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EDAC News: Preparing for PC Change and the Contract Renewal Process

To: EDs, Lead MDs/NPs and Board Chairs of all AFHTO member organizations AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met on April 22nd. This email provides an overview and highlights key items discussed: Ministry-FHT Contract Renewal: Update from PHC Branch Meeting on April 8th The Commitment to Recruitment & Retention Efforts What’s Ahead for Primary Care: […]

2015 Ontario Budget: What it means for AFHTO members

April 23 – The Minister of Finance released the 2015 Ontario Budget, providing a blueprint for government spending for the 2015-2016 fiscal year Retention and recruitment in primary care AFHTO attended the budget lock-up along with our colleagues from AOHC and NPAO.  While we are very disappointed there wasn’t a formal commitment in the budget […]

Announcing the launch of the ED RESOURCE TOOLKIT!

To: Executive Directors and Board Chairs of all AFHTO member organizations AFHTO is thrilled to announce the launch of the Executive Director Resource Toolkit! In collaboration with The Osborne Group, members of the Executive Director Advisory Committee (EDAC) and work group  have developed this very thorough toolkit to orient new EDs of FHTs/NPLCs to their […]

Members Only website updated: content restructured to improve access to resources

AFHTO is making it easier to access resources on the Members Only resources website – content has been re-organized into five broad categories to improve navigation. As you browse  you’ll find that each sub-category includes a description of the type of content to be found there: Governance and Management: includes tools and resources on governance, […]

Data to Decisions eBulletin #9 – April 16, 2015

Contributing to D2D 2.0 REMINDER: The deadline to request ICES data is April 21, 2015. A signed version of the form is required. Please scan and email to improve@afhto.ca or fax to (416) 920-6556 attention Denise Pinto. Requesting this data does not mean you are automatically contributing to D2D 2.0.  It just means you will have it on […]

Data to Decisions eBulletin #8 – April 2, 2015

Contributing to D2D 2.0 The deadline to request ICES data is April 21, 2015. A detailed timeline for D2D 2.0 implementation is available on the AFHTO website along with the D2D 2.0 data elements and data dictionary. The most important next steps are: Sign up to contribute data to D2D 2.0 and create a codename […]

AFHTO 2015 Conference: deadline to join working groups April 7

Thank you to all those who’ve volunteered to be a part of our working groups so far. We’ve received a truly gratifying number of responses; however, there is still space in a few select groups. Sign up to any of the groups below before April 7, 2015: 1. Population-based primary health care:  planning and integration […]

Data to Decisions eBulletin #7 – March 19, 2015

Contributing to D2D 2.0 Deadlines to collect data and submit information have been set: In response to feedback from members burdened with year-end pressures, deadlines have been set for the end of April. Next steps should be started now with your team: Sign up to contribute data to D2D 2.0 and create a codename to […]

Governance for Quality workshop: CME accreditation confirmed & Room discounts extended

Don’t forget to register! The Governance for Quality in Primary Care workshops are now accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 5 Mainpro-M1 credits. This FREE full day workshop is intended for board members, executive directors and lead clinicians of AFHTO member organizations. Click below to […]

Volunteers wanted for free pilot of a patient contact management system

Is your FHT or NPLC interested in trying out – at no charge – a system to automatically call or email your patients? Up to 50 AFHTO-member teams can participate in a pilot to test this approach.  The system will allow teams to contact patients in whichever way they want for whatever reason they want. […]

Primary care recommendations in Home and Community Care Report

Today the Ontario government announced “Ontario Endorses Expert Report on Home and Community Care” as it released Bringing Care Home, a report from the expert group on home and community care led by Dr. Gail Donner. The release stated, “This report will help inform the next steps in Ontario’s home care strategy which will be […]

What’s ahead for FHTs + NPLCs: update from Mar. 5 PHC Branch meeting

Topics discussed at AFHTO’s March 5, 2015 quarterly meeting with PHC Branch are listed below. Key points made by Deputy Minister in a March 9 speech are added.  Scroll down for details on each. What’s ahead for FHTs + NPLCs, in light of ministry’s plans for health system reform? “Comprehensive regionally governed, population-based primary health […]

