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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 […]

QIDS Resource Documents

QIDS Program Background Frequently Asked Questions Slide deck from Aug.21, 2013 Town Hall Terms of Reference – Quality Steering Committee Membership List – Quality Steering Committee Terms of Reference – Indicators Working Group Terms of Reference – EMR Data Management Committee Recommendations on the Optimal Configuration of the Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) Role […]

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. […]

Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT unit – September 18, 2013

FHT Directors representing AFHTO and AOHC members met with the FHT Unit on Wednesday. To access the full report, please click here. The main focus of the meeting was the discussion on budget flexibility and accountability. The FHTs presented the position proposed by the Executive Director Advisory Council at their meeting of August 28, which […]

EDAC Update: background on 2013/14 budget reduction and input on future budget flexibility

AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met on August 26 with the main purpose of preparing for the quarterly meeting with the FHT unit later in September. At the same meeting, EDAC invited Phil Graham, (manager, Family Health Teams & Related Programs, Primary Health Care Branch) and Fernando Tavares (program manager) to clarify the context […]

FHTS to receive QIP feedback in next week (+ other support to come from HQO)

AFHTO is working on a number of fronts to support members in their work to improve quality. Last week we reported on support available to help members implement the QIDSS partnership agreements and recruitment/orientation for these new positions, and the sessions available at the AFHTO Annual Conference to help FHTs in streams such as Leadership […]

QIDS Program: Links to information from Aug.21 “Town Hall”

Yesterday’s interactive QIDS Program “Town Hall” was an opportunity to share information and gather input.  Participants raised questions concerning sharing of QIDS Specialist positions, costs, and lines of accountability among other issues.  These questions and others are posted on a “Frequently Asked Questions” document that will be updated from time to time as new information […]

Invitation to participate in a QIDS program town hall meeting for members

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 […]

FHTs are moving forward with QIDS partnership agreements and Specialist Recruitment

Family Health Teams have now received their 2013/14 funding packages. AFHTO is very pleased that funding for 34 full time equivalent Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Specialist positions has been confirmed for 33 “Host” FHTs.  Up to 110 additional FHTs will have access to QIDS Specialist support and expertise through partnership agreements with Host FHTs. […]

Request for feedback: the 2012-2013 influenza season and influenza planning

Message forwarded on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, Public Health Division. **************************** With the release of the 2013 Ontario Health Plan for an Influenza Pandemic (OHPIP), the ministry is turning its attention to seasonal influenza planning and the scoping the Ontario Influenza Response Plan.  To inform these plans, we are […]

ED Advisory Council to develop recommendations for greater budget flexibility and appropriate accountability

AFHTO’s Executive Director Advisory Council (EDAC) met on July 25 with the main purpose of preparing to respond to the Ministry’s interest in extending greater flexibility for budgets with corresponding improvements in the accountability reporting process.  EDAC’s mandate is to advise the AFHTO board and staff on matters affecting the operations of our member organizations.  […]

AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO’s present compensation recommendations to MOHLTC

Yesterday the Executive Directors of AFHTO, AOHC and NPAO reviewed their joint report – Compensation Structure for Ontario’s Interprofessional Primary Care Organizations with key members of MOHLTC’s staff – ADMs Susan Fitzpatrick and Suzanne McGurn, Provincial Chief Nursing Officer Debra Bournes, Melissa Farrell (Director, Primary Health Care Branch), Phil Graham (Manager, Family Health Teams Unit), […]

Quality Improvement Decision Support Program Update-2013-07-24

While FHTs await their 2013-14 funding letters (latest estimate is they’ll be out in 7-10 days), AFHTO has been working with a number of members to help FHTs prepare for implementation of the new Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) positions. A provincial lead has been recruited – Tim Burns joined the AFHTO team on […]

Aug.16 deadline to participate in proposals for expanding IHP services in community

AFHTO members may be interested in supporting applications from PEM physician groups that are NOT affiliated with FHTs to apply for Ministry funding to integrate IHPs into their primary care service delivery. August 16 is the deadline for these applications. Please see details in the July 19 OMA e-mail below. AFHTO has followed up with […]

