6 Days Left. Submit Your Abstract by June 16!
Submit your abstract- deadline June 16, 2025 at 5:00 PM (EDT) The countdown is on. Abstracts due June 16 at 5:00 PM (EDT). If you’ve got an idea, insight, or innovation, now is the time to share it. Don’t wait. Submit your abstract for #AFHTO2025 today. Whether you’re in primary care, public […]
Got a bold idea? Submit your “Wild Card” abstract for AFHTO’s 2025 Conference by June 16!
Wild cards welcome to AFHTO 2025 Power of Primary Care Conference Every year we receive brilliant abstracts that defy categorization, and we welcome them. That’s why we created the Wild Card category under the conference theme: Meeting Needs, Advancing Equity: The Power of Comprehensive, Patient-Partnered Care. Instead of shoehorning them into a theme that […]
Call for abstracts – AFHTO’s The Power of Primary Care
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS NOW OPEN This is more than a showcase. It’s a design session for the future. Ontario’s primary care system is under a spotlight — and finally, under serious consideration. Investments are coming. Expectations are rising. And the window to shape what’s next is wide open. The Power of Primary Care is […]
Bits & Pieces: closing plenary speaker and more; Update on expansion of the OBSP
Your Biweekly News & Updates In This Issue AFHTO 2024 Conference: announcing closing plenary speaker Update on expansion of the OBSP to people ages 40 to 49 Member stories Back-to-school perks News and updates including national dementia guidelines for disclosing a diagnosis Join Ontario Health’s Primary Care Quality Advisory Committee Register for the in-person […]
2024 Conference Themes
Better Outcomes Together: Empowering Teams for Patient-Centered Care The AFHTO 2024 Conference program is built around 4 core themes. Expanding access to team-based care Supporting the implementation of primary care networks Investing in the digital health of primary care Mental health and addictions Conference Theme Descriptions Download a printable PDF of the theme […]
Bits & Pieces: teams’ experiences and perspectives in COVID-19 vaccination distribution
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Primary care teams’ experiences and perspectives in COVID-19 vaccination distribution Reminder – member renewal deadline is June 30 Member stories Climate change video and materials available News and updates including Health Equity Across the AI Lifecycle Connect with your peers using AFHTO’s IHP Directory Summer travel […]
Bits & Pieces: climate change webinar, immunization and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Climate change is a health issue: adopting a green health strategy at your team AFHTO 2024 Conference: abstract deadline this Friday Member stories OCDPA Queen’s Park Day 2024 News and updates including immunization recommendations for children previously immunized with oral poliovirus vaccine Reminder- the Ontario Health […]
Bits & Pieces: join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Apply to join AFHTO’s IHP Advisory Council! Member stories News and updates including virtual care with an outside physician is associated with more emergency department visits Administrative monetary penalties under PHIPA Hypertension Canada and Obesity Canada call for abstracts Biosimilars transition period ended Upcoming events […]
2023 Conference Themes
Team-Based Care: Making it a reality for all The AFHTO 2023 Conference program is built around 4 core themes. Using a population-based approach to provide care to the community Optimising teams’ capacity and creating efficiencies Organizing primary care to advance Ontario Health Teams Embedding mental health and home care in primary care ConFERENCE […]
Bits & Pieces: member stories, mental health week and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Member stories Deadline to sign up for an #AFHTO2023 working group is today Mental Health Week: May 1-7, 2023 EDs and Admin leads- advising IHPs re member updates, including compensation Member website access- when logins are blocked News and updates- virtual care not associated with higher […]
QI in Action eBulletin #128: Advance Care Planning
In this Issue: Advance Care Planning OurCare & Healthy Debate: Reimagining primary care Updated quality standards on schizophrenia care Updated Lyme disease clinical guidance document Tools for virtual care guidance now available in more languages Upcoming Events Advance Care Planning National Advance Care Planning Day is on April 16, 2023, and Hospice Palliative Care Ontario […]
Bits & Pieces: CIRA grants and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue CIRA grant deadline April 12 Diagnosing and treating POTS in Long COVID patients and more Reminder- Q & A with Fernando Tavares for EDs, Mar. 28 Perkopolis Day at Canada’s Wonderland Relevant reports – networks of care in resource constrained settings & socioeconomic gradient in mortality […]
QI in Action eBulletin #126: The Health Equity Questionnaire
