTO 2021 conference will be two half-days October 27 & 28 in the morning, with our annual general meeting on the evening of October 26. This month we’ll announce: Conference theme and call for volunteers Call for […]
Important Information about AstraZeneca Second Doses
Dear members, As you are aware the Ministry announced yesterday that they will make second dose administration of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine available, beginning with those who received their first dose of the vaccine between March 10 and March 19, 2021. For primary care this impacts the primary care clinics that were part of the initial […]
Patient perspectives on quality of care for depression and anxiety in primary health care teams: Study
Research paper published in Health Expectations. 2021 Abstract Background: Widespread policy reforms in Canada, the United States and elsewhere over the last two decades strengthened team models of primary care by bringing together family physicians and nurse practitioners with a range of mental health and other interdisciplinary providers. Understanding how patients with depression and anxiety […]
Using Manchester Scale during initial diabetic foot screening in primary health care settings: Study
Research paper published in The Foot Volume 47, June 2021, 101810 Abstract Limitations have been identified in the current state of primary care practises with regards to identifying and correctly categorizing foot deformity and its associated risk of developing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. This study aims to bridge these gaps through the implementation […]
Pause of first doses of AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD Update
In This Issue: Pause of first doses of AstraZeneca/COVIDSHIELD Update mRNA Vaccines in Primary Care Ontario Matching Portal COVID-19 vaccination clinic workflow and mass upload tips & tricks Community of Practice: Primary Care Participation COVID@Home A Big Thank You! Dear Members, You have probably already heard that the Ontario government announced on May 11th that […]
Ontario government’s paid sick leave legislation doesn’t go far enough
Shared by the Primary Care Collaborative Ontario government’s paid sick leave legislation doesn’t go far enough and too many workplaces remain open: Workers need protection that provides flexible paid sick leave for illnesses, to self-isolate and to get vaccinated TORONTO – April 30 – Simply put, this just isn’t enough. As well, far […]
Arnprior & District FHT, VTAC and COVID-19 vaccination drive through clinics
Arnprior & District Family Health Team continues to support COVID-19 efforts April 23, 2021 – Arnprior & District Family Health Team (ADFHT) has been hard at work supporting local residents in addressing their needs as a result of the pandemic. ADFHT is one of the key partner organizations taking the administrative lead in […]
April 27th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
In This Issue: Introduction including Ontario Science Table brief Responding to Patient Concerns About the AstraZeneca Vaccine Message from Ontario Health (Cancer Care) – Guidance for Primary Care & General Medical Imaging for Vaccine-related Adenopathy COVaxON Primary Care Community of Practice New and Updated Resources Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an […]
PCC calls for more supports for essential workers and workplaces, more robust community vaccination rollout & isolation supports
Shared by the Primary Care Collaborative Toronto – April 17, 2021 – The organizations of the Primary Care Collaborative echo the alarms being sounded by our healthcare and public health colleagues since Friday. There was no doubt given the modelling from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Table Advisory Board on Friday afternoon that additional measures were […]
Ontario stay-at-home order and the Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan
Dear Executive Directors and Administrative Leads, The third province-wide stay-at-home order took effect today at 12:01 AM. Under the stay-at-home order, primary care teams are encouraged to continue virtual care wherever possible but do not stop or delay in-person care. It remains at a clinician’s discretion to determine if a patient needs to be seen […]
Stay-At-Home Order Welcome But More Needed
Shared by the Primary Care Collaborative April 7, 2021 – The Primary Care Collaborative welcomes the Ontario Government’s announcement of new provincial measures to stop the alarming spread of COVID-19. While the vaccine rollout continues across the province, we are in a race against the variants, and bold action was needed to protect all Ontarians, […]
Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order
Ontario needs a Stay-at-Home order, community vaccination plans, and paid sick leave for ALL workers to stop spread of COVID-19 variants, reduce the burden on health care TORONTO – April 6, 2021 – Amid an alarming rise in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the Primary Care Collaborative shares concerns expressed by the Ontario Hospital Association, […]
April 5th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
In This Issue: Vaccinating in Primary Care COVaxON Primary Care Community of Practice COVID@Home Monitoring for Primary Care Provincial Antigen Screening Program COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility EMR Searches COVID-19 Learning Opportunities New Resources Relevant Ministry Guidance Documents for Primary Care Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care […]
The Primary Care Collaborative
COVID-19 shows the vital roles primary care providers play every day for community health and wellbeing and health system cooperation in Ontario Toronto, March 29, 2021 – During COVID-19, we see again and again across Ontario that communities – from people living in large urban centres to smaller cities to towns and rural […]
Joint Letter on Vaccine dose intervals for Indigenous populations
To: Premier Doug Ford Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minster of Health Cc: Dr. Dirk Huyer, Coordinator, Provincial Outbreak Response Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Re: Changes to dosing schedule for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution to Urban Indigenous populations March 26, 2021 Dear Premier Ford and Minister […]
