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OurCare Survey – help us understand the gaps in primary care

Access to basic health care is a struggle for millions of people in Canada, with over 1 in 5 unable to find a family doctor.  The OurCare Survey, led by Dr. Tara Kiran and the MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, aims to change that. The survey is being conducted in partnership with the Canadian […]

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Description of the three icons ⦁ The eagle to represent First Nations ⦁ The narwhal to represent Inuit ⦁ The beaded flower to represent Métis Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the centre, which represents being together in spirit of reconciliation. The orange colour represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to reconciliation.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. It is a day to memorialize the children lost to residential schools, and to honour the survivors, ancestors and communities still impacted by the history of residential schools. The last residential school in Canada closed in 1996, and the effects of that system […]

AFHTO reflects on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The words are National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on an orange background with feathers to their right. Below it says Before reconcilation must come truth

            Every year, on September 30, we mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and Orange Shirt Day to honour and commemorate survivors and ancestors who were and continue to be impacted by the tragic and painful history of residential schools. The last residential school closed in 1996 and […]

The Primary Care Collaborative

Primary Care Collaborative logos

  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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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, […]

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 […]

AFHTO 2018 Conference: want to win $500 towards a Westjet flight or vacation?

Register for the AFHTO 2018 Conference before Oct. 1! Relationship Design with Starfield in Mind October 24 & 25, 2018 – Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto, Ontario   Summer’s almost over so it’s time to make the most of that back-to-school energy and register for AFHTO’s 2018 Conference. Come see over 800 of your colleagues from […]

AFHTO 2018 Conference: Presentation notifications sent out

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract for concurrent session and poster presentations at the AFHTO 2018 Conference. The working groups have now reviewed all submissions and a notification e-mail has been sent to each contact person. If you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact […]

2018 Election Advocacy Tools: Every Community. Every Patient.

Ontario’s 42nd provincial election occurred on June 7, 2018, and a majority progressive conservative government was elected. Meeting with the MPP who has been (re)elected in your riding is always a great idea. A meeting is to increase awareness around the importance and value of FHTs and NPLCs, and to advocate for expansions and investments. […]

Ministry- FHT contract news and updates

MOHLTC-FHT contracts expired on Mar. 31, 2016. The templates developed to replace them could significantly reshape the relationship FHTs have with the Ministry. The ministry has looked to AFHTO, in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders, to recommend performance measures aligned with the ministry’s focus on enhancing access/integration and supporting quality and sustainability in primary care. […]

AFHTO 2016 Conference: registration still open. Pick your sessions.

Presenters putting the final touches on their slides, chefs prepping their menus, and your peers printing their posters – we’re gearing up for the AFHTO 2016 Conference and all we need is you. There is still time for you and your team to register for energizing discussions, forward-looking plenaries, and networking with your colleagues. If […]

AFHTO 2016 Conference: Early-bird registration closes Sep 19. Additional speakers confirmed.

Ontario’s healthcare system is undergoing significant transformation and primary care providers – interprofessional staff, physicians, board members and more – need to understand its impact as well as their own potential role. Help your team navigate these changes by registering them for the AFHTO 2016 Conference. Registration and room rates increase after Sep. 19. Join […]

AFHTO 2016 Conference: Presentation notifications sent out

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract for concurrent session and poster presentations at the AFHTO 2016 Conference. The working groups have now reviewed all submissions and a notification e-mail has been sent to each contact person. If you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact […]

Video: Why D2D Matters – A family doctor’s perspective

Data to Decisions (D2D) is a membership-wide report on performance in primary care. In this 4 minute video, Dr. Michelle Greiver, North York FHT, describes the reasons she values Data to Decisions. Share this video with your colleagues, physicians and board members to start conversations about how your team could benefit from D2D. Next steps […]

AFHTO 2015 Conference: registration is still open / pick your sessions early

Presentations are being finalised, menus are being selected and posters are being created. Everything is being set up for the AFHTO 2015 Conference. Now all we need is you. There is still time for you and your colleagues to register for energising discussions, forward-looking plenaries, and networking with your peers. If you’ve already registered, don’t […]

Deputy Minister Bob Bell now confirmed for the AFHTO 2015 Conference!

