Frequently Asked Questions - Community

 
 

What is an Ontario Health Team (OHT)?

The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care have announced a new vision for health care in Ontario. Their goal is to create a health care system that includes more integrated care, improved client/patient and service provider experience, an end to hallway medicine in hospitals and improved access to digital tools and virtual care. A key element of their strategy involves setting up Ontario Health Teams (OHTs), which the government has defined as groups of care providers and organizations that are clinically and financially accountable for delivering a full and coordinated continuum of care to a defined geographic population. Or, put another way, an OHT is a team of care providers working together to deliver integrated care to people who access services in their community.

 

What is the development status of the West Toronto Ontario Health Team?

Our team is still in the process. Currently the government is announcing the first 24 OHTs who have been approved to work together. In January the West Toronto Ontario Health Team will submit a progress report to the provincial government with the intention of submitting a full application in the next round, March 2020.

 

Who is included in the West Toronto OHT?

Community support service providers who have been working in partnership for many years, and who currently deliver a comprehensive set of services. Leaders from organizations in West Toronto have been working together for several months to have discussions as to how we can build an integrated care network. Eleven of these organizations came together to submit the initial self-assessment:

  • Crosstown Family Health Team

  • Dorothy Ley Hospice

  • Four Villages Community Health Centre

  • LAMP Community Health Centre

  • Reconnect Community Health Centre

  • Regeneration Community Services

  • Stonegate Community Health Centre

  • Storefront Humber Inc.

  • Unity Health, St. Joseph’s Health Centre site

  • Village Family Health Team

  • West Park Healthcare Centre

Organizations within the West Toronto community have also committed to supporting our self-assessment and are participating as collaborative members of our team. Our vision is to become one connected system of health and social care for people living and seeking care in West Toronto, for all stages of life. We are actively recruiting more members from the West Toronto healthcare and social services community.

 

Will I lose my doctor or be assigned to a new doctor when West Toronto becomes an OHT?

No. We do not anticipate any changes to patient and primary care physician relationships.

 

How does an Ontario Health Team work?

As Ontario Health Teams work to integrate care, they will put in place 24/7 navigation and care coordination services for patients and families. A focused group of patients will receive these services through their integrated care teams. This work will be implemented in phases and over time will provide care for everyone within the West Toronto Ontario Health Team's population.

 

How is it being determined which OHT people are a part of?

Patients are assigned to an OHT based on how and where they seek health care services rather than where they live.

 

Will the care in each OHT be the same as the care that is provided in other OHTs?

Each OHT will develop and deliver care to best meet the needs of their specific population. OHTs are expected to ensure seamless, coordinated care for their patients regardless of where or from whom they receive care. As OHTs develop, processes to support consistency and coordination between OHTs will be a priority.

What are the key priorities for the West Toronto OHT?

  • COPD

  • Digital Health

  • Frail Seniors

  • Mental Health and Addictions

  • Primary Care

 

How will the voice of patients and caregivers be heard?

The patient and caregiver voice is extremely important to the West Toronto Ontario Health Team; in fact, our steering committee has already recruited a caregiver who has been heavily involved in our planning. Taking this s a step further we have committed to ensuring that input is sought from patients and caregivers by striking a patient and caregiver partnership working group and developing guiding principles which include a statement that we will act upon the input of the patients and caregivers in ways that demonstrate positive impact.