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

The following information was released on June 27, 2013 via e-mail to FHTs, CHCs, AHACs & NPLCs from the Ministry: On April 18, 2013, the Minister of Health and Long Term Care announced that Ontario will be integrating physiotherapists into Primary Health Care (PHC) settings, beginning in the 2013/14 fiscal year. The initial focus of […]

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

To assist primary care organizations in preparing proposals to integrate physiotherapists, the Ontario Physiotherapists Association (OPA) has share the following resource document defining the role of physiotherapists in primary care settings: Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care The call for applications to integrate physiotherapists into primary care settings should be sent next week directly to all […]

Update on employment of Physician Assistants

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

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

Dear fellow AFHTO members: Are you interested in serving on the AFHTO board of directors? The Governance Committee of AFHTO’s board invites anyone who works within an AFHTO member’s team to apply. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/AFHTOBoardNomination2013 to fill in the nominations form. Then e-mail your CV to sombo.saviye@afhto.ca. Application deadline is Thursday, August 1st, 2013. FOUR […]

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 […]

Advancing use of data and measurement in FHTs

This is an update for AFHTO members on activities to advance use of data and measurement in FHTs (scroll below for more information): Dr. Rick Glazier, Lead Scientist in ICES Primary Care and Population Health Program, joins AFHTO board AFHTO recruitment is underway for a QIDSS Project Manager AFHTO to establish QIDSS Steering Committee Status of […]

PSS Users: Update from the AFHTO-PSS Working Group

AFHTO and the Practice Solutions Suite team at TELUS remain committed to working together to resolve common problems faced by the FHTs using PSS.  This is an update on progress to date. Background: AFHTO’s March 2012 survey of FHT EMR satisfaction revealed that about one-half of FHTs use PSS. While it scored relatively well on […]

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

The ED Advisory Council provides a mechanism to surface operational issues, be a sounding board on operational matters, and give advice to the AFHTO board and staff as needed on these matters. The AFHTO board announced its creation in March. Please click here to view terms of reference.The inaugural meeting of April 29 enabled the […]

Sample Memorandum of Understanding for Clinical Data Use

Click here to access the following sample Memorandum of Understanding for Clinical Data Use. This document outlines the need for effective coordination and collaboration between the FHT and the FHO in the collection, use, disclosure and retention of patient personal information and personal health information for the purposes of approved research, quality improvement, program planning, […]

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

AFHTO has a renewed vision, mission and strategic priorities to guide our work on behalf of our members over the next 2 – 3 years. The AFHTO board is pleased to present the Strategic Direction document, and thanks the many members who provided input through webinars and a survey. To move the organization along this […]

HQO webinars now available online & QIP deadline extended to April 2 at noon

As you know, Aboriginal Health Access Centres (AHACs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), Family Health Teams (FHTs) and Nurse Practitioner Led Clinics (NPLCs) are required to submit a QIP to Health Quality Ontario (HQO). To support primary care organizations in the development of QIPs, HQO recently hosted a webinar series. You can find each of the […]

AFHTO is setting up an ED Advisory Council

The ED Advisory Council is being established to provide a mechanism to surface operational issues, provide a sounding board on operational matters, and give advice to the AFHTO board and staff as needed on these matters. As the key link between their teams and the Ministry’s FHT Unit, EDs are in the unique position to […]

QIPs – NEW resources and general update

Reminder:  QIPs are due to HQO on April 1, 2013 Templates and guidelines to complete QIPs: In English – http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/ecfa/legislation/qi_primary.aspx En Franҫais – http://www.health.gov.on.ca/fr/pro/programs/ecfa/legislation/qi_primary.aspx For questions about completing the QIP templates, e-mail qip@hqontario.ca NEW — Cancer Screening – Quality Improvement Toolkit available: For FHTs interested in including cancer screening in your QIP, Cancer Care Ontario […]

Cancer Screening – Quality Improvement Toolkit

Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) has developed a Cancer Screening Toolkit to help FHTs develop cancer screening quality improvement plans. This toolkit will assist FHTs in planning, implementing, monitoring and reporting on improvements in colorectal, cervical and breast cancer screening. Tools include: Cancer Screening Sample Timeline, Instructions for developing your QIP based on the Plan, Do, […]

Primary Care Metrics now available on the Health Data Branch Portal

Please see the message below from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care regarding primary care data to support development of your Quality Improvement Plans: The Ministry has provided data for several primary care metrics. This data will support development and planning for Quality Improvement Plans and other quality initiatives. Important information on how […]