Throughout the AFHTO 2015 conference, we’ll explore the many ways in which team-based primary care is the foundation of a sustainable health system and the diverse approaches teams are taking to strengthen that foundation. All this work takes place within a larger system so to wrap it up we ask – what’s the government’s vision […]

D2D 2.0 report release: AFHTO members advance primary care measurement

AFHTO members are leading the way to advance manageable and meaningful measurement across primary care. This work is critical. Around the world, cost-effective, high-performing health systems are based on a strong foundation of comprehensive primary care; robust measurement is a mandatory ingredient for strengthening that foundation. D2D 2.0 demonstrates significant progress in this journey: More […]

AFHTO 2015 Conference: presenter notifications sent out

Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract for concurrent session and poster presentations at the AFHTO 2015 Conference. The working groups have now reviewed all submissions and a notification e-mail has been sent to each contact person. If you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact […]

Ontario to introduce patient privacy amendments

Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care aims to introduce amendments to the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in the fall. If passed, these amendments would include making it mandatory to report breaches to the commissioner’s office; lifting the requirement that offences be prosecuted within six months of an alleged breach, and doubling fines […]

AFHTO 2015 Conference: Thank you to everyone who submitted an abstract!

Over 170 submissions were received for concurrent session and poster presentations at the AFHTO 2015 Conference. Thank you to all those who applied! A confirmation e-mail has been sent to the contact person for each abstract submission. If you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact has […]

Media coverage highlights value of team-based primary care

Recent media coverage about family health teams and team-based primary care as a whole have pointed to its value to patients in Ontario and the government’s intent to review primary health care models and balance healthcare spending. Total cost of care – Team-based care improving the bottom line AFHTO emphasizes that the real issue for […]

Invitation to all members to guide the AFHTO 2015 Conference program

We invite you, your colleagues and patients to participate in a conference program working group and earn a $50 discount on registration for the AFHTO 2015 Conference. Play a valuable role by discovering the thought leaders in your chosen topic area and by shaping the content of the AFHTO conference for your peers across the province. […]

“Health Care in a Time of Austerity” on TVO’s The Agenda

Feb. 25 – On The Agenda with Steve Paikin, Claudia Mariano, Nurse Practitioner at West Durham FHT and AFHTO Board Member, appeared on the show to discuss the need for increased support for recruitment & retention in primary care. The program, “Health Care in a Time of Austerity” focused on primary care reform in a time […]

Quality improvement in primary care – Summary of 2014-15 QIPs

Jan. 8 – Health Quality Ontario has released reports summarizing the quality improvement plans (QIPs) submitted this year by health care organizations across Ontario. The Insights into Quality Improvement – Key Observations: 2014-15 Quality Improvement Plans are reports that span acute hospitals, inter-professional primary care organizations, home care, and long-term care and are part of HQO’s new quality improvement plan report series highlighting […]

External evaluation report on family health teams is now available

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has released the report: An External Evaluation of the Family Health Teams (FHT) Initiative. It is a longitudinal study over the period from Dec. 2008 to November 2013, prepared by the Conference Board of Canada under contract to the ministry. AFHTO has prepared a summary of this 311-page […]

HQO Releases Report On End-of-Life Care in Ontario

Dec. 15 – Health Quality Ontario’s (HQO) End-of-Life Health Care in Ontario report was released today. Click here to download the full report and recommendations. The report addresses where the health system must improve to ensure the best end-of-life care for all Ontarians, and highlights the need for an increased number of professionals trained in palliative […]

AFHTO members participating in Ontario Low Back Pain pilot program

Nov. 26 – The government of Ontario announced the launch of a pilot program as part of the province’s Low Back Pain Strategy. Six AFHTO member organizations will be participating in this pilot: City Centre Health Care in Windsor in partnership with the Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic in Essex The Mount Forest, East Wellington […]