Data to Decisions eBulletin #6 – March 5, 2015

Contributing to D2D 2.0  Indicator selection: The indicators for D2D 2.0 have been approved by the AFHTO Board. Please review to decide which indicators your team could and would submit to the report. You may want schedule meetings with your clinical lead(s) and/or Board of Directors to review the data and approve it for submission. […]

MOHLTC’s priorities and plans for primary care

This message presents what the Deputy and Associate Deputy Ministers of Health and Long-Term Care said recently about the ministry’s key priorities for health system transformation, the role of primary care in this transformation, and some of the key steps ahead. While the media have asked if government “has pressed the pause button on team-based […]

Governance Education Webinar #3: Looking Forward

Session 3:  Looking Forward – using good governance to enhance organizational performance Monday, March 2 from 12:15 – 1:45pm & Wednesday, March 4 from 8:00 – 9:30am Learning Objectives Understanding some of the more advanced elements of good governance and how they impact organizational performance Topics Covered Strategic planning Strategic plans, operational plans, and KPIs […]

Register now for FREE Governance Education Opportunities- hotel discount rates end this week!

Dear Members, The Governance for Quality in Primary Care workshops are now accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 5 Mainpro-M1 credits. Reminder to register in advance for Governance education opportunities available through AFHTO: 1. “Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care Workshops”: being offered free […]

Governance Education Webinar #2: The Board’s Responsibilities

Session 2: The Board’s Responsibilities Monday, February 23 from 12:15 – 1:45pm & Friday, February 27 from 8:00 – 9:30am Learning Objectives Understanding the Board’s role and responsibilities Topics Covered Directors’ obligations (individual & collective) Fiduciary responsibility Governance policies Creating an effective Board Recruitment Orientation & training Board Chair Conflict of interest Code of conduct […]

Data to Decisions eBulletin #5 – Feb 19, 2015

Contributing to D2D 2.0 Indicator selection:  AFHTO board review of the indicators is scheduled for Feb 25th. Watch this space for more news next week! D2D 2.0 data submission and presentation tool: A prototype of the tool for teams to submit data to D2D 2.0 is currently being reviewed by QIDSS in preparation for widespread […]

New resources and opportunities: Ontario budget talks, program funding, OCFP awards and more

FHTs and NPLCs are invited to take advantage of the following opportunities, some of which are time-sensitive. Click on each link below for more information: Ontario Budget Talks portal: ask the government to address recruitment and retention Seniors Community Grant funding – Application deadline March 27, 2015 Call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) for Integrated […]

Governance Education Webinar #1: Getting Started

Session 1:  Getting Started Wednesday, February 18 from 12:15 – 1:45pm & Friday, February 20 from 8:00 – 9:30 am Learning Objectives What the Ministry expects from FHTs and NPLCs and why Understanding the basics of good governance Topics Covered The Ministry’s Accountability Reform Initiative (ARI) – what is it and why is it important? […]

REMINDER: Register now for FREE Governance Education Opportunities

Dear Members, The Governance for Quality in Primary Care workshops are now accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada and the Ontario Chapter for up to 5 Mainpro-M1 credits. Reminder to register in advance for Governance education opportunities available through AFHTO: 1. “Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care Workshops” being offered free […]

Invitation to Submit Feedback: OMA ‘Integrated Health Network Policy Paper”

To: Physician Leaders in all AFHTO member organizations The Ontario Medical Association is currently in the process of consulting with its members on access to interprofessional care to address priority populations. As part of this process, the OMA has shared their preliminary DRAFT of the ‘Integrated Health Network Policy Paper’ to their Section of General […]

Globe and Mail highlights value of team-based primary care

Feb. 16 – Globe and Mail reports, “Family health teams – which put doctors, nurses, dietitians and social workers in the same office — offer a holistic and convenient approach embraced by patients and doctors alike. Why then is the Ontario government backing away?” In this feature article, journalist Kelly Grant delves into the value […]

EDAC News: The Primary Care Context, Strengthening Governance & Recognizing Progress

E-mail sent to EDs of all AFHTO member organizations AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met on February 10th. This update provides an overview and highlights key items discussed (scroll below for more information): Evolution of Primary Care & Current Context Accountability Reform Initiative AFHTO Updates PHC Branch Meeting QIDS Program Update Evolution of Primary […]