Ontario Government agenda outlined in today’s Speech from the Throne

A new session opened in the Ontario Legislature today. The Hon. David Onley, Lt. Governor of Ontario, set out the new premier’s agenda for the upcoming legislative session in the Speech From the Throne.  The components of the Government’s plan are:  a Steady Hand and a Bold Vision focusing on economic growth and increased employment; […]

Help for developing your 2013 Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs)

FHTs are to submit their QIPs to Health Quality Ontario by noon on April 2, 2013. The Ministry’s templates and guidance materials are found at: In English –http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/ecfa/legislation/qi_primary.aspx En Franҫais –http://www.health.gov.on.ca/fr/pro/programs/ecfa/legislation/qi_primary.aspx Health Quality Ontario has hosted several information webinars to help with completing your QIP, click below to access materials from the following sessions: Recording […]

QIDSS: Further advice on preparing your proposals

AFHTO’s Recommendations on the Optimal Configuration of the Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialist (QIDSS) Role were finalized after last night’s close of the membership feedback period. This morning AFHTO ED Angie Heydon and Senior Project Lead Clarys Tirel met with FHT Unit Manager Phil Graham and Program Manager Richard Yampolsky to discuss these recommendations. The […]

Quality update and new resources from AFHTO

This notice to members sums up all the recent quality-related initiatives to make sure you have all the information, and to introduce new resources available through AFHTO to support your FHT’s quality journey. Quality Improvement Plans to be submitted to HQO by April 1: The Ministry’s templates and guidance materials are found at: In English […]

Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care: Registration guidelines

It is recommended that each organization send three participants including the Board Chair, Chair of the Board Quality Committee (or other board representatives) and the executive director or clinical lead. Please make sure that all three team members from your FHT are registered to the same session as there will be an opportunity to start […]

PSS Users: AFHTO-MDPS Working Group is being established

AFHTO has developed an agreement with MD Practice Software LP (MDPS), vendor of the Practice Solutions Suite (PSS) EMR, to engage in regular meetings of a joint Working Group to resolve common problems faced by FHTs using PSS, in a mutually-agreed priority order. Click here for the terms of reference for the AFHTO-MDPS Working Group. […]

Governing for Quality in Primary Care, a free one-day training program

Registration for Effective Governance for Quality in Primary Care is now closed. Click here to go to the waiting list. The site also lists the objectives and full agenda for the day-long program.  The program has been approved for 3.25 credits for certified Canadian College of Health Leaders members. A corresponding application for CME credits […]

FHT Annual Operating Plans / AFHTO help will be available in January

Executive Directors: You have received your Family Health Team 2013/14 Annual Operating Plan Submission Package at some point today.  Plans must be submitted to the Ministry by February 20. To support FHTs in this submission process, AFHTO will re-launch a Peer-to-Peer discussion forum in early January.  This facility will help you seek and share advice […]

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 […]

Tentative 2012 Physician Services Agreement: A Family Health Team Perspective

AFHTO congratulates the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Ontario Medical Association on reaching a Tentative 2012 Physician Services Agreement.  AFHTO’s Executive Committee has reviewed the agreement to assess what it may mean for family health teams. Overall, the tentative agreement contains a number of provisions that are aligned with the vision for FHTs […]

Update on Ministry initiatives to promote and support quality in primary care

“Faster access and a stronger link to family health care” is one of three key planks in Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care. To do this, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has intensified focus on improving quality in this sector. Here is an overview and update on Ministry and related initiatives to promote […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference – Improving the Patient’s Experience of Care

The following presentations were made at the conference under this theme: Seniors Serving Seniors – Using Focus Groups to Inform Programming Respecting our Patients and Each Other – a Customer Service Approach Champagne Club – Assessing Excellence in Customer Service at an Academic Family Health Team Evaluating the impact of two different forms of diabetes […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference – The Triple Aim in FHTs – Better Care, Better Health, Better Value

The following presentations were made at the conference under this theme: Improving Processes Together: Co-design with Seniors, Caregivers, and Clinicians Building a House Calls Practice: The Key Features and Processes of an Integrated Home-Based Primary Care Model Implementation of the Asthma Action Plan to improve asthma control, quality of life and reduce hospital visits Medical […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference – Access and Capacity

