Quality Improvement at AFHTO
At AFHTO, we’re committed to advancing quality improvement in primary care – from strengthening system-wide QI infrastructure to supporting the implementation of evidence-informed change at the practice level.
Quality Improvement at AFHTO
At AFHTO, we’re committed to advancing quality improvement in primary care – from strengthening system-wide QI infrastructure to supporting the implementation of evidence-informed change at the practice level.
We work in collaboration with system-wide partners to ensure improvement efforts are practical, scalable, and aligned with provincial priorities. Our approach is delivered through two complementary streams:
QI LEADERSHIP
Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialists (QIDSS) Community of Practice
QI IN ACTION
Targeted initiatives that support implementation and measurable improvement in care
QI Leadership
The Quality Improvement Decision Support Program (QIDS)
For more than a decade, AFHTO’s Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Program was created to help interprofessional primary care teams build their knowledge translation and practice ready capabilities from the ground up. The program has supported teams across Ontario in strengthening their use of data, improving performance measurement, and building a culture of quality.
Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialists (QIDSS)
Central to the program are Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialists (QIDSS)–individuals that support teams in translating data into actionable improvements aligned with both local priorities and system goals. QIDSS support primary care teams in meeting their QI objectives through data standardization and extraction, information production and on-going analysis.
QIDSS are flexible, and they do different activities for diverse teams depending on where the team is on their Quality Improvement (QI) journey.
Building the QI Muscle System Wide
Through AFHTO’s QIDSS Community of Practice, we connect more than 80 specialists across teams and partner organizations. Core program offerings include:
1. Builds Data Confidence & Capability Across Teams
- Support for data extraction, standardization, and analysis
- Help making sense of performance indicators and reporting
- Coaching teams on how to use data in everyday decision-making
- Tailored support, meeting teams wherever they are on their QI journey
2. Strengthens Primary Care Performance Measurement
- Tools and methods that help teams track progress and measure impact
- Guidance on using data to improve chronic disease management, access, and patient experience
- Accelerates Quality Improvement Across the Province
3. Accelerates Quality Improvement Across the Province
- Cross-team sharing of learnings, tools, and real-world approaches
- Case studies and stories of change from the QIDS journey
- Support for collective improvement - not just individual projects
Sustaining QI Capacity
Despite their impact, QIDSS capacity remains limited and inconsistently funded. AFHTO continues to work with Ontario Health government and partners to strengthen and sustain QI infrastructure by advancing proposals to expand capacity and formalize QI as a core function of team-based primary care.
QI IN ACTION
Supporting Implementation and Measurable Change
AFHTO leads and supports targeted QI initiatives that enable primary care teams to implement evidence-based changes. These initiatives apply proven QI methods and implementation strategies, and are delivered in partnership with members, funders, and system partners.
Current Quality Improvement Initiatives
Central to the program are Quality Improvement Decision Support Specialists (QIDSS)–individuals that support teams in translating data into actionable improvements aligned with both local priorities and system goals. QIDSS support primary care teams in meeting their QI objectives through data standardization and extraction, information production and on-going analysis.
Adult HPV Awareness and Prevention
AFHTO has partnered with participating members to foster sustainable improvements in HPV awareness for adults aged 20-45. Through interdisciplinary education, EMR-compatible tools, and hands-on quality improvement support, AFHTO will work with primary care teams to embed evidence-informed HPV prevention into routine practice. Aligned with Ontario Health quality standards, this initiative supports consistent, sustainable care delivery, and will generate scalable learnings to strengthen prevention across the primary care system.
Improving Adult Respiratory Vaccination Rates
AFHTO is working closely with Ontario’s primary care teams to address gaps in adult vaccination for influenza, pneumococcal disease, and RSV. With this initiative, we aim to equips teams with evidence-based tools, protocols, and communication strategies to strengthen team-based vaccination delivery. By supporting consistent clinical workflows and interprofessional collaboration, the project advances preventive care for older adults and those with chronic conditions, and generates scalable resources to improve respiratory vaccination uptake across the primary care system.
Our Role in the System
Through sustained QI leadership and targeted implementation support, AFHTO strengthens the primary care system’s ability to deliver high-quality, data-informed, and continuously improving care—aligned with provincial priorities and grounded in the realities of team-based practice.
Our Role in the System
Through sustained QI leadership and targeted implementation support, AFHTO strengthens the primary care system’s ability to deliver high-quality, data-informed, and continuously improving care—aligned with provincial priorities and grounded in the realities of team-based practice.