Governance education webinars for primary care leaders

AFHTO is offering free educational webinars for our members over the next few weeks to: 1)      Help primary care leaders meet the requirements in the ministry’s Accountability Reform Initiative and the Governance and Compliance Attestation; 2)      Share best practice and strategies to improve governance; 3)      Identify and address common issues in FHT/NPLC governance.   There […]

Data to Decisions eBulletin #4

Data to Decisions eBulletin #4 – Feb 5, 2015 The D2D eBulletin has moved to a dedicated distribution list. You are signed up to receive future issues. If you’d like to opt out of receiving the eBulletin, please indicate this using the ‘unsubscribe’ option at the bottom of this e-mail. All those not on the […]

Minister releases action plan for health care: highlights for AFHTO members

On February 2, 2015 the Honourable Minister Dr. Eric Hoskins presented his plan for health care — Patients First: Action Plan for Health Care – on four themes: access, connecting patients to the services they need in their community, informing and educating patients on health care options, and protecting the quality, value and sustainability of […]

Report on the inaugural meeting of the Physician Leadership Council

To: Physician Leaders in all AFHTO member organizations AFHTO is pleased to announce the inaugural meeting of the Physician Leadership Council (PLC) took place on January 28th. This email provides an overview and highlights key items discussed: Physician Leadership Council: Creating Collective Impact The Provincial Primary Care Environment The FHT Context PLC Priority Areas of […]

Ensuring access to team-based primary care

AFHTO continues to give top priority to advocacy for increased funding to enable our members to recruit and retain the staff needed to deliver comprehensive team-based primary care. AFHTO members have been highly effective in meeting with their local MPPs to raise awareness and political pressure.  AFHTO, together with our collaborators in interprofessional primary care […]

OMA Rejects Provincial Government Offer; Government expected to impose contract

Yesterday afternoon the Ontario Medical Association held a press conference announcing that they will not accept the government’s offer reached through the current negotiation and conciliation process. This was followed by the Minister’s press conference about 1 1/2 hours later. The parties have reached the point where government is now in a position to impose […]

Data to Decisions (D2D) ebulletin #2

This is the second issue of the Data to Decisions (D2D) eBulletin. It will be released biweekly to keep members up-to-date on using manageable and meaningful measurement in your work, and how to participate in Data to Decisions 2.0 (D2D 2.0), tentatively planned for May 2015. The first issues of the bulletin will be sent […]

Introducing the Data to Decisions (D2D) ebulletin

This is the first issue of the D2D ebulletin.  It will be released biweekly to help members and AFHTO staff keep track of everything everyone has to do and know to produce Data to Decisions 2.0 (D2D 2.0), tentatively planned for May 2015. Today’s public release of the FHT evaluation report underlines the importance of […]

Preparing for a busy influenza season

Dec.17- AFHTO forwarded the following information to all AFHTO members on behalf of the Chief Medical Officer of Health: Please see the memo regarding recommendations in response to current influenza activity, including circulation of potentially mismatched influenza A/H3N2 strains. For more information, please contact your local public health unit. Visit the ministry’s website to locate […]

EDAC News: Ensuring Value, FHT Evaluation, & Work Ahead

AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met yesterday. This update provides an overview and highlights key items discussed: Ensuring EDAC Value FHT Evaluation Report Towards the Next Ministry Contract PHC Branch Meeting QIDS Program Update Ensuring EDAC Value EDAC plays a significant role in enabling EDs to surface operational issues, provide a sounding board on […]

Chief Medical Officer of Health Memo: new and updated on Ebola virus disease resources

The Chief Medical Officer of Health has released the following new and updated resources on Ebola virus disease for primary care and paramedic services: updated Chief Medical Officer of Health Directive for Paramedic Services summary of changes to the Chief Medical Officer of Health Directive for Paramedic Services new Chief Medical Officer of Health Directive […]

Five-year FHT evaluation report: Registration details for briefing on Dec. 10

Registration details for the ministry briefing on the five-year FHT evaluation report on December 10, 2014 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm have been confirmed. This message has been sent to the Executive Director, Lead MD/NP and Board Chair of all AFHTO member organizations. Register for the webinar here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8399439067843427073 After registering, you will receive a […]