The following presentations were made at the conference under this theme: Do inter-professional practices have a higher capacity to care for patients? The effect of panel size on quality of care across primary care models How do FHTs compare? Characterizing family health teams and their performance in Ontario Capacity of Care in the Family Health […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference – Meeting Needs of Special Populations

The following presentations were made at the conference under this theme: Caring for patients with severe physical challenges “Speak Freely”: Counselling Drop in Clinic for Teens Developing a Patient-centred Primary Care Model for Vulnerable Older Adults How can Family Health Teams promote the health of people with developmental disabilities?: Practical steps that Teams can implement […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference – Leveraging Technology to Improve Quality and Efficiency of Care

The following presentations were made at the conference under this theme: Realizing the Benefits of an EMR using a Maturity Model Framework Have your specialist come to you: Ontario Telemedicine Network Endocrinology Project Can a New EMR Tool Make Caring for People with Pain Easier Chronic Pain in Primary Care: Integrating Clinical Evidence into an […]

Potential impact of proposed wage restraint legislation on FHTs

DRAFT legislation – the Protecting Public Service Act, 2012 – has been released for public consultation. It is very important to note that this proposed legislation has NOT YET been tabled for first reading. Government has not yet indicated how long it will hold open this consultation phase, but for comparison, the consultation period for the […]

Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, September 20, 2012

Representatives from AFHTO’s Operational Issues Working Group and the AOHC’s CFHT Executive met with the MOHLTC FHT Unit on September 20.The main objectives were to receive updates from the FHT Unit on budgets and other operational matters and to highlight “good news” from FHTs.  The following is a summary of the discussions. a) Recovery of […]

AFHTO 2012 Conference: Hotel Room Rates for Attendees

Group booking at Hilton Toronto is now full. Rooms are available at regular rates.  (OMA members may ask for OMA discount.) Address: 145 Richmond Street West, Toronto, ON Hilton Garden Inn                                                 Group rate: $155 – 199 per night Distance from conference: 0.8 km (10 min walk) Address: 92 Peter Street, Toronto, On Room block […]

Letter to AFHTO members: Nominations for election to AFHTO Board

Dear fellow AFHTO members: 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 FHT to apply. Go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BDHBQRF to fill in the form. Then e-mail your CV to info@afhto.ca . Application deadline is Monday, August 20. The Governance Committee of […]

HR, Privacy and Confidentiality policies – Examples from FHTs

Originally posted July 16, 2012. Last updated Dec. 6, 2021. This page includes HR policies, staff handbooks, and guidelines around privacy and confidentiality. Please note these are samples only. Orientation Manuals Orientation Checklist – Timmins Performance Evaluations 90 Day Employee Review Summary Template – Thames Valley FHT Initial Performance Review Package Cover Letter – Thames Valley FHT […]

Governance and Accountability Resource Guide

This Family Health Team’s Governance and Accountability Resource Guide (draft 2010) was developed by the Quality Improvement and Innovation Partnership (Now Health Quality Ontario) to provide teams with context and guidance when developing their governance and accountability plan.

Resources on program planning and improvement methodology

FHT Quality Improvement Health Quality Ontario Tools for QI Teams — methods and tools for QI, sustainability and spread, building a culture of quality Resource Guides and Toolkits The following Resource Guides have been designed to help FHTs meet their goals in providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The Needs Assessment Resource Guide is designed to provide an […]

Links to information technology and information management resources

Please find below toolkits and resources to support FHTs with managing technology and information: Western and Schulich – EMR/EHR User Guide Health Canada — The EMR Toolkit American Academy of Family Physicians — How to Successfully Navigate your EHR Implementation    

Links on Health Promotion and Illness Prevention

The following is a selection of the many sites that contain information and resources for patients: General Health Information Canadian Living Fraser Health Health Canada Healthy Ontario Take Heart Algoma Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario Medline Plus – Interactive Health Tutorials NHS Scotland Northern Health Ontario Ministry of Health Promotion Public Health Agency of […]