Overview of the 2021 Ontario Government Budget
2021 Ontario Budget – Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy An overview of the Ontario government’s budget March 25, 2021 Overview Yesterday, March 24, the government released the 2021 Ontario Budget entitled “Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.” This budget builds on the investments announced last March in “Ontario’s […]
March 19th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Collaborative (PC-VAC*). This week’s key messages that we shared with vaccine decision-makers can be found here. The projections from the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table and Modelling Consensus update on COVID-19 Table on March 11 suggests […]
March 8th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Collaborative (*PC-VAC). This past week’s key messages that we shared with vaccine decision-makers can be found here. Today, the primary care organizations had an opportunity to present to some public health units, members of the Ministry’s Public […]
Joint Letter on Ensuring Equity in Ontario’s Vaccination Campaign
March 1, 2021 To: Premier Doug Ford Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier, Minister of Health Cc: General (Ret.) Rick Hillier, COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force Dr. Dirk Huyer, Coordinator, Provincial Outbreak Response Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health Alison Blair, Associate Deputy Minister, Pandemic Response and Recovery Patrick Dicerni, Assistant Deputy Minister Nadia Surani, […]
March 1st Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Collaborative (PC-VAC*). This past week’s key messages that we shared with vaccine decision-makers can be found here. The Collaborative has been working closely together and is meeting regularly with representatives from the Provincial Vaccine Task Force, public […]
How primary health care helps health systems adapt during the COVID 19 pandemic: OECD report
OECD Policy Responses to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Strengthening the frontline: How primary health care helps health systems adapt during the COVID 19 pandemic Feb. 10, 2021 Abstract Health systems continue to adapt to cope with the COVID‑19 pandemic. Much focus has been placed on the scaling-up of hospital capacities. However, the pandemic is also deeply affecting […]
February 17th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Action Council (*PC-VAC). Last week’s key messages that we shared with vaccine decision-makers can be found here. We are mindful that the news regarding vaccines is evolving daily, and we will have to continue to be prepared […]
February 6th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Action Council (*PC-VAC). This week’s key messages that we shared with vaccine decision-makers can be found here. We are mindful that the news regarding vaccines is evolving daily, and we will have to continue to be prepared […]
Joint Letter on Vaccination roll-out and Community Providers
Wednesday, January 27th, 2021 Subject: Vaccination roll-out Dear Premier Ford and Minister Elliott: Our members/staff are engaged community health providers who have been fighting on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since it began. We are aware that vulnerable and home-bound individuals in the community are slated as the next priority group to receive […]
January 22nd Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Action Council (*PC-VAC). This week’s key messages that we shared with vaccine decision-makers can be found here. There are several updates this week: Vaccination Availability: The delays reported from Pfizer seem likely to affect availability of vaccination […]
Joint Letter to release Mental Health and Addiction Funding
January 19, 2021 Dear Minister, We would like to thank you and your team for your ongoing work in ensuring the people of Ontario stay safe as we combat the pandemic. Your tireless efforts are greatly appreciated. We are writing about a commitment of funding that was made by your government in the Fall 2020 […]
January 15th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, We are writing to provide you with an update from our united Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Action Council (*PC-VAC). Each week, we advocate for a shared set of bottom-line messages to vaccine decision-makers. You can read the bottom lines for this week here. We are also committed to sharing with you weekly news […]
Joint Letter on Paid Sick Leave
January 14, 2021 Sent via email Premier of Ontario Legislative Building Queen’s Park Toronto ON M7A 1A1 Dear Premier Ford, Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the evidence has become clear: paid sick leave is essential to protecting our province from the catastrophic impacts of unchecked virus transmission, and its toll on marginalized populations. We are a […]
January 8th Update on COVID-19 Vaccination Roll Out
Dear Members, As you are aware, the COVID-19 response is changing rapidly. As mentioned earlier this week, the Primary Care COVID-19 Vaccination Action Council* is very active in provincial advocacy efforts. We are meeting regularly with many partners including the Ontario Hospital Association, Public Health, Ontario Medical Association, Ministry of Health staff and Vaccine Task […]
Sending warm wishes and cheer
Thirteen New Ontario Health Teams Announced
Congratulations to the thirteen new Ontario Health Teams and to our member teams that are engaged and participating in the development of OHTs. This list may be updated as more information becomes available. Ontario Health Team AFHTO Members Brantford Brant OHT PrimaCare FHT Downtown East Toronto OHT Inner City FHT Sherbourne Health Centre FHT St. […]
Address from incoming president Dr. Allan Grill
I’ve sat on the AFHTO Board for six years and learned a great deal from many talented colleagues across our province who have volunteered their time to advocate for high quality, inter-professional, team-based primary care for all Ontarians. I’ve enjoyed our committee meetings and in-depth discussions on how to improve our health care system. […]
Congratulations to the Bright Lights 2020 Award Winners!