Comparing Health Quality Ontario’s new Measuring Up report to D2D 1.0 results

Health Quality Ontario has just released its yearly report on Ontario’s health system, Measuring Up. The section on primary care presents indicators related to access to primary care, patient experience and recommended screening tests, with some comparisons at the LHIN, provincial and international levels.  Click here to view the full report. A number of these […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: In Partnership with Patients

“Nothing about me without me.” At the close of the AFHTO 2014 Conference, Dr Tia Pham, lead physician at the South East Toronto FHT, reminded the audience of these famous words on patient partnership from Don Berwick, founder of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. “It’s the patient’s experience that counts.” Concluding comments from Dr Joshua […]

AFHTO calls for quick action on government’s Primary Care Guarantee

800 Primary Care Providers meet in Toronto to share best practices and push for enhanced primary care. Toronto, ON (October 16, 2014): The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) called for the Wynne government to take quick action to implement one of its election commitments: a guarantee that every Ontarian has access to […]

AFHTO launches Data to Decisions 1.0: comparing measures across teams for the first time

Data to Decisions 1.0: Advancing Primary Care (D2D 1.0) is the tangible result of our collective “get started” effort in team-based performance measurement across the AFHTO membership. D2D 1.0 is a summary of primary care data that are currently available, comparable and mean the most to AFHTO members in their efforts to advance quality of […]

AFHTO’s 2014 Annual Report to the Members is now available

The 2014 Annual Report gives insight into the progress of AFHTO members – family health teams and nurse practitioner-led clinics – collectively supported by their association, to move toward their shared vision. This is a vision where all Ontarians would have timely access to high-quality and comprehensive primary care, and that care is informed by […]

Advancing primary care measurement with D2D 1.0 and the Starfield Model

Two big steps in our progress to measure, improve and demonstrate the value of interprofessional primary care: Close to 50 FHTs submitted their data for the Data to Decisions (D2D) 1.0 report.  Whether or not your FHT/NPLC contributed data, the summary results can help you and your team. AFHTO members can access D2D 1.0 on […]

Nominations to the AFHTO Board of Directors are open until July 14

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 organization to apply. Please share this call for nominations with all who work in your team. FIVE people are to be elected for a 3-year term […]

AFHTO 2014 “Bright Light” Awards nominations open

Nominations now closed. Thank  you to all who submitted nominations. Confirmation emails will be sent by end of day Wednesday, August 13 2014. If you have submitted a nomination and have not received a confirmation email by then, please contact us at info@afhto.ca. Little innovations, big impact – Bright Light Award winners are innovators, making […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: Thank you for submitting abstracts!

Over 150 submissions were received for concurrent session and poster presentations at the AFHTO 2014 Conference. Thank you to all those who applied! A confirmation e-mail has been sent to the contact person for each abstract submission. If you are part of a group that has prepared an abstract, please ensure your group contact has received […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: One week left to submit a presentation or poster abstract (May 12)

Take advantage of this opportunity to share your knowledge and experience in advancing patient-centred care! Due date for all concurrent session and poster abstracts is May 12 at 9:00 AM Click here to review the submission guidelines. Click here for concurrent stream descriptions and examples of potential topics. Click here to submit an abstract in one […]

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Family Health Teams in Ontario

Ten years ago the concept of “Family Health Teams” was first announced. This anniversary follows a week in which two important studies have published evidence of the value of interprofessional collaboration in Ontario’s Family Health Teams, and in interprofessional primary care models across Canada. To mark this event, the Association of Family Health Teams of […]

Healthcare Team Model Best for Patients and Healthcare System

The Conference Board of Canada has published a new report Getting the Most out of Health Care Teams: Recommendations for Action.  Click here for the full report. Key points from the report are summarized in the Conference Board of Canada’s press release, reproduced below: Billions of dollars in savings could be realized Ottawa, March 10, 2014 – […]

