Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Family Health Teams in Ontario
Ten years ago the concept of “Family Health Teams” was first announced. This anniversary follows a week in which two important studies have published evidence of the value of interprofessional collaboration in Ontario’s Family Health Teams, and in interprofessional primary care models across Canada. To mark this event, the Association of Family Health Teams of […]
AFHTO’s 2013 Annual Report to the Members is now available
The 2013 Annual Report gives insight into the progress of Ontario’s family health teams, collectively supported by their association, to move toward their shared vision. This is a vision where all Ontarians would have timely access to high-quality and comprehensive primary care, and that care is informed by the social determinants of health, delivered by […]
Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, Sept.18, 2013
The main focus of the meeting was on budget flexibility and accountability. FHT representatives presented to MOHLTC the position proposed by the Executive Director Advisory Council at their meeting of August 28 and endorsed by the AFHTO board and the AOHC’s group of CFHT EDs. Other topics covered in the meeting: Process to address current […]
Report from quarterly meeting with MOHLTC FHT Unit, June 3, 2013
FHT Executive Directors representing AFHTO and AOHC members met with the FHT Unit on Monday. Topics covered included: QIDSS implementation: how the allocations have been made and what to expect in their implementation Physiotherapy in FHTs: timing and process to apply for positions Health Links: staffing implications for FHTs that are coordinating and/or taking on […]
2013 Ontario Budget: Highlights for FHTs
When it comes to health care, the key planks in the 2013 Ontario budget are Health Links, the Seniors’ Strategy and the recently announced funding increases for home care. The health care sections of the budget summarize government priorities and commitments in this area. Click here to read health-related excerpts from the budget. Full text […]
Health Minister announces introduction of physiotherapy positions in FHTs
Today Minister Matthews announced that Ontario is improving access to physiotherapy services for eligible Ontarians by changing how and where these services are provided. Beginning August 1, 2013, the province will expand availability of community-based physiotherapy, exercise classes and falls prevention services in more locations across Ontario. Steps include integrating physiotherapy positions into primary care […]
Strategic direction for AFHTO is renewed
The AFHTO board is pleased to announce the renewed vision, mission and strategic priorities to guide our work on behalf of our members over the next 2 – 3 years. Please click here for more information. AFHTO members may also click here to learn more about how this Strategic Direction will be operationalized in the […]
FHTs continue to play key role in Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care
One year after releasing Ontario’s Action Plan for Health Care, Health Minister Deb Matthews presented her progress report today. She called it a plan for “fundamental transformation” that puts “family health care at the centre of the system.” Government’s news release and the Action Plan for Health Care One Year Progress Report both continue to […]
Family Health Teams play a prominent role in Ontario’s Health Links
The first 19 Health Links were announced today by Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Deb Matthews. Health Links bring together health care providers in a community to better and more quickly coordinate care for high-need patients. Seven of the 19 Health Links announced today will be coordinated by family health teams: Barrie and Community […]
CMOH releases “Seasonal Influenza 2012-2013: Ontario’s Blueprint for Action”
Dr. Arlene King, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced the release of Seasonal Influenza 2012/ 2013: Ontario’s Blueprint for Action. This document updates the 2011/ 2012 Blueprint for Action by outlining the actions that the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Public Health Ontario and the Ministry of Labour are taking to support the […]
Applications now being accepted for Wave 6 of HQO’s Advanced Access and Efficiency for Primary Care
AFHTO is pleased to share the launch of Health Quality Ontario’s (HQO) Learning Community Wave 6 in Advanced Access, Efficiency and Chronic Disease Management in Primary Care as a valuable learning opportunity for family health teams. Advanced Access, Efficiency and Chronic Disease Management in Primary Care has been designed to assist providers in reaching this goal […]
MOHLTC rolling out Provincial Low Back Pain Strategy
In order to improve the quality and efficiency of treatment for low-back pain, the province of Ontario is launching a Provincial Low-Back Pain Strategy to: Decrease wait times for medically-necessary diagnostic imaging, and Improve outcomes for patients suffering from low back pain. The strategy has three components: Evidence-based amendments to the Schedule of Benefits. Effective […]
Primary Care Nursing Task Force Report
The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario launched a task force, bringing together key stakeholders to review the role of almost 4,300 primary care nurses (RNs and RPNs) currently practising in Ontario. The Task Force focused on two progressive phases of outcomes. The first phase identifies the highest level of RN and RPN scope of practice […]
Ontario Think Tank on Public Health and Primary Care Collaboration
Please find the proceedings from a full day Think Tank on strengthening collaboration between public health and primary care held on April 19, 2012 at the offices of Public Health Ontario in Toronto, Ontario. AFHTO’s Executive Director, Angie Heydon, participated in the Think Tank. Other participants included policy makers, decision-makers, front line practitioners and academics. […]
Updates on OMA-MOHLTC negotiations