On October 8 AFHTO named the winners of our annual Bright Lights Awards at our first ever virtual ceremony. These innovators have improved primary care through their leadership, outstanding work and significant progress made toward improving the value delivered by interprofessional primary care teams throughout Ontario. Bright Lights Award winners are innovators and team players […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: early bird rate deadline today
Register for the AFHTO 2020 Conference before midnight EDT! Register at the early bird rate to save on registration. After today, rates increase for both members and non-members. In previous years we have sometimes extended the deadline, but this is the closest to the conference we’ve ever had, so there will be no extension […]
A Joint Open Letter for stricter measures to address COVID-19
September 29, 2020 The Honourable Doug Ford Premier’s Office Room 281, Legislative Building, Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 Dear Premier, Ontario has now surpassed the highest number of daily cases that were identified during wave 1 in the spring. With 700 cases reported yesterday, it is time to look at stricter public health measures […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: just over one week left to register at the early bird rate
Register for the AFHTO 2020 Conference before Oct. 1! Register at the early bird rate to save on registration. After Oct. 1, rates increase for both members and non-members. Group discount available until Oct. 1 Starting today, when you register two or more people, you save 15%! Now’s a great time to invite your […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: just two weeks left to register at the early bird rate
Register for the AFHTO 2020 Conference before Oct. 1! Register at the early bird rate to save on registration. After Oct. 1, rates increase for both members and non-members. New and updated sessions Seizing the opportunity to co design with patients and caregivers….it is the answer to building primary care in a new world- […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: announcing panels and on-demand sessions
Announcing our 2020 Concurrent Session Panels On both days we’ll launch concurrent session panels to kick off each theme, featuring experts and colleagues focused on helping you cross the chasms inherent in practising primary care in 2020. Panel sessions Integrating Virtual Care: Provincial, Practice & Patient Level Enablers More than medication: the importance of […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: announcing our concurrent sessions
Announcing our 2020 Concurrent Sessions There are so many great options for you to pick from – diverse topics all relevant to Ontario primary care. Register before Oct.1! Thursday Oct. 8 afternoon sessions Friday Oct. 9 morning sessions Topics: Preventive care apps Ontario Health Teams: what to watch for Crisis Response for Migrant Worker […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: Registration now live
Registration now open for the AFHTO 2020 Conference! Before 2020, anyone with experience in Ontario’s healthcare system thought they knew what change meant. Now COVID-19 has shifted our priorities with a focus on how to support our patients and our teams in new ways of delivering care. Primary care has risen to the challenge, but […]
The Role of Social Workers in Interprofessional Primary Healthcare Teams: Study
Research paper published in HEALTHCARE POLICY Vol.16 No.1, 2020 Abstract Background: In Ontario, Canada, social workers are employed in a number of primary healthcare (PHC) settings such as Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Family Health Teams (FHTs). However, many aspects of social work practice within PHC settings are unknown. Objectives: The objectives of our study […]
Social prescribing: The next step for equitable healthcare
Healthy Debate opinion piece by Kate Mulligan and Kavita Mehta The data are in: people living with racism, low incomes and crowded housing are most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The attention it has drawn to these inequities has healthcare providers re-examining their practices with respect to virtual care, active outreach and health equity. However, […]
Essex County NPLC receives COVID-19 grant to improve access to technology and enhanced digital services
The Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (ECNPLC) enhancing digital services to meet community needs. Essex County NPLC has received grant funding from the Canadian Red Cross, through the COVID-19 Emergency Support for Community Organizations Granting Program, to improve access to technology and enhanced digital services. The grant supports the Windsor Essex Health Program (WE Health). […]
Measuring the Patient/Client Experience with Virtual Care in Primary Care
Measuring the Patient/Client Experience with Virtual Care in Primary Care Purpose: In the last year, Ontarians attended nearly 1,000,000 virtual care visits (Ontario Telemedicine Network, 2019). Virtual care is provided through a vast number of modalities such as voice, video, teleconference, online platforms, and mobile texting (Pearl et al, 2014). While many primary care practices […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: If you have submitted a nomination or abstract, please make sure you have received confirmation
We received over 90 submissions for Bright Lights and presentations at the AFHTO 2020 Conference. Thank you to all those who applied! A confirmation email has been sent to the contact person for each submission. If you are part of a group that has prepared a submission, please ensure your group contact has received the […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: extended submission deadline – now Friday at 9 am