In this Issue: The Health Equity Questionnaire: Standardized Entry of Social Determinants of Health into EMRs Resources for social determinants of health Food for thought Updated Primary Care Data Reports for Ontario Health Teams Help shape the future of virtual health care in Ontario Phase I Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care for […]
Bits & Pieces: perks to get you through winter and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Perkopolis winter discounts Reminder- is there a doctor on board? #AFHTO2023 help needed ICYMI- mental health and addiction funding letters Fellowship in Journalism and Health Impact- deadline Feb. 17 Association between virtual primary care and ED use and more Workplace mental health training for health care […]
QI in Action eBulletin #125: Patient and Family support for pregnancy loss
In this Issue: Patient with a pregnancy loss? There is support – for you, and for families Primary care clinicians can directly refer frontline health workers to psychological practitioners for MOH-covered psychological treatment Mental Health Resources CMHA Ontario’s Your Health Space The Indigenous Voice | Daadibaajimo Virtual Care Guidance Statements Checklist for Clinicians and other […]
Bits & Pieces: The experience of primary care teams during the early phase of COVID-19 and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue The experience of primary care teams during the early phase of COVID-19 Member stories Evidence of value- Enhanced Primary Care Diabetes (EPCD) team model Corrected link – Healthcare Excellence Canada Opportunity: Partnering on Appropriate Virtual Care Ontario Caregiver Organization 2022 Spotlight Report Updated Post-Covid-19 Condition guidance, […]
The experience of primary care teams during the early phase of COVID-19
Research article published in BMC Primary Care 23, 294 (2022) The experience of primary care teams during the early phase of COVID-19: A qualitative study of primary care practice leaders in Ontario, Canada Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a rapid shift to virtual care in primary care practices around the globe. There has […]
QI in Action eBulletin #124: Celebrating the Resilience of Teams in 2022, QIPs 2023-2024
In this Issue: Thank You to our Wonderful Teams Celebrating Teams: Collaborating to Improve Palliative Care Celebrating Teams: Filling Gaps in the Community Healthcare Excellence Canada: Partnering on Appropriate Virtual Care Physician Consultations on PHIPA Changes Support Tools for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care Guidance in Primary Care Quality Improvement Plans (QIPS) 2023/24 Farewell […]
QI in Action eBulletin #123: HFHT Green Initiative, Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care Guidelines
In this Issue: The HFHT Green Initiative Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care- Guidance for Primary Care Primary care clinicians can how directly refer frontline health workers to psychological practitioners for MOH-covered psychological treatment Evidence2Practice Ontario Program Upcoming Events The HFHT Green Initiative Content below developed by Hamilton FHT The HFHT Green Initiative is an […]
Bits & Pieces: virtual care guidance and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Clinically appropriate use of virtual care guidance for primary care Resources addressing children’s acetaminophen and ibuprofen shortage Nurse Practitioner Week Ontario’s Fall Economic Statement Member stories Reminder – Highlights and implications of the Ontario Science Table’s brief on primary care, Nov. 30 Updated COVID-19 vaccine guidance […]
Bits & Pieces: memo to primary care from OH and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Memos to primary care, on operational direction and more Health ministers’ meeting in Vancouver Reminder- Supporting Caregivers Supports Patients- The Critical Role of Primary Care in Preventing Caregiver Burnout, Nov. 24 Virtual concussion occupational therapy services for teams Moving towards an integrated health data ecosystem & […]
QI in Action eBulletin #122: Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care
In this Issue: Phase One Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care Wawa FHT in the News Canada-Wide Study on Health Equity and Virtual Primary Care Upcoming Events Phase One Guidance for Clinically Appropriate Use of Virtual Care in Primary Care Content below developed by Ontario Health and edited for […]
Bits & Pieces: bivalent COVID-19 booster dose and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Ontarians aged 18+ eligible for bivalent COVID-19 booster dose Reminder- Wellness Check: Dealing with Transitions and Managing Stress, Sep. 15 New resources- Cannabis and Older Adults Reminder- submit questions for the fireside chat with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health by Sep. 23 OHT and […]
QI in Action eBulletin #120: Striving for Health Equity and Better Health Outcomes
In this Issue: Striving for Health Equity and Better Health Outcomes at McMaster FHT Targeted Poverty Screening Process Improves Health Equity Collecting Race-Based and Indigenous Identity Data Learning Opportunities Upcoming Events Striving for Health Equity and Better Health Outcomes at McMaster FHT Content below developed by McMaster FHT Through the expertise and passion of […]
