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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 […]

Profile of a Patient Advisory Council

Jan. 20, 2015- The Patient Advisory Council (PAC) at South East Toronto FHT (SETFHT) has been profiled by Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada (HIROC). It was also the subject of a well-received presentation by, among others, Kavita Mehta, SETFHT’s Executive Director and an AFHTO board member at our 2014 conference. Click here for the full article. […]

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 […]

Data to Decisions: Alignment with other initiatives

STARFIELD FRAMEWORK DEVELOPMENT PROJECT   AFHTO’s approach to primary care measurement is based on the Starfield principles.  These principles include a focus on the relationship with patients and ability to deliver the comprehensive care patients value.  (see The Starfield model: Measuring comprehensive primary care for system benefit).  AFHTO has invested recently in an effort to […]

Data to Decisions 1.0

Cost data drill down Reminder that all teams who requested data from ICES for D2D 1.0 can access drill-down detail on the cost of care indicator from ICES Web stats

Data to Decisions 2.0

Indicator selection process for D2D 2.0 is getting started.  The survey for membership-wide voting will be released mid –December to give teams approximately 6 weeks to complete by the end of January.  We hope this is enough time for teams to convene their physician groups, Quality Improvement committees, Boards or whatever other groups want to […]

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 […]

QIDS Innovation Projects

The QIDS Innovation Fund AFHTO’s members are committed to measuring and improving the quality of the comprehensive primary care they deliver to patients. In 2014, AFHTO’s Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) program funded six exciting projects that were designed to support innovations that could be spread across the membership to improve capacity for measurement and […]

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 […]

Patient experience: time spent

Click on the following links to access: 1. Technical notes 2. Interpretive notes 3. Data quality actions – Actions and ideas to consider and discuss with clinical leads and other members of the team 4. Potential actions related to processes of care – Actions and ideas to consider and discuss with clinical leads and other members of the team Note: The […]

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 […]

Sample Policies from North York FHT

You can access board, health and safety and employee policies by clicking on the links below. These  have been created by the North York Family Health Team and are posted for information and use by other AFHTO members. Sample Policies Board Policies Health and Safety Policy Employee Manual

Register for Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care Workshop, October 14

Click here to register for the Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care Workshop, Tuesday, October 14, 2014, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario. Click here for more information about this program. This session is FREE for board chairs/members, executive directors and lead MD/NPs of AFHTO member organizations.

Register for QIDS Professional Development Workshop, October 14

Click here to register for the QIDS Professional Development Workshop, Tuesday, October 14, 2014, 10:30 am to 7:00 pm, Westin Harbour Castle, One Harbour Square, Toronto, Ontario. Click here for more information about this program. AFHTO has requested funding from the Ministry to cover some or all of the costs of this learning program.  Remaining […]

Request for data from ICES for D2D 1.0

The deadline for the original D2D 1.0 request is past. However you can prepare to request this data for D2D 2.0 by reviewing the permissions required below.  Please copy and paste the following text into an email after you have inserted your team’s information in the bold italics area and send it to Rick.glazier@ices.on.ca with […]

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 […]

Confidentiality agreement for D2D 1.0

This confidentiality agreement has been reviewed and approved by legal counsel for AFHTO, OntarioMD will be finalizing the agreement by Monday, June 9, 2014. AFHTO members who are contributing data to D2D 1.0 will receive a signed copy from OntarioMD prior to releasing their teams data to OntarioMD for inclusion in the report. Click here for […]

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 […]

Mental Health Networking Groups Around the Province

Southwest Networking Group Includes FHT Mental Health Providers from Kitchener-Waterloo area to Stratford, London, etc. Contact: Andrew Coghill, Happy Valley FHT, St. Marys andrew@stmmc.ca W: 519-284-3450 M: 519-317-9467 Toronto Area Networking Group Toronto Contact: Cleo Haber Mt. Sinai Academic Family Health Team, Toronto W: 416-586-4800 ext 8129