It may be summer, but these definitely aren’t lazy days. Given the demands on your time, we’ve responded by extending the deadline to submit abstracts and Bright Lights nominations for the AFHTO 2020 Conference “Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world.” Submit abstracts and nominations The deadline is now July 31, 2020 at […]
Five New Ontario Health Teams Announced
Congratulations to the five new Ontario Health Teams and to our member teams that are engaged and participating in the development of OHTs. And further congratulations to all OHTs, receiving funding of $25.25 million for virtual care and other direct support. Ontario Health Team AFHTO Members Algoma OHT n/a Niagara OHT Niagara North FHT Portage […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: JUST ONE WEEK LEFT to submit your abstract and nomination
Working group volunteers have met for inspiring and fruitful brainstorming this week. Don’t be surprised if you hear from them soon, especially if you have insight into the topics below. Among other topics, your peers want to hear about: Lived experience of Black, Indigenous and other visible minority patients- straight from the source Rural […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: what we want to see
Here’s what we want to hear from you. These are the topics we’ll explore for our 5 core themes. We want interactive sessions for the live presentations, and we encourage creativity. As long as we can deliver it in a virtual format, we want to hear about it. […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: call for submissions
It’s time to highlight primary care. Present your ideas and initiatives at the AFHTO 2020 Conference: Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world We asked and you answered. This year’s conference will be a streamlined virtual event- a little shorter but with even more variety in presentation format. We’ll be curating […]
How STAR FHT doctor’s videos help navigate COVID-19 pandemic
CBC article published June 24, 2020 By Desmond Brown The COVID-19 pandemic has turned Stratford-based family physician Sean Blaine into an internet sensation of sorts — as a YouTube commentator offering tips to navigate the health emergency. Blaine says he has “a couple of ideas on how we can get through this thing together.” He […]
AFHTO Members win Future Innovator Awards
The Change Foundation’s Future Innovator Awards recognizes six people, teams and/or organizations who have a strong vision for positive change for patients and caregivers and have the potential to make notable impact going forward. Members and member-affiliated organizations and individuals were recipients, including: The MINT Memory Clinic– a model for which Dr. Linda Lee, […]
Patient and Family Engagement in Primary Care: Case Study Report
On Thursday, June 11, The Change Foundation released Patient and Family Engagement in Primary Care: Building effective patient and family advisory councils in three Ontario communities,a case study report featuring 3 Family Health Teams. The report finds twenty key lessons in 5 categories- launching, recruiting, operating, relationships and sustaining. Teams featured: Peterborough Family Health Team– […]
COVID-19 in Ontario – A Focus on Diversity: Public Health Ontario Report
On June 1, Public Health Ontario released Enhanced Epidemiological Summary COVID-19 in Ontario – A Focus on Diversity . Purpose This report aims to explore neighbourhood-level trends among laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in Ontario who do not reside in long term care (LTC) from a health equity perspective. It combines individual case data with neighbourhood-level […]
A Joint Open Letter on Pandemic Pay
May 25, 2020 Premier Doug Ford Queen’s Park Toronto, ON M7A 1A1 OPEN LETTER Dear Premier Ford, As a broad group of healthcare stakeholders whose members employ tens of thousands of front line workers in the fight against COVID 19, we write to you today to seek immediate clarity on the implementation details and timing […]
AFHTO 2020 Conference: switching things up
In February AFHTO’s Membership Committee and Board approved our 2020 conference themes and program. In March we prepared to announce them and send a call for volunteers but as with everything else, the COVID-19 pandemic overtook our plans. Thank you for your patience as we monitored the situation and made decisions about how it might […]
AFHTO partners with Ontario Psychological Association and others to improve access to psychological services for front lines during COVID-19
Ontario Psychological Association Partners with the Ontario College of Family Physicians, Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario and the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario to improve access to psychological services for front lines during COVID-19 Ontario Psychological Association News release (Toronto, ON) May 12th, 2020 – In response to Ontario’s growing mental health crisis, […]
Letter from AFHTO’s President and Board Chair-May 2020
Dear Team Members, As we approach a new month contending with this pandemic, I thought it would be a good time to touch base. The continued disruptions, frustrations and adjustments of how we provide our services has been a tremendous source of anxiety to ourselves, our families and those we look after. Yet, despite all […]
An Open Letter from AFHTO, NPAO and the OCFP on PPE in Primary Care During COVID-19