Bits & Pieces: where will children under 5 get vaccines and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue COVID-19 vaccinations for kids under 5 Open letter to keep expanded access to care for uninsured people Minto Mapleton FHT meets with MPP Member stories New toolkit to help health care providers deliver virtual care to Canadians Paid COVID sick days back until March 31, 2023, […]
2022 Conference Themes
Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world
Bits & Pieces: nursing week, OAB funding materials and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Happy National Nursing Week Online appointment booking 2022/23 funding webinar materials available Election 2022: It Takes a Team Online OHIP renewal finally updated June 2- deadline to implement right to disconnect policy Long COVID: aiming for a consensus and more GoodLife – chance to win a […]
QI in Action eBulletin #116: Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution, QIPs 2022-2023
In this Issue: Understanding the Role of Primary Care in Vaccine Distribution Quality Improvement Plans 2022/23 COVID-19 and Respiratory Virus Test Requisition Form Did You Agree to Be Listed On Online Appointment Booking Platform Bleen? Quality Standard on Transitions from Youth to Adult Health Care Services Recognizing World Delirium Awareness Day Developing A Practice Tool […]
COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centres, ConfusedAboutCOVID.ca and updated guidance documents
Dear Members, With the recent news that Health Canada has authorized PAXLOVID for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 at high risk of developing serious disease, there is some hope that treatment can be made available as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of the start of symptoms. Ontario is […]
2021 Conference videos and slides
Pre-Conference Day: Tuesday, October 26, 2021 Program Component Materials Fireside Chat with Enterprise Canada – What You Can Expect in the Provincial Election Video Day 1: Wednesday, October 27, 2021 Opening Session- Welcome, Minister’s Address and Bright Lights Awards Ceremony Video Facts vs. Myth: The Realities of Equity in Canadian Healthcare Video The Power of […]
Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s FHTs during the First Wave of COVID-19
The Delivery of Patient Care in Ontario’s Family Health Teams during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic, HEALTHCARE POLICY, Vol.17 No.2, 2021 Abstract Objective: The objective of this paper was to identify continuations and changes in care delivery methods in primary care teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: The study used a cross-sectional, web-based […]
Bits & Pieces: early bird tomorrow, AGM and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue #AFHTO2021 early bird deadline tomorrow, AGM & update for next week Join our IHP advisory council! Deadline Oct. 29. Rheumatology in primary care slides and video available Enhanced COVID-19 vaccine certificate with QR code and more Research project to help you identify and provide appropriate information […]
Bits & Pieces: 8 new OHTs announced, Pfizer for 5-11 yr-olds and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Eight new OHTs announced Virtual funding opportunities for primary care materials available Malnutrition in primary care: sum zero slides and video available Pfizer for 5-11 yr olds, 3rd dose recommendations, medical exemptions and more Upcoming events regarding cyber security and more Eight new OHTs announced Congratulations […]
LESS THAN A WEEK to submit a poster abstract
Submit your poster abstract- deadline August 3, 2021 We want your insight on these topics: -Building sustainable programs for improved access -Navigating complex systems to lead effectively -Picking the right partners and integrating care around the patient -Innovations in digital health, especially for rural and remote communities -How to address challenges at the policy and […]
QI in Action eBulletin #109: Cancer Screening during the Pandemic and Onwards
In this Issue: Cancer Screening during the Pandemic and Onwards Tip Sheets for Primary Care Providers Breast Screening Cervical Screening Colorectal Cancer Screening Ontario Health’s Screening Activity Report EMR Tips to Help you Resume Cancer Screening Upcoming Webinars Cancer Screening during the Pandemic and Onwards Check out our recent Cancer Screening during the Pandemic and […]
2021 Conference Themes
Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world
QI in Action eBulletin #108: COVID-19 Vaccination Data & GeriMedRisk
In this Issue: COVID-19 Vaccination Data Workflow Updates COVID-19 Vaccination Information Available via the Digital Health Drug Repository (DHDR) Digital Health OHT Community of Practice (CoP) GeriMedRisk Upcoming Webinars COVID-19 Vaccination Data Workflow Updates As of May 18, 2021, and onwards, Health Report Manager (HRM) has been pushing data prospectively to physicians/nurse practitioners when their […]