Ministry contracts and funding issues: update from Nov.21 PHC Branch meeting

The quarterly meeting between AFHTO and the MOHLTC’s Primary Health Care Branch was held on November 21st 2014. The meeting focused on: Process to revise Ministry contract templates and schedules Recruitment and retention 2014/15 funding, reporting & budget reallocation 2015/16 Operating Plan process Funding envelope for interprofessional primary care Process to revise Ministry contract templates […]

Toward the next ministry contract: Principles and guidance for moving forward

FHTs and NPLCs have matured over the 5 – 9 years that each organization has been in existence. Contracts between MOHLTC and FHTs expire on March 31, 2016, with this comes the opportunity to develop a much more mature and meaningful approach to governing these organizations, from the Ministry and through to the board of […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: Theme 2 – Engaging the patient in their care

Theme Description: Patients and caregivers are increasingly looking to be engaged and consulted in their own care. Primary care is finding innovative ways to support patient decision-making about their care and support for self-care. Presentations in this stream will include topics such as education programs for patients and their families; patient involvement in care planning; tools […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: Theme 3 – Responding to community needs

Theme Description: Primary care organizations serve communities with diverse populations facing unique needs and barriers. Identifying needs and planning programs to improve population health and achieve greater equity requires engagement and collaboration with patients and other community partners. Presentations in this stream will include population-based approaches to program planning; methods for identifying community needs, potential partners, […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: Theme 4 – Team collaboration in patient-centred care

Theme Description: Interprofessional comprehensive primary care is focused on a collaborative practice that improves on the patient’s experience each time they interact with the organization – from making an appointment through their care episodes and follow-up reminders. Presentations in this stream will focus on interprofessional team collaboration and factors affecting how the team coordinates their work […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: Theme 6 – Using data to improve transitions of care and care coordination

Theme Description: Primary care providers collect and share patient information to help patients move safely and efficiently through the health care system. Presentations in this stream will share experiences to increase our collective capacity for: collecting more consistent data AND using the data we already have more safely and effectively (even if it isn’t consistent); making […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: Poster Displays

Theme 1 – Accountability and governance for patient-centred care 1         Accountability Management System: Manage Accountabilities, Plan Programs, Organize Indicators and Measure Success- Our Performance Storybook and Song sheet! 2         Leading the Way: Safety Climate as an Indicator of Organizational Culture and Improved Patient Care Theme 2 – Engaging the patient in their care 3      Development […]

AFHTO 2014 Conference: Theme 1 – Accountability and governance for patient-centred care

Theme Description: How does the board know that their organization is patient-centred? Presentations in this stream will include examples and stories of boards who have successfully incorporated the patient voice into strategic planning; created structures such as patient and family advisory committees; and processes for including patient stories in quality improvement planning. A1 – Implementing a […]

AFHTO Annual Meeting takes place Wednesday October 15, 2014 at 9:00AM

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 2014 Conference, on: Wednesday October 15, 2014 at 9:00AM Harbour Ballroom A+B, Westin Harbour Castle One Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario. At this Annual […]

What the mandate for Minister of Health and Long-Term Care means for AFHTO members

This afternoon the Premier publicly released the mandate letters sent to each of her Ministers.  These letters outline the specific priorities that each member of cabinet and their ministry will focus on. The mandate letter addressed to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care begins by pointing out government’s overall priorities, i.e. growing the economy, […]

Advice on managing budgets until funding letters are received

AFHTO met with MOHLTC’s Primary Health Care Branch to discuss questions around funding for FHTs and NPLCs.  From this we can provide the follow advice for members: Funding approval process:  The process for approving any one-time funding or increases to base is still underway in the ministry. Meanwhile, FHTs and NPLCs can be confident in […]

Invitation to participate in shaping the next Ministry contract

You are invited to participate in shaping the relationship between the Ministry and the FHT/NPLC by: Responding to a survey on the key principles and priorities for new contracts, by Sept. 26, please. Participating in “Towards the next Ministry contract” – the annual leadership session immediately before the AFHTO conference–  Wednesday , Oct.15, 10 AM – […]