April 15, 2020 An open letter regarding PPE in Primary Care during COVID-19 was released today from the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO), Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) and the Ontario College of Family Physicians (OCFP). On behalf of our members – who are caring for patients in communities across Ontario […]
How Lakelands FHT Handled a Positive COVID-19 Result At Their Clinic
As told by Dr. Matt Dumas, Lead Physician, Lakelands FHT* In late March, Lakelands FHT discovered that there was a positive case at our Northbrook site. That resulted in the immediate closure of our building. We all had to go home and finish 14 day periods of self-isolation. To our surprise, this meant having to […]
Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliot joining tonight’s Primary Care Virtual Community
After hearing from many of you and your ask for support to connect with each other and reflect on what’s needed to lead through challenging times The Ontario College of Family Physicians, The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario and The Change Foundation came together in short order to create the next Primary Care […]
Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
On March 25, 2020, Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips released Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (OAP) in the Legislature. The action plan is a fiscal and economic update, which constitutes another legislative step in the Ontario government’s response to the pandemic. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, governments around the world have had to respond […]
Letter from AFHTO’s President and Board Chair
Dear AFHTO teammates, I just wanted to reach out to all of you while I have a moment to thank you for your tremendous efforts over the last couple of weeks. Like you, I have been busy working with our team to realign services, develop innovative ways to contend with COVID-19 while also continuing to […]
Our new location
We’re happy to announce we have officially moved into office space subleased from the Ontario College of Family Physicians. We’re now sharing space with OCFP and Centre for Effective Practice staff in the heart of downtown Toronto. Phone extensions will be updated today but our main line is working. All email addresses remain the […]
Prescriptions are for more than just drugs
Prescriptions are for more than just drugs. Ontario Health Teams should use ‘social prescribing’ to improve our health and wellbeing. Healthy Debate opinion piece by Kate Mulligan and Kavita Mehta Most of the conversation about ending hallway health care in Ontario has focused on the back door of the hospital – moving people out of […]
We’re on the move
AFHTO is on the move. As of tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 23, AFHTO staff will be working offsite in preparation for a move to a new location. We will each be checking our voicemail periodically but if the matter is urgent, please email the relevant staff member directly. Further details including our new location will be […]
Year End Message from AFHTO’s President and Board Chair
As we at AFHTO approach this holiday season, I think it is a great time to reflect on 2019 and offer some thoughts on what 2020 could possibly hold for us all. This last year has brought many changes, challenges and opportunities to all of us working in team-based care. AFHTO, like many of our […]
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, is based on the Quadruple Aim of health care improvement: better […]
First 24 Ontario Health Teams Announced
Congratulations to the first cohort of 24 Ontario Health Teams and to our many member teams that are engaged and participating in the development of OHTs in their communities, ensuring that primary care is the foundation in the transformation. Ontario Health Team AFHTO Members All Nations Health Partners OHT Sunset Country FHT Brampton, Etobicoke and […]
Why East Wellington FHT Joined the Guelph and Area Ontario Health Team
Excerpt from The Wellington Advertiser article published December 5, 2019 By Aryn Strickland, The Wellington Advertiser Joining the GAOHT made statistical sense for East Wellington Family Health Team (EWFHT), which provides clinics in both Erin and Rockwood, according to executive director Kim Bell. “First and foremost, we looked at our patients access patterns. So we […]
AFHTO members leading Ontario Health Teams
Originally published Jul. 30, 2019. Last updated Dec. 4, 2019 On July 18, 2019, the Minister of Health, Hon. Christine Elliott, hosted a town hall to provide an update on the next steps for becoming an Ontario Health Team (OHT) for those who completed a self-assessment. With more than 150 submissions received, OHTs are being […]
How Rapids FHT’s memory clinics can help Ontarians living with dementia
The TVO article published November 29, 2019 By Mary Baxtor, TVO The estimated 3,000 Sarnians who live with dementia often face long waits and travel times for treatment. But a new kind of clinic could change that. Fourteen years ago, Mary De Marco received a call from the rubber plant in Sarnia where her husband, Bob, worked as […]
Mississauga OHT Announced
On Nov. 25, 2019, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, was at the University of Toronto Mississauga to announce the Mississauga Ontario Health Team, known as Mississauga Health, as one of the first 24 teams in the province. The aim is to implement a new model of organizing and delivering health care that […]
QIDS-ESSENTIAL: The Making & Meaning of the Quality Improvement Decision Support program