Link to resources on team development

Please find below toolkits and resources to support FHTs with team development: Health Quality Ontario – Supporting QI in Primary Care Canadian Health Services Research Foundation — Report on Teamwork in Healthcare Government of Nova Scotia – Building a Better Tomorrow Together HR Council of Canada — Toolkit University of Toronto — Interprofessional Mentoring Preceptorship […]

Link to resources on improving access to care

Please find below toolkits and resources to support FHTs with improving access to care: Health Quality Ontario (HQO) – Supporting QI in Primary Care Advanced Access and Efficiency Workbook for Primary Care (English)

Customized Insurance Coverage for Family Health Teams

Please find below an offer for customized insurance coverage for AFHTO member Family Health Teams from Stevenson & Hunt. This offer comes as a result of their participation in a vendor pilot with AFHTO’s Commercial Advisory Council (CAC). The pilot program’s goal was to test a methodology for vetting partnership opportunities for goods and services […]

The Institute of Medicine publishes CEO Checklist for High-Value Health Care

Participants in the IOM Roundtable on Value & Science-Driven Health Care have assembled lessons in A CEO Checklist for High-Value Health Care to describe touchstone principles, illustrated with case examples, central to sustaining and reinforcing continuous improvement in the face of rapidly increasing pressures, demands, and market changes. The Checklist’s 10 items reflect the strategies to […]

FHT Practice Solutions EMR User Group Priorities – June 2012 survey results

The purpose of this survey was to identify priority issues common to all FHTs using Practice Solutions (PSS). The survey was distributed to all FHTs that had reported through a previous AFHTO survey that they use PSS in their clinics (n=57 FHTs). There were 3 elements to the survey: Identify common issues across FHTs Prioritize […]

Priority issues identified by PSS users in Family Health Teams

Click here to access the PSS User Group report on FHT PSS Priorities. It presents a list of the 10 most common issues experienced by PSS Users in terms of frequency of the problem and its detrimental impact on FHT operations. Following from these, the PSS Users identified the following four items as the priorities […]

Article in June 9 National Post

On June 9, 2012, the National Post ran a full-page spread on page A6 under the large headline “Unhealthy conflicts” and smaller headline – “Numerous irregularities found at Ontario’s Family Health Teams.” The online version is at — http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2012/06/08/ontario-government-faces-lawsuits-over-troubled-family-health-teams/ In response, AFHTO has sent the following letter to the editor: Family Health Teams are all […]

Letter from AFHTO board re MOHLTC-OMA negotiations

FYI — The letter below from the AFHTO  Board of Directors was sent this morning, Friday, May 18, 2012, to Susan Fitzpatrick, Assistant Deputy Minister of MOHLTC’s Negotiations and Accountability Management Division, and to Dr. Doug Weir, President, Ontario Medical Association. ………………………………………………………. May 17, 2012 Ms. Susan Fitzpatrick Assistant Deputy Minister Negotiations and Accountability Management […]

AFHTO’s EMR survey – March 2012 survey results

The EMR survey was completed by 160 respondents from 121 FHTs (65% of all 186) in the period April 10 – 30, 2012. Thank you to all who took the time to respond. Click on the links below to find: A description of respondents and overall EMR usage A comparison of aggregate EMR ratings Findings […]

First time release of data from 5-year FHT evaluation study

  The first set of data from the Ministry-sponsored five-year FHT evaluation study was released last week to 118 FHTs. These FHTs had participated in at least one of three 2009 surveys – facility, patient, and provider – conducted by the Conference Board of Canada evaluation team. In 2009, the 134 FHTs in waves 1 […]

Changes to services system for adults with developmental disabilities

Patients with developmental disabilities or their caregivers may ask FHTs about changes in the collection of personal information and/or how it may affect their services. Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) recently launched a province wide database to collect, store and access service information for adults with developmental delays. Service providers across the province have been asked […]

Smoking cessation – online tool to support patients

The Break It Off Mobile Application – a behaviour modification tool to help smokers kick the habit –  allows patients to identify triggers, deal with cravings, track their progress, and call a Smokers’ Helpline Quit Coach directly through the application. It can be downloaded onto Apple and Android devices.   This is part of the […]

Risk assessment tool for FHT boards

This risk assessment tool is a simple matrix that helps boards to systematically identify, assess and manage risk in their FHT.  This is in Word format so you can download and use it in your FHT. A completed matrix is also posted as a PDF file to serve as an example of how the tool […]