Update on AFHTO’s Governance and Leadership Program

To Board Chairs, Lead MD/NPs and EDs of AFHTO-member organizations: Over the past 20 months many of you have interacted with Clarys Tirel, our Provincial Lead of the Governance and Leadership program, and former ED of the North York FHT and Mount Sinai FHTs. With deep sadness I am informing you that Clarys is leaving […]

EDAC meeting report: Shaping the future of MOHLTC contracts and the “Primary Care Guarantee”

Yesterday’s meeting (Aug. 20) of AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) included preliminary discussion to prepare AFHTO for advocacy on behalf of members on two key topics: The contractual relationship between Ministry and primary care organizations Shaping the Ontario government’s “Primary Care Guarantee”  Towards the next Ministry contract Current contracts between MOHLTC and FHTs will […]

Invitation to primary care team members to join province-wide communities of practice

We invite all staff in AFHTO member organizations to participate in a community of practice for their profession. AFHTO members are made up of diverse teams of professionals working together to provide excellent patient care. Communities of practice provide invaluable help in fostering a culture of interprofessional collaboration which enhances patient-centred care. AFHTO has been […]

Ontario election update: responses from the political parties

As promised, we are sharing with you the response we received from each of the three main political parties to the questions we had posed (see below). Click on the links to see responses (listed in the order they were received) from the: PC party Liberal party NDP party Plus a follow-up letter from Deb […]

Data to Decisions (D2D) 1.0: Contribution Instructions

The Quality Improvement and Decision Support Steering Committee is pleased to announce the indicators to be included in Data to Decisions 1.0.  D2D 1.0 is a summary of primary care data that are currently available, comparable and mean the most to members in their efforts to advance quality of care for their patients.  Indicator selection […]

Now available: Statutory Compliance Toolkit for FHT and NPLC boards

AFHTO is pleased to announce that the Statutory Compliance Toolkit is now available on our members-only website. AFHTO’s Statutory Compliance Toolkit ensures that boards and Executive Directors are well informed about their legal obligations and have access to the basic tools and resources to ensure compliance and/or risk mitigation. This resource is customized for FHT […]

“Fundamentals of Governance” for FHTs + NPLCs is now available

AFHTO is pleased to announce that the Fundamentals of Governance guidebook, toolkit and videos are now available on our members-only website. AFHTO’s Fundamentals of Governance is intended to provide the boards of Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics with essential, basic information that will help them to become high performing boards and organizations. The […]

The Data to Decisions 1.0 Indicator Selection Voting Process Now Live!

Data to Decisions 1.0 What’s meaningful to you? We Need Your Views The Indicator Selection Voting Process is Now Live  Open Until May 8th 2014 Data to Decisions 1.0: Advancing Primary Care (D2D 1.0) was launched on March 31, 2014. It is an opportunity to get an early start on sharing and reporting data on […]

Building Political Support Webinar held on April 15, 2014

The Political Action webinar was held on Tuesday, April 15, 4:00 – 5:00 PM Eastern time. Public Affairs consultant Patrick Nelson joined AFHTO President Keri Selkirk and ED Angie Heydon to: Give an overview of the current political landscape as it relates to primary care; Review AFHTO’s political action activities and responses to date; Share tips and […]

Webinar registration opens – Data to Decisions: What’s Meaningful to You?

Data to Decisions What’s meaningful to you? Register now for the webinar April 23, 2014, 12 pm to 1.30 pm EST  Presentation slide deck Data to Decisions 1.0: Advancing Primary Care (D2D 1.0) was launched on March 31, 2014. It is an opportunity to get an early start on sharing and reporting on those indicators […]

Minister’s announcement of “Community Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund” for FHTs, NPLCs and others

This morning the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care announced plans to increase investments to community health infrastructure. Included in this announcement is the statement – “Ontario is also creating a dedicated Community Infrastructure Renewal Program that could also help community organizations such as Public Health Units, Family Health Teams and Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics with […]

Building political support: Register for Apr.15 webinar on Ontario’s pre-election period

With a potential election on the horizon, now is the time to strengthen political support for interprofessional comprehensive primary care.  Regardless of which party forms the next government, our collective job is to ensure all politicians and candidates are well-educated on the value of interprofessional comprehensive primary care teams and the need for support to […]