Edited introduction from QIDS-Essential: The Making and Meaning of the Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Program As the QIDS program turned five in the Fall of 2018, the QIDS Secretariat within AFHTO decided that the milestone merited not just another report or case study but a different kind of account, one that would capture […]
Virtual Clinic coming to Elliot Lake Family Health Team
Elliot Lake Today article published September 17, 2019 By Brent Sleightholm, Elliot Lake Today Family Health Team responds to crush of patients without doctors in Elliot Lake Elliot Lake’s Family Health Team representing 10 family physicians along with two nurse practitioners and a cadre of other health care providers, allied staff who work with them, is […]
Couchiching FHT Trans health program is where advocacy meets health care
Orillia Matters article published September 24, 2019 By Jessica Owen, Village Media The Couchiching Family Health Team was given a major honour last week for shining a light on an under-served segment of the population. The group won a Bright Lights Award for community and social accountability from the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) […]
Announcing the Bright Lights 2019 Award Winners!
AFHTO has named the winners of our annual Bright Lights Awards. These innovators have improved primary care through their leadership, outstanding work and significant progress made toward improving the value delivered by interprofessional primary care teams throughout Ontario. Bright Lights Award winners are innovators and team players whose work has an impact on the healthcare […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: Tips for your arrival and stay
It’s now less than one week to the AFHTO 2019 Conference on September 19 & 20! We look forward to seeing you all as we welcome delegates from across the province. Fireside Chat Update Our fireside chat with Deputy Minister Helen Angus has now been approved for Mainpro+ accreditation. This is a great […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: early bird rate extended to Sep. 6
Register for the AFHTO 2019 Conference before 5:00 pM on Sep. 6! Health System Integration Built on the Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care September 19 & 20, 2019 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario Early-bird registration extended to this Friday, September 6, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Register for the conference Members receive a […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: early bird deadline today
Register for the AFHTO 2019 Conference before 5:00 pM today! Health System Integration Built on the Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care September 19 & 20, 2019 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario Early-bird registration closes today, September 6, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. With Ministry speakers, primary care team leaders discussing the latest […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: early bird rate expires Sep. 4
Register for the AFHTO 2019 Conference before Sep. 4! Health System Integration Built on the Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care September 19 & 20, 2019 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario Don’t miss out! Early-bird registration closes next Wednesday, September 4, 2019. Register for the conference Early-bird registration closes September 4, 2019. Members […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: just two weeks left to register at the early bird rate
Register for the AFHTO 2019 Conference before Sep. 4! Health System Integration Built on the Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care September 19 & 20, 2019 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario What to do before Sep. 4 to enhance your conference experience: Register at the early bird rate to save on registration. After Sep. […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: introducing our patient speaker
Introducing Stephen Stephen, a patient with Dufferin Area FHT, will be joining us at the AFHTO 2019 Conference, “Health System Integration Built on the Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care”. He’ll speak about his experience with interprofessional team-based care after Dr. Rueben Devlin at the closing plenary. You can learn more about Stephen’s story and […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: Minister Christine Elliott speaking
Honourable Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health We’re excited to announce the Honourable Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, will be joining us for lunch at the AFHTO 2019 Conference, “Health System Integration Built on the Foundation of Team-Based Primary Health Care”. She’ll be on hand to speak to attendees […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: less than 5 weeks to early bird deadline
REGISTER BEFORE SEP. 4 It’s officially August but before you check out for the long weekend, spare a thought for (barely) post-summer activities. Our early bird deadline of Sep. 4 is just over a month away. An easy way to be productive before leaving work? Registering for the AFHTO 2019 Conference, “Health System Integration […]
AFHTO 2019 Conference: announcing Deputy Minister Helen Angus
Fireside Chat with Deputy Minister Helen Angus We’re excited to announce that Helen Angus, Deputy Minister of Health and Deputy Minister of Long-Term Care, will be joining us for the Fireside Chat at our conference on the evening of Thursday, September 19. This is a great opportunity to hear the Deputy speak about Ontario Health […]