Interprofessional Collaboration in Ontario’s Family Health Teams: A Review of the Literature

We are pleased to share the following literature review exploring current research on interprofessional Family Health Teams (FHTs) across Ontario. This review collects and analyzes existing evidence on the initial improvements to primary healthcare access, patient outcomes and reduction of system costs. A Review of the Literature – Click here for full article Authors: Sophia […]

Seeking AFHTO members to guide the 2014 Conference

We invite board members, clinical providers, staff and patients of AFHTO member organizations to participate in a conference program working group and earn a $50 discount on registration for the AFHTO 2014 Conference. This is a valuable opportunity to discover the thought leaders in your chosen topic area, and to apply your expertise to shape […]

Championing Innovation in Quality Improvement Decision Support

The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) is pleased to announce the six recipients of Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Innovation Funds. Ontario Family Health Teams (FHTs) are committed to measuring and improving comprehensive primary care performance; the QIDS program is a provincial initiative to support AFHTO members in their quality improvement (QI) […]

RNAO-MOHLTC Primary Care Fund to augment the Nursing Education Initiative

The Ministry has provided additional one-time funding to augment the Nursing Education Initiative (NEI) to support Ontario’s primary care registered nurses to refine their knowledge, skills and competencies; as a step towards enabling full scope of practice. Full rules are online; however, if a primary care RN has completed an educational program within the past […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: wrap-up and links to valuable resources

Close to 900 people took part in the AFHTO 2013 Conference – Leadership in Healthcare for Ontarians. This theme ran through the conference from Lance Secretan’s inspiring opening to the closing panel debate — “Be it resolved that health system transformation must be led by Primary Care.’” Leadership shone through in the pre-conference activities – […]

AFHTO Annual Meeting takes place Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 11:30 AM

All who work within an AFHTO member organization or serve on its board are welcome to attend the AFHTO Annual Meeting. It takes place just before the official opening of the AFHTO 2013 Conference, on: Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 11:30 AM Harbour Ballroom B+C, Westin Harbour Castle One Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario. At this […]

Nov.21 is deadline for applications for Primary Care Low Back Pain pilot

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) announced one-time pilot funding to support inter-professional primary care teams to provide better patient care through more effective treatment and management of Low Back Pain (LBP). Funding is available to teams/ organizations that operate in the following primary care settings: Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics, Family Health Teams, Aboriginal […]

Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, Sept.18, 2013

The main focus of the meeting was on budget flexibility and accountability. FHT representatives presented to MOHLTC the position proposed by the Executive Director Advisory Council at their meeting of August 28 and endorsed by the AFHTO board and the AOHC’s group of CFHT EDs. Other topics covered in the meeting: Process to address current […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: Registration is open until Oct. 18

Tuesday, October, 22 and Wednesday, October 23, 2013. The AFHTO 2013 Conference will be at the Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario Click here to register for the conference. Click here to book your accommodation. Click here for the full conference program.

QIDS Program: Links to information

Links to information from Aug.21 “QIDS Program Town Hall” are posted on AFHTO’s Members-Only website.  The Town Hall gave the opportunity to share information and gather input.  Participants raised questions concerning sharing of QIDS Specialist positions, costs, and lines of accountability among other issues. To access these and other QIDS resources, login to the Members-Only […]

Sept.13 deadline for proposals targeted to medically complex patients

The Ministry has issued a call for applications for demonstration projects from general and family practice physicians and groups across the province to provide multidisciplinary care for individuals, who have high medical and functional care needs, may have a high number of interactions with the health care system and may have a high risk of […]

AFHTO Members: Invitation to participate in a QIDS program town hall meeting

Please join AFHTO for an interactive, online “members town hall” on the QIDS program. When: Wednesday, August 21, 2013, 12:00pm to 12:45pm The town hall is open to all members and will provide an opportunity for you to: Hear about work your colleagues are doing to develop QIDS partnerships and QIDS Specialists recruitment Learn more […]

Registration for the AFHTO 2013 Conference is now live!