Clinical resources available for providers and patients

AFHTO is forwarding a series of important items for providers and patients: Cancer Care Ontario to send letters to patients to remind them about screening Memo from Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health: Travel related illnesses in Ontario and Canada 24/7 Breastfeeding Supports now available from Telehealth Ontario RNAO best practice guidelines on […]

Data to Decisions 1.0: Advancing primary care

The AFHTO Board is very pleased to announce D2D 1.0 — Data to Decisions: Advancing Primary Care— a summary presentation of member-selected indicators. We invite your participation in this exciting and ambitious initiative. What is Data to Decisions 1.0: Advancing Primary Care? D2D 1.0 is about getting started with the data that matter most. It […]

Participate in the campaign for renewed commitment to interprofessional primary care

With a budget expected in early May and the potential for an election this spring or summer, we need to ensure that MPPs, candidates and senior officials of all of the political parties are well-educated on the value of interprofessional comprehensive primary care teams, and the benefits of expanding access, enhancing value and enabling recruitment […]

Privacy Webinar and Resources Posted / Link to HQO 2013-14 QIP Analysis

HQO’s Analysis of 2013-14 Primary Care QIPs Now Available AFHTO has just learned that Health Quality Ontario has posted Primary Care Quality Improvement Plans: Analysis for Improvement 2013-14 .  Although your 2014-15 QIPs are likely at very advanced stages of completion, we felt it was important to draw this resource to your attention. QIDS Privacy […]

QIPs – Tips for a Successful Submission

The following QIP submission tips were created by Health Quality Ontario on March 21, 2014. Click here for a PDF copy. QIPs – Tips for a Successful Submission Primary care organizations across Ontario are currently working on ambitious and innovative Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs). To support the development of these plans and to foster quality […]

Invitation to participate in upcoming primary care programs

AFHTO members have been invited to participate in and provide feedback for the following programs (scroll down for more information): Nominate a team or individual for the Public Health and Primary Health Care Together Awards (deadline April 7) Provide feedback by completing the RNAO and RPNAO Primary Care Toolkit Survey Provide information on Diabetes and […]

Health Links: Current status and update on resources

Whether you are in one of the 47 Health Links have been approved to date, or will be participating in a future Health Link, the presentations listed below will give you an update on the progress of Health Link implementation to date. These presentations were made at a meeting last week for all the associations […]

Operating plan updates from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT unit – February 28, 2014

Primary objective of the meeting of FHT Directors (representing AFHTO and AOHC members) and MOHLTC’s FHT Unit concerned operating plan submissions and cash flow challenges in first half of next fiscal. Click here for the full report. One topic was staff compensation. AFHTO, together with AOHC and NPAO, is continuing to advocate at political levels […]

Help for your operating plan development: QIDS and Accountability Reform

As you finalize your 2014-15 operating plan proposals over the next three weeks, here is help to: Strengthen your case for Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) positions Meet the Accountability Reform Initiative requirements Learn more about incorporating chiropractic services in primary care Increasing access to QIDS positions Click here to access advice for both AFHTO […]

Save the date: Webinar on overcoming privacy issues in partnership agreements

Save the date for a provincial webinar on  March 21, 2014: “Overcoming Privacy issues in partnership agreements” AFHTO is pleased to announce this important learning opportunity open to all members. The presenter is Kate Dewhirst from Dykeman Dewhirst O’Brien LLP (DDO Health Law). Kate’s area of expertise is in managing privacy and legal compliance with […]

MOHLTC survey on Minister’s Medal Honouring Excellence in Health Quality and Safety

Message from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Health Quality Branch: In 2013 the Minister’s Medal recognition program was launched. The program received a tremendous response from the field with 140 applications submitted from across the province. To improve on the success in the first year of the program and to inform the development […]

QIDS Innovation Fund: First Projects Approved

The QIDS Innovation Fund is intended to create and test ways to advance measurement and improvement capacity, and from this, enable all members to benefit from better tools, knowledge and capability.   AFHTO members responded to the invitation to apply with 18 proposals that addressed these goals and then some! The AFHTO Board would like […]

QIP Navigator and Guidance Materials now available

Login information for the Health Quality Ontario (HQO) QIP Navigator has been sent to all primary care organizations. All QIPs will need to be submitted through the QIP Navigator by April 1, 2014.  If you have any difficulties logging in or have not received your password please e-mail QIP@HQOntario.ca for assistance. QIP templates and guidance […]