2012 Ontario Budget: Highlights for FHTs

The central goal of the 2012 Ontario Budget is captured in the title of its news release: “A Plan to Balance the Budget, Create Jobs, Protect Education and Health Care.” The key sections for FHTs are “Transforming Health Care” and “A LONG-TERM PLAN FOR PUBLIC-SECTOR COMPENSATION”.  FHTs may also be affected by the push for more […]

Updates from meeting with MOHLTC Primary Health Care Branch

AFHTO’s Operational Issues Working Group met yesterday (March 6) with Mary Fleming, Director of Primary Health Care Branch; Richard Yampolsky, Program Manager, FHT Implementation; Gayle Barr, Senior Program Consultant; and Erin Weinkauf, Program Analyst. Flexibility in Operating Plans and Budgets The need for greater flexibility, consistency and transparency in budgets was the central theme throughout […]

Updates on AFHTO support for members

Advancing a Performance-Oriented Model for Primary Care One of AFHTO’s strategic directions is to build evidence of FHT performance and value to patient health is. Key to this is the capacity of FHTs to make the IT/IM investments needed to capture and report data consistently and reliably, and to use it for improvement.   Consistent with […]

Primary care recruitment and retention: Letter to Premier and Finance Minister

The Ontario Government has not yet declared whether it will extend the Public Sector Compensation Restraint Act beyond its current expiry date of March 31.  As part of our joint advocacy to address the challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified staff in primary care, AFHTO, in partnership with the Association of Ontario Health Centres and […]

Advancing a Performance-Oriented Model for Primary Care

Advancing a Performance-Oriented Model for Primary Care One of AFHTO’s strategic directions is to build evidence of FHT performance and value to patient health is. Key to this is the capacity of FHTs to make the IT/IM investments needed to capture and report data consistently and reliably, and to use it for improvement.   Consistent with […]

Outcome of Meeting with ADM on Primary Care Recruitment & Retention

Outcome of AFHTO-AOHC-NPAO meeting with ADM on primary care recruitment & retention This morning representatives of our three associations met with senior Ministry staff to review the findings and recommendations of our joint report – Toward a primary care recruitment & retention strategy for Ontario. (See details below).  Ministry attendees included three members of MOHLTC’s […]

Toward a Primary Care Recruitment & Retention Strategy for Ontario

The Association of Family Health Teams (AFHTO), the Association of Ontario Health Centres (AOHC) and the Nurse Practitioners’ Association of Ontario (NPAO) are pleased to share our joint report with our members. Toward a Primary Care Recruitment & Retention Strategy for Ontario (PDF 1.3MB) It has been a challenge for primary care organizations to recruit […]

Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care: Highlights for primary care

The Minister made two presentations today, an early-morning prelude for a healthcare audience and the lunchtime launch of Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care hosted by the Board of Trade.  Below you’ll find links to the full plan and related communications pieces, as well as a bullet-point summary of the Action Plan. The general direction […]

Responding to staff about media speculation on public sector salaries

Media reports on public sector salaries may be stirring up concerns among staff at your FHT.  To help you respond, this e-mail gives you a brief summary of what’s being reported, and what AFHTO is doing about concerns over inequity in compensation. Headlines on the Toronto Star and National Post websites this evening (Jan. 24, […]

AFHTO sets up Operational Issues table with MOHLTC’s FHT Unit

FHTs want to deliver optimal interprofessional care to their patients and communities, and face many day-to-day challenges along the way.  Some of the operational issues we deal with require collaboration with or assistance from the MOHLTC’s FHT Unit. To help FHTs become much more effective in raising and resolving these operational issues, AFHTO has established […]

Information to Action – CLONE

Information to Action is a collection of resources and tools that teams can use to start improving the quality of care they deliver now. Through Information to Action, we will provide dedicated support to teams interested in using the momentum of D2D to move from measurement to improvement. It is also meant to teach us what […]

Medical Directives from the North York Family Health Team

You can access thirteen medical directives on a variety topics by clicking on the links below. These directives have been created by the North York Family Health Team, and are posted for information and use by other FHTs. Bupropion Diabetes: equipment orders Diabetes: insulin renewal Diabetes: insulin titration Hypertension: Diabetes Hypertension: Non-diabetes INR Lipid lowering: […]