“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 […]

Fundamentals of Governance Videos

Introduction to Fundamentals of Governance Making Provider Boards Work- interview with Dr. Joseph Lee Board Structure and Processes Exploring the Mixed Governance Model- interview with Dr. Rob Annis Strengthening Governance- parts one and two– interview with Dr. Allan Grill Board Evolution and the role of continuing education- interview with Dr. Joseph Lee Executive Leadership Succession  Planning- interview with Dr. […]

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 […]

Board Structure and Processes

This section on Board Structure and Processes includes the following topics: Bylaws Membership in the Corporation Annual General Meeting Roles and Responsibilities of the Board Board Composition and Recruitment Conflict of Interest Board Orientation Board Policies and Governance Manual Board Committees Effective Board Meetings Board Evaluation Board Work Plan Tools Sample Job description, Executive Director […]

Strategic Planning

This section includes all topics related to Strategic Planning. Tools Sample Balanced Scorecard

Introduction to Fundamentals of Governance

This section on Introduction to Fundamentals of Governance includes the following topics: Introduction to Fundamentals of Governance Introduction Board Legal Structures What is governance and why is it important? Overview of Governance Framework and Toolkit Videos Making Provider Boards Work- interview with Dr. Joseph Lee

Executive Leadership

This section on Executive Leadership includes the following topics: Executive Selection Executive Director/Board Chair Relationship Executive Director Performance Evaluation Succession Planning Tools Job description, Executive Director Sample Reference Checking Questions Sample Reference Checking Questions (2) Videos Succession  Planning- interview with Dr. Joseph Lee

Governance Fundamentals – Resource Document and Sample Tools

This Governance Fundamentals Resource document includes the following topics: Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Financial Performance Human Resources Planning Information Systems (IS) Additional tools Sample Risk Management Matrix Sample Terms of Reference for Finance and Audit Committee Sample Delegation of Authority policy Sample Terms of Reference for Human Resources Committee Sample Board Code of Conduct   All tools and […]

Quality and Safety

This section includes all topics related to Quality and Safety. Tools Terms of Reference, Quality Assurance Committee

Stakeholder Relations

This section on Stakeholder Relations includes the following topics: Engagement Videos Stakeholder and community relations– interview with Dr. Joseph Lee Exploring the Mixed Governance Model– interview with Dr. Rob Annis

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 […]

QIDS Privacy Resources

Thanks to 102 members who participated in the “Overcoming privacy issues in partnership agreements” webinar led by Kate Dewhirst of DDO.  If you were unable to participate or want to review it click here to access the entire webinar. Also posted are: Presentation (slide deck): Overcoming privacy issues in partnership agreements (PDF) The QIDS Privacy Toolkit (PDF) A […]

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 […]

Developing and Sustaining Interprofessional Health Care: Optimizing patients/clients, organizational, and system outcomes

The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO) has published a best practice guideline, Developing and Sustaining Interprofessional Health Care: Optimizing patients/clients, organizational, and system outcomes. This guideline is intended to foster healthy work environments. The focus in developing this guideline was identifying attributes of interprofessional care that will optimize quality outcomes for patients/clients, providers, teams, […]

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 […]

QIDS Innovation Fund – notice of intent to apply due by Dec. 6

Submission Process and Guidelines Funds available: Approx. $95,000. It is anticipated that three to five projects will be supported.   Target: AFHTO member led projects that align with the goals of the QIDS strategy.  Funding can be used for new initiatives or to expand the scope of existing projects.   General Principles: AFHTO is very […]

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 Conference 2013 Poster Displays

Theme 1 – Leadership and governance for quality 1      The Role of an Interprofessional, Cross-Sectoral Planning and Priorities Committee in the Successful Function and Evolution of an FHT Theme 2 – Using data to improve care 2       Using EMR as a partner: Can an EMR system make you smarter about Diabetes care? 3       […]

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, […]