Ontario stay-at-home order and the Phase 2 COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan
Dear Executive Directors and Administrative Leads, The third province-wide stay-at-home order took effect today at 12:01 AM. Under the stay-at-home order, primary care teams are encouraged to continue virtual care wherever possible but do not stop or delay in-person care. It remains at a clinician’s discretion to determine if a patient needs to be seen […]
Bits & Pieces: vaccine learnings webinar, 2021 conference and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Learnings from primary care: Vaccine roll-out across Ontario Urgent reminder- Supply Ontario needs primary care voices AFHTO 2021 Conference: tell us what YOU want, what you really, really want Black Health Matters: Building a primary health care system that works Prescribing nature: PaRx launches in Ontario […]
QI in Action eBulletin # 104 – Identifying Priority Populations for COVID-19 Vaccination from EMRs
In this Issue: What is POPLAR? POPLAR and COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization Data Security & Privacy How to Register? COVID-19 Cancer Screening Tip Sheet for Primary Care Providers Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey Upcoming Webinars What is POPLAR? The Primary Care Ontario Practice-based Learning and Research Network (POPLAR) is an initiative of Ontario’s six […]
Bits & Pieces: COVID-19 collaborative home monitoring resources, fact sheets and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue COVID-19 collaborative home monitoring program resources now available Happy Psychology month Supply Ontario survey Interprofessional primary care during COVID-19: a survey of the provider perspective Correction-anti-racism webinar series open to members COVID-19 vaccine fact sheet, cancer screening update and more Reminder- primary care virtual groups webinar, […]
Follow-up on ED check-in calls Jan. 26 & 27 – and additional tools and resources
This email is being sent to EDs/Admin Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations. Dear triad members, We had our first 2021 regional ED check-in calls on January 26 and 27. The eight check-ins last year were valuable to AFHTO for our advocacy and support efforts, and teams tell us the calls […]
Bits & Pieces: primary care virtual groups webinar, immunization for specific groups, and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Primary care virtual groups – transitioning a CBT program & cardio-pulmonary rehab program to virtual Members’ stories Planning immunization for specific groups, complicated grief and more Online safety and data backup- tips from TechSoup Canada IBS/Low FODMAP diet: video series from Thames Valley FHT RDs Ontario […]
QI in Action eBulletin #103 – Moving Forward with Quality Improvement in the New Year
In this Issue: Quality Improvement on the Fly & QIPs QI Resources Upcoming Events Quality Improvement on the Fly & QIPs At this time, teams usually start to plan for their annual QIPs submission. We can expect an update in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, the QI in PC Council has collaboratively gathered the […]
QI in Action eBulletin #102: Choosing Wisely during the Pandemic and Beyond, Health Equity and Provider Experience
In collaboration with the Alliance for Healthier Communities In this Issue: Toolkits – Choosing Wisely Canada AFHTO Resources as You Plan Ahead Provider Experience during COVID-19 – Dr. Catherine Donnelly Health Equity – Public Health Ontario Upcoming Events These are unprecedented times. COVID-19 is an era of resource scarcity and deciding which method of care […]
Bits & Pieces: apply for messaging pilots, free registration for legal webinars and more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Teams can apply for messaging pilots Enter to win free registration to Legal Issues for Primary Care Teams series Mental Health Works modules available from CMHA Ontario Urgent need for physio student placement Quality standard placemats- low back pain and osteoarthritis Recommendations for resuming spirometry, Supply […]
QI in Action eBulletin #101: Primary Care Team Lessons and Patient & Provider Virtual Experience During COVID-19
In collaboration with the Alliance for Healthier Communities In this Issue: Crossing Chasms: Primary Care Teams’ Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Thank You for Sharing Your Teams’ Experiences During The COVID-19 Pandemic Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey Primary Care Experience Surveys – Updated Version for OH QIPs Provider virtual care experience survey IHP […]
Bits & Pieces: your COVID-19 survey results at Trillium Research Day & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Trillium Research Day – AFHTO posters and presentation Primary care patient/client virtual care experience survey #StopTheSpread communications toolkit Provider virtual care experience survey IHP experience during COVID-19 Fecal immunochemical test kit update and reminder regarding breast cancer and cervical screening Top ten flu Q & A […]