Leading For Change

AFHTO 2011 Conference Presentation Steven Lewis, well-respected Canadian health policy consultant, opened the Leadership Program with his thoughts on the future of family health teams in Ontario.  To access his presentation slides, please click here. Steven Lewis’ knowledge and analysis of health integration issues across Canada make him a valuable resource for Ontario’s Change Foundation […]

Using IT to Solve Process Problems

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Dave Sellers, Director of Operations; Dr. Mark Fraser, Lead Physician FHT/ORG: West Carleton FHT ABSTRACT: This presentation will describe how innovative approaches within the FHT IT infrastructure have been used to solve process issues and improve efficiencies and data quality. The quality of the data in your EMR has […]

Realizing Patient Goals

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Andrea Petroff, BA Honours. Psych, M.I.R. (Masters of Industrial Relations), Executive Director; Claudia Mariano, NP-PHC, MSc Primary Health FHT/ORG: West Durham FHT ABSTRACT: Our commitment to our patients, our community, and to ourselves, to provide the best possible care for chronically ill patients, meant that we needed to take […]

Using Spirometry in Clinical Practice

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Angie Shaw, RRT,CRE Respiratory Educator; Amy Massie, RRT, CRE Respiratory Educator FHT/ORG: New Vision FHT ABSTRACT: This workshop will assist Family Health Team members in utilizing spirometry as a valuable tool in various clinical settings. Case studies will be presented, worked and reviewed. There will be a brief review […]

Self Management for Chronic Pain Patients

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Shellie Buckley, RN FHT/ORG: Stratford FHT ABSTRACT: Self management is a fairly new, vogue term used in healthcare but does it really work for patients with chronic pain? The data collected at the Stratford Family Health Team over the past two  years shows chronic pain patients will attend six […]

Medical Directives and Team Development

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Dr. Kimberly Wintemute, Medical Director; Dr. Jon Hunchuck, PharmD, Pharmacist FHT/ORG: North York FHT   ABSTRACT: Maximizing access to care is an important primary care goal. Medical Directives are one tool for improving access. The workshop objectives will be: to become familiar with essential structural elements of medical directives; […]

FHTs in the Intelligent Community

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Tim Iredale, Stratford Family Health Team; Paul West, Rhyzome Networks FHT/ORG: Stratford FHT ABSTRACT: The Stratford FHT is located in a city that is one of the Top 7 Intelligent Communities of 2011.  The Stratford FHT has partnered with Rhyzome Networks to improve its IT infrastructure which has resulted […]

Coaching Health Self-Management

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Durhane Wong-Rieger, PhD FHT/ORG: Institute for Optimizing Health Outcomes ABSTRACT: This workshop provides an introduction to Health Coaching for Patient Self-Management.  Case studies and brief demonstrations/role plays will be used. After participating in this program, participants will be able to: Define the role of self-management in promoting treatment adherence […]

Summerville Arthritis Program

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Lucy Bonanno, Executive Director;  Nadya Zukowski, Health Promotion Specialist FHT/ORG: Summerville FHT ABSTRACT: The Summerville Arthritis Program is a novel, collaborative approach to community Osteoarthritis care. Our interdisciplinary team partnered with The Arthritis Society and Pfizer to map out the delivery of a comprehensive yet flexible program. The program […]

Advancing the RN role in Chronic Disease Management

2011 AFHTO conference presentation TITLE: Advancing the RN role in Chronic Disease Management and Prevention in Primary Care PRESENTER (S): Sylvia Scott, Clinical Manager FHT/ORG: Guelph FHT ABSTRACT: Health care systems continue to be challenged to respond effectively to the increasing impact of chronic diseases on population health and health care resources. Using the Ontario […]

Chronic Respiratory Disease Management in the Community

2011 AFHTO conference presentation PRESENTER (S): Maria Savelle, RN, Certified Respiratory Educator, Nurse Educator FHT/ORG: Stratford FHT ABSTRACT: The Stratford Family Health Team Respiratory Clinic began as a pilot project in June 2009 after it was identified there was a need to assess and provide education regarding patient self-management of chronic respiratory conditions (COPD and […]