Innovation in Ontario's Family Health Teams: How Palliative and Coordinated Care Programs are Filling Service Gaps and Keeping Patients at Home

Article published in Healthcare Quarterly Today on June 25, 2019

Authors:

Monica Aggarwal, University of Toronto;
Helen Cluett, Prince Edward FHT;
Heather Campbell, Prince Edward FHT;
Debbie Korzeniowski, Prince Edward FHT
Cindy Jones, Prince Edward FHT;
Lindsey O'Donnell, Couchiching FHT;
Kavita Mehta, AFHTO

Abstract:

Collaborative interprofessional primary care (PC) teams are widely seen as an essential attribute of high-performing PC systems (Aggarwal and Hutchinson 2012). Effective PC teams play a key role in the mobilization of healthcare resources and navigation of the health and social care system for their patients. In Ontario, the establishment of Family Health Teams has resulted in the implementation of unique programs that deliver services to palliative and elderly patients with a focus on keeping them at home and out of hospital. Case studies cited in this article highlight two innovative programs in Family Health Teams and provide perspectives on lessons for successful implementation.

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