Both parties involved in the negotiations have posted the following public statements: May 7 response from OMA – https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/CutstoHealthCare.aspx May 7 response from MOHLTC – http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2012/05/ontario-freezing-doctor-pay-to-invest-in-more-community-care-for-families-and-seniors.html May 3 news release from OMA – https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/NegotiateFairly.aspx April 27 response from Minister of Health http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2012/04/statement-from-ontarios-health-minister.html April 24 news release from OMA — https://www.oma.org/Mediaroom/PressReleases/Pages/DoctorsOfferOfA2YearFreezeOnFeesRejectedByGovernment.aspx April 12 response from OMA […]
Drummond Commission – “Family Health Teams should become the norm for primary care”
“Family Health Teams should become the norm for primary care” The statement above appears on p.24 of the 543-page Drummond Commission report, released this afternoon. Consuming over 40% of the province’s budget, health care receives much attention in this report (pp.145-202). There are a number of recommendations that are specific to FHTs/primary care, and are […]
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 […]
Strengthening Primary Care in Ontario: Reports are now available
The Government of Ontario’s recently released Action Plan for Health Care puts a strong emphasis on primary care, placing “Family Health Care at the Centre of the System”. In the last week the final set of reports on Strategic Directions for Strengthening Primary Care in Ontario were also released by the Ministry to participants involved […]
AFHTO welcomes Ontario’s focus on family and community care
Primary care is fundamental to the health of patients and our health system. Family Health Teams have been working hard to innovate, to improve care, and from that, to improve health. For this reason, AFHTO is pleased to see the Ontario Government is placing “Family Health Care at the Centre of the System”. Released today, […]
AFHTO response to Globe and Mail comment about FHTs
On January 17, Globe and Mail columnist Adam Radwanski wrote about the upcoming MOHLTC-OMA negotiations, focusing on costs and value for money (echoing the Auditor General of Ontario’s report). Unfortunately he used the term “family health team” when he was refering to physicians in capitated models in his statement, “The province will continue trying to […]
AFHTO’s submission to Drummond Commission on Broader Public Sector Reform
AFHTO was invited to present to the Commission on Broader Public Sector Reform, chaired by economist Don Drummond and announced in the 2011 Ontario Budget speech last spring. The Commission is to report in early 2012, in time to inform development of Government’s 2012-13 Budget, on its mandate to examine long-term, fundamental changes to the […]
Changes to Nurse Practitioners’ practice
Changes to Nurse Practitioners’ (NPs) practice resulting from legislative amendments will take effect on Oct. 1, 2011; therefore, the College of Nurses of Ontario has released a new Nurse Practitioner practice standard, which includes new expectations for NP practice. Visit www.cno.org/np to download a copy of the new practice standard and to read other information […]
Status of Nurse Practitioner Access Reporting (NPAR) pilot project
Click here to access an update bulletin from MOHLTC’s Primary Health Care Branch on the NPAR pilot project.
Accessibility Standards for Customer Service: reminder of requirements
By January 1st, 2012 Family Health Teams must comply with the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The information below is provided for your reference, from MOHLTC’s FHT to Print newsletter, Winter 2011 edition. In addition, click here for a brief, practical, self-assessment tool intended to assist primary health care settings to increase their awareness of […]
Over 90% of Family Health Teams belong to AFHTO
Family Health Team membership in AFHTO surpassed the 90% mark as of in the last week of September. 171 of Ontario’s 186 FHTs have now joined. AFHTO is the voice for Family Health Teams (FHTs) in this province.
AFHTO-OMA survey of physicians working in FHTs (due Oct.16)
The purpose of this AFHTO-OMA collaboration is to inform both associations on the experience of physicians working in this model, and gain insight into their needs, ideas, issues and concerns. The results will be released as part of a joint OMA/AFHTO presentation and discussion at the AFHTO 2011 Conference on Oct. 26. FHT physicians will […]
Citizens’ Reference Panel calls for expansion of family health teams in Ontario
Twenty-eight Ontarians who have looked at the inner-workings of the province’s health system recommend more collaboration, integration and accountability to help ensure the sustainability of high-quality, accessible and publicly-funded health care. One of these recommendations states, “We urge the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to accelerate the expansion of integrated family health teams throughout […]
Progress of Family Health Teams showcased in Annals of Family Medicine
A number of leading experts from Canada and abroad comment on Ontario’s experience in setting up Family Health Teams. The Annals of Family Medicine has published these responses to an article on FHTs in the March 2011 edition of this American journal. The original article had been written for the benefit of Americans trying to […]
Join the Office Practice Redesign Action Group to improve Access and Efficiency
Apply by December 10 to join QIIP’s Office Practice Redesign Action Group. QIIP (Quality Improvement and Innovation Partnership) is a non-profit organization funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, focused on advancing improvement in primary healthcare in Ontario. QIIP is looking for approximately 100 motivated primary healthcare organizations including Family Health Teams (FHT), […]
CBC Radio listeners learn about FHTs from Dr. Jane Philpott
Matt Galloway, host of CBC Radio’s Metro Morning interviewed Dr. Jane Philpott, Lead Physician, Health for All Family Health Team to learn how family health teams work and what makes them more effective in providing care. Click here to listen to the interview.