The AFHTO 2013 Conference to be held on Tuesday, October 22 and Wednesday, October 23 at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. Register you and your team for the conference before early-bird registration ends Sept. 20 Review the Full Conference Program Reserve a room at the preferred group rate at the Westin Harbour Castle Frequently […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: Call for “Bright Light” Award Nominations

The deadline for AFHTO “Bright Light” nominations has been extended to August 6, 2013. Nominations are open for the second annual AFHTO “Bright Light” Awards program recognizing leadership, outstanding work and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by Family Health Teams across Ontario. Awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2013 Conference […]

Nominations to the AFHTO Board are open until August 1

Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO board of directors? The Governance Committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone associated with an AFHTO-member teams to apply. Click here to see the Governance Committee letter to members and role descriptions. (Please note member login information is required to see this page, contact info@afhto.ca for assistance.)

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 […]

2013 Ontario Budget: Highlights for FHTs

When it comes to health care, the key planks in the 2013 Ontario budget are Health Links, the Seniors’ Strategy and the recently announced funding increases for home care. The health care sections of the budget summarize government priorities and commitments in this area.  Click here to read health-related excerpts from the budget. Full text […]

Primary Care QIPs are off to a great start

Message to all FHTs forwarded on behalf of Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Negotiations and Accountability Management Division, Assistant Deputy Minister Susan Fitzpatrick: From: Potts, Ashley (MOH) On Behalf Of Fitzpatrick, Susan (MOH) Sent: May-01-13 3:48 PM Subject: Quality Improvement Plans The memo below is regarding primary care Quality Improvement Plans. Please share […]

DFCM Open – family medicine resource website launched

Today, the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) at the University of Toronto launched a website called DFCM Open. Inspired by open knowledge and collaboration initiatives, such as the open source software movement, DFCM Open (www.dfcmopen.com) will collect and store clinical, educational and research material that is created, peer-reviewed and voluntarily submitted by its faculty members […]

Health Minister announces introduction of physiotherapy positions in FHTs

Today Minister Matthews announced that Ontario is improving access to physiotherapy services for eligible Ontarians by changing how and where these services are provided.  Beginning August 1, 2013, the province will expand availability of community-based physiotherapy, exercise classes and falls prevention services in more locations across Ontario. Steps include integrating physiotherapy positions into primary care […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference: Call for concurrent session and poster submissions

You are invited to submit an abstract to present a concurrent session or poster in 8 core themes areas that showcase and support FHT Leadership in Healthcare for Ontarians. The AFHTO 2013 Conference takes place October 22-23 in Toronto. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your knowledge, discuss priority issues and identify best practices […]

Public health guidance regarding Influenza A(H7N9) Virus in China

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health is informing all health system partners of preparedness activities related to influenza A (H7N9): To date the World Health Organization has announced a total of 60 cases of infection with influenza A (H7N9), and 13 deaths, all in China. WHO is not recommending special screening at points of entry […]

Strategic direction for AFHTO is renewed

The AFHTO board is pleased to announce the renewed vision, mission and strategic priorities to guide our work on behalf of our members over the next 2 – 3 years. Please click here for more information. AFHTO members may also click here to learn more about how this Strategic Direction will be operationalized in the […]

FHTs continue to play key role in Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care

One year after releasing Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care, Health Minister Deb Matthews presented her progress report today.  She called it a plan for “fundamental transformation” that puts “family health care at the centre of the system.” Government’s news release and the Action Plan for Health Care One Year Progress Report both continue to […]

Family Health Teams play a prominent role in Ontario’s Health Links

The first 19 Health Links were announced today by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews. Health Links bring together health care providers in a community to better and more quickly coordinate care for high-need patients. Seven of the 19 Health Links announced today will be coordinated by family health teams: Barrie and Community […]