Bits & Pieces: address from incoming president Dr. Allan Grill, COVID checklist for primary care & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Address from incoming president Dr. Allan Grill #AFHTO2020: following up Immediate need for case and contact management Member stories- COVID-19 EMR screening, virtual clinic and SDOH New BounceBack client resources available OMA’s OHT white paper Togetherall social media content and mini videos COVID-19 checklist for primary […]
Bits & Pieces: check your junk mail, how to get up to $150,000& more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue How to get up to $150K to rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID #AFHTO2020: yes, we’re asking you to check your junk mail Virtual mental health tools demonstration & video testimonial for Mental Health Awareness Day Dr. Elizabeth Muggah now President of the […]
QI in Action eBulletin #100- Rx: Social Prescribing
In collaboration with the Alliance for Healthier Communities In this Issue: What is Social Prescribing? What does Social Prescribing look like in practice? Social prescribing: tools for equitable healthcare Reminders Upcoming Virtual Events What is Social Prescribing? Social prescribing is an evidence-based plan to address the social determinants of health, with focus on social isolation […]
Essex County NPLC receives COVID-19 grant to improve access to technology and enhanced digital services
The Essex County Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinic (ECNPLC) enhancing digital services to meet community needs. Essex County NPLC has received grant funding from the Canadian Red Cross, through the COVID-19 Emergency Support for Community Organizations Granting Program, to improve access to technology and enhanced digital services. The grant supports the Windsor Essex Health Program (WE Health). […]
QI in Action eBulletin #99: Capturing Primary Care’s Response to COVID-19
In this Issue: Primary Care Patient/Client Experience Virtual Care Survey Responding to COVID-19: Understanding How Primary Care Teams Stepped up to Help Support Their Communities and Patients IHP Experience During the Early Phase of COVID-19 Upcoming Virtual Events Primary Care Patient/Client Virtual Care Experience Survey The rapid adoption of virtual care during the pandemic […]
Update from the Primary Health Care Branch, transitions to a new normal, PPE, virtual care, and HR updates
This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations. Dear triad members, We held our fifth round of regional ED calls on June 29 and 30. We’ve been holding these calls since March, and we will be pausing them for the summer as people break and prepare for […]
2020 Conference Themes
Tectonic shifts: rebuilding primary care in a new world
Transitions to a new normal, PPE, virtual care, and HR updates
This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations. Dear triad members, AFHTO’s Leadership Council met on June 3, and executive directors joined our fourth round of regional ED calls on June 1 and 2. This communique is in follow-up to those meetings. Below is information on the […]
QI in Action eBulletin #98: Team-Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19
In this Issue: Team Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19 Webinar Virtual Visits: Beginning to End Q&A Document QI Resources Team-Based Care Supporting Patient Communities Through COVID-19 Webinar On June 11, 2020 (12-1pm EST) AFHTO, in collaboration with 3 primary care teams, will be hosting a webinar to share initiatives teams are currently doing […]
Bits & Pieces: virtual visits webinar materials, members’ stories & more
Your Weekly News & Updates In This Issue Virtual Visits: Beginning to End webinar materials now available Members’ stories Operational requirements for health sector restart and more Questions Are the Answer- patient tips and tools Educational supports for IPAC -Toronto region Research participant recruitment – concussion telerehabilitation study Upcoming events regarding mental health and […]
Follow-up to ED calls, May 12 and 13 – PPE, virtual care, and HR updates
This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations. Thank you to all the executive directors who joined our third round of regional ED calls last week. This email is a follow-up to provide the information promised during the calls, as well as other updates and supports, including […]
Follow-up from ED calls, April 21 – 22 and more
This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations. Dear triad members, Thank you to all the executive directors who joined our second round of regional ED calls last week. It’s proving helpful to hear what is working well, how you are managing the challenges you’re facing, and […]
Follow-Up from March 27th webinar, Qs and As from the Ministry and Clarity on PPE Questions from MEOC
This email was sent to EDs/Administrative Leads, Board Chairs and Lead Clinicians of AFHTO member organizations. Dear triad members, Thank you to all the executive directors who were able to join our regional calls earlier this week. We were pleased to hear how well many of you are doing, and to hear how we […]