Ontario Heart Failure Strategy: Invitation to complete survey

Forwarded on behalf of Cardiac Care Network of Ontario: In the next few months, the Cardiac Care Network of Ontario (CCN) will be releasing the Ontario Heart Failure Strategy. With no cohesive provincial approach to managing heart failure (HF), the current system of care is fragmented with patients often falling through the cracks during transitions […]

QIDS Update 2013-11-26: EMR Landscape Report + QIDS Innovation Funding

REMINDER:  Opportunity to apply for QIDS Innovation Funding A few days ago AFHTO announced the availability of $95,000 in QIDS Innovation Funding. Note that this one-time opportunity is very time sensitive. Interested applicants will need to notify Tim Burns (tim.burns@afhto.ca) of their intent to apply by December 6, 2013. This initiative will serve as a […]

Opportunity for AFHTO members to apply for QIDS Innovation Funding

AFHTO is very pleased to announce the availability of approximately $95,000 in Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Innovation Funding. It is anticipated that three to five innovative projects will be supported through this fund. Every effort is being made to maintain a simple, yet transparent and open process for the allocation of these funds to […]

Update on 2014-15 operating plan and budget process

In the course of a meeting of with the Ministry’s FHT Unit yesterday, we learned the target distribution date for the 2014-15 operating plan packages is in early January. FHTs would have two months to complete their plans for submission in early March. This meeting was the next step in our work toward achieving greater […]

AFHTO’s input to OMA’s Negotiations Committee

Just before the AFHTO 2013 Conference, the OMA Negotiations Committee requested input from AFHTO “to identify potential topics or areas of focus that might warrant consideration during Ministry negotiations.” Their deadline for response was November 1, 2013. While the turnaround period was tight, the timing was ideal – two valuable opportunities to solicit membership input […]

Additions to Interprofessional Health Care Providers in FHTs

Memo to: Executive Directors, Ontario’s Family Health Teams From: Phil Graham, Manager, Family Health Teams & Related Programs, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Click below for print versions of the memo in English and in French: Additions to Interprofessional Health Care Providers in FHTs Inclusion de nouveaux fournisseurs de soins de santé axés sur […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference – EMR Users Meetings

EMR Vendors hosted information and knowledge sharing sessions for AFHTO member users with the aim of working towards responding to evolving measurement and reporting requirements. The EMR User Meetings give FHTs the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and share best practices for maximizing their use of the EMR system. AFHTO –TELUS Health: PS Suite […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference – Meaningful Use of EMRs

Theme Description: “Meaningful use” goes beyond storing patient information in an electronic version of a paper chart. It includes using the data and functionality of the EMR to advance the clinical process of care and improve outcomes.  The US Centres for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) has defined “meaningful use” as using EHR/EMR technology to: Improve quality, […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference – Integration: Building the team beyond the FHT

Theme description: While Health Links are focused on high users of health services, all Ontarians stand to benefit – as patients and citizens – from greater collaboration among healthcare providers, other agencies, community stakeholders and governments. Presentations in this stream will focus on building collaborative relationships and working with community partners towards providing the right […]

AFHTO 2013 Conference – Leadership and Governance for Quality

Theme Description: The primary care sector is at the centre of transformational change in Ontario. FHTs are faced with an increased need to be accountable to patients and the ministry for providing excellent quality care to their communities. Presentations in this category will focus on how FHT leaders are developing the skills, structures, processes, relationships […]

QIDs Implementation Update-2013-10-10

Highlights: Members named to the Quality Improvement Decision Support Steering Committee (QSC) Arrival of the first QIDS Specialists and the Provincial QIDS Team Steps underway to improve information and knowledge exchange with EMR Vendors, including EMR user sessions at the AFHTO 2013 Conference Community of Practice for Decision Support Team Members is being established ACTION […]

Update from AFHTO-PSS working group: report from meeting with TELUS-HEALTH

The AFHTO – PSS working group continues to meet with the PS Suite team from TELUS-Health to address the FHTs issues with the EMR. Recently, representatives from the working group met with the leadership team at TELUS Health to ensure that the FHT priorities and concerns were being heard by TELUS and would be addressed. […]