CMOH releases “Seasonal Influenza 2012-2013: Ontario’s Blueprint for Action”

Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced the release of Seasonal Influenza 2012/ 2013: Ontario’s Blueprint for Action. This document updates the 2011/ 2012 Blueprint for Action by outlining the actions that the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Labour are taking to support the […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference: Increase corporate visibility as a sponsor or exhibitor

On October 16-17, 2012, over 500 executive directors, board members, physicians, staff, stakeholder associations and government representatives will attend the AFHTO 2012 Conference. AFHTO invites Family Health Team partners and stakeholders to consider the sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities at the upcoming conference. See the 2012 Sponsorship and Exhibitor Prospectus for opportunity details and all relevant […]

Aug.15 is deadline to apply to MOHLTC for financial support for PA positions

MOHLTC has e-mailed the invitation below to FHTs.  Please follow up with your Ministry rep to get the full package, if you did not receive it. SENT: July 24, 2012 4:57 PM SUBJECT: FHT – Employment supports for physician assistant graduates 2012 Dear Family Health Team, The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has […]

“Bright Lights” award nominations: opportunity for grant to attend IHI Conference

The first ever “Bright Lights” awards will be presented at the AFHTO 2012 Conference Awards Dinner, on October 16.  This award program recognizes the leadership, outstanding work and significant progress being made to improve the value delivered by Family Health Teams. There are 11 award categories corresponding to the themes of the AFHTO 2012 Conference. In […]

Updates on OMA-MOHLTC negotiations

Both parties involved in the negotiations have posted the following public statements: May 7 response from OMA – https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/CutstoHealthCare.aspx May 7 response from MOHLTC – http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2012/05/ontario-freezing-doctor-pay-to-invest-in-more-community-care-for-families-and-seniors.html May 3 news release from OMA – https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/NegotiateFairly.aspx April 27 response from Minister of Health http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2012/04/statement-from-ontarios-health-minister.html April 24 news release from OMA — https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/DoctorsOfferOfA2YearFreezeOnFeesRejectedByGovernment.aspx April 12 response from OMA […]

Drummond Commission – “Family Health Teams should become the norm for primary care”

“Family Health Teams should become the norm for primary care” The statement above appears on p.24 of the 543-page Drummond Commission report, released this afternoon. Consuming over 40% of the province’s budget, health care receives much attention in this report (pp.145-202). There are a number of recommendations that are specific to FHTs/primary care, and are […]

Strengthening Primary Care in Ontario: Reports are now available

The Government of Ontario’s recently released Action Plan for Health Care puts a strong emphasis on primary care, placing “Family Health Care at the Centre of the System”. In the last week the final set of reports on Strategic Directions for Strengthening Primary Care in Ontario were also released by the Ministry to participants involved […]

AFHTO welcomes Ontario’s focus on family and community care

Primary care is fundamental to the health of patients and our health system. Family Health Teams have been working hard to innovate, to improve care, and from that, to improve health. For this reason, AFHTO is pleased to see the Ontario Government is placing “Family Health Care at the Centre of the System”.  Released today, […]

AFHTO response to Globe and Mail comment about FHTs

On January 17, Globe and Mail columnist Adam Radwanski wrote about the upcoming MOHLTC-OMA negotiations, focusing on costs and value for money (echoing the Auditor General of Ontario’s report). Unfortunately he used the term “family health team” when he was refering to physicians in capitated models in his statement, “The province will continue trying to […]

AFHTO’s submission to Drummond Commission on Broader Public Sector Reform

AFHTO was invited to present to the Commission on Broader Public Sector Reform, chaired by economist Don Drummond and announced in the 2011 Ontario Budget speech last spring.  The Commission is to report in early 2012, in time to inform development of Government’s 2012-13 Budget, on its mandate to examine long-term, fundamental changes to the […]

