Key Takeaways
- The Heart Failure Program, “Heart Harmony,” is a finalist for the 2024 AFHTO Bright Lights Award in “Expanding Access to Team-Based Care.”
- Since 2021, the program has treated over 370 patients across five Family Health Teams.
- The innovative Spoke-Hub-Node model has significantly reduced hospital admissions and emergency visits.
Why It Matters
The nomination for the prestigious AFHTO Bright Lights Award recognizes our Heart Failure Program’s outstanding success in improving patient outcomes through team-based care. This achievement underscores the Huron Perth & Area Ontario Health Team’s (HPA-OHT) commitment to innovative, collaborative healthcare solutions and the leadership of physicians and member organizations.
Program Highlights
- Collaborative Approach: The program integrates Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Internal Medicine specialists, primary care physicians, case managers, and allied health professionals.
- Widespread Impact: The leadership of five Family Health Teams are involved: Happy Valley FHT, Listowel Wingham & Area FHT, Maitland Valley FHT, STAR FHT, and Stratford FHT.
- Innovative Model: The Spoke-Hub-Node model ensures consistent access to expert advice and standardized care across the region.
- Knowledge Transfer: NPs bring specialized knowledge back to their primary care teams, elevating care quality throughout the area.
Measurable Outcomes
- Better outcomes for patients and their families.
- Significant reduction in hospital admissions and emergency visits for heart failure patients.
- Enhanced access to specialized care for over 370 patients since 2021.
- Improved standardization of care across the region.
Next Steps
- Join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement and the program’s positive impact on our community.
- Stay tuned for the final award announcement and potential future expansions of the program.
- HPA-OHT is utilizing this model and its applicability to other chronic conditions for an integrated healthcare system.
About the AFHTO Bright Lights Award
The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) Bright Lights Award recognizes outstanding achievements in primary care. The “Expanding Access to Team-Based Care” category highlights innovative approaches to improving healthcare accessibility and quality.
Learn more about Heart Failure program.