Ministry Of Labour Blitz on Infection Prevention and Control

From www.ohatoday.com — As part of their Safe at Work Ontario strategy, the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) is conducting an Infection Prevention and Control heightened enforcement campaign at healthcare organizations throughout the month of November. This campaign, otherwise known as a blitz will see MOL inspectors and infection control specialists conducting both scheduled and […]

Changes to Nurse Practitioners’ practice

Changes to Nurse Practitioners’ (NPs) practice resulting from legislative amendments will take effect on Oct. 1, 2011; therefore, the College of Nurses of Ontario has released a new Nurse Practitioner practice standard, which includes new expectations for NP practice. Visit www.cno.org/np to download a copy of the new practice standard and to read other information […]

Accessibility Standards for Customer Service: reminder of requirements

By January 1st, 2012 Family Health Teams must comply with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The information below is provided for your reference, from MOHLTC’s FHT to Print newsletter, Winter 2011 edition. In addition, click here for  a brief, practical, self-assessment tool intended to assist primary health care settings to increase their awareness of […]

Over 90% of Family Health Teams belong to AFHTO

Family Health Team membership in AFHTO surpassed the 90% mark as of in the last week of September.  171 of Ontario’s 186 FHTs have now joined. AFHTO is the voice for Family Health Teams (FHTs) in this province.

AFHTO-OMA survey of physicians working in FHTs (due Oct.16)

The purpose of this AFHTO-OMA collaboration is to inform both associations on the experience of physicians working in this model, and gain insight into their needs, ideas, issues and concerns.  The results will be released as part of a joint OMA/AFHTO presentation and discussion at the AFHTO 2011 Conference on Oct. 26. FHT physicians will […]

CIHR Training Grant in Interdisciplinary PHC Research: applications due Oct.31

Transdisciplinary Understanding and Training on Research– Primary Health Care — “TUTOR‐PHC” Program information and application forms for TUTOR-PHC are now available on TUTOR-PHC’s website at http://www.uwo.ca/fammed/csfm/tutor-phc/applications/applicationforms.html For more information about TUTOR-PHC, go to http://www.uwo.ca/fammed/csfm/tutor-phc/ Who should apply? Graduate Students from Canadian Universities that are interested/ engaged in primary health care research regardless of their home discipline […]

Citizens’ Reference Panel calls for expansion of family health teams in Ontario

Twenty-eight Ontarians who have looked at the inner-workings of the province’s health system recommend more collaboration, integration and accountability to help ensure the sustainability of high-quality, accessible and publicly-funded health care. One of these recommendations states, “We urge the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to accelerate the expansion of integrated family health teams throughout […]

Study on interprofessional teamwork in FHTs finds link to strong leadership & EMR use

The May 2011 edition of Canadian Family Physician reports on a study of team members in Ontario’s FHTs, by Dr. Michelle Howard and others from McMaster University. Click here to access the full report. Key findings are: Interprofessional teamwork, by way of family health teams (FHTs), shows promise as a strategy to facilitate optimal primary […]

Progress of Family Health Teams showcased in Annals of Family Medicine

A number of leading experts from Canada and abroad comment on Ontario’s experience in setting up Family Health Teams.  The Annals of Family Medicine has published these responses to an article on FHTs in the March 2011 edition of this American journal. The original article had been written for the benefit of Americans trying to […]

Keep the voice for FHTs strong – Renew your AFHTO membership for 2011-12

AFHTO’s membership year begins on April 1. Notices and registration forms were e-mailed to all FHT leaders on March 3. Why join? – click here. What are AFHTO’s plans? – click here to see the AFHTO Strategic Plan 2011-2013. What are the fees? – click here. Need a registration form? – click here. AFHTO is the […]

New resources for FHTs on www.afhto.ca

The most recent posts include: ·         Ideas and resources for FHT planning ·         The Progress of FHTs in Ontario, recently published in Annals of Family Medicine ·         AFHTO Strategic Plan 2011-13 and FHT Survey Results ·         Updated information on learning events On our Members Only website, you’ll find new posts on the following pages: ·         […]