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.
The Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Program
For more than a decade, AFHTO’s Quality Improvement Decision Support (QIDS) Program was delivered 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)–they are critical enablers of data-driven improvement. They manage data collection, analysis, and reporting, lead QI initiatives, and support evidence-based decision-making aligned to local and system needs.
Around 60 QIDSS roles support approximately 70% of AFHTO member teams; 40% cover multiple teams, some more than six teams; Around 30% of teams lack any QIDSS support.
QIDSS roles are highly skilled and flexible, working to meet the diverse needs of the teams they support.
QIDSS roles are funded through A primary care organization as part of its contract with Ontario health.
Building the QI Muscle System-Wide
Through AFHTO’s QIDSS Community of Practice, we connect more than 80 specialists across teams and partner organizations. This group is not limited to QIDSS roles only. Core program offerings include:
1. Building Data Confidence and 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. Strengthening 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
3. Accelerating Quality Improvement Across the Province
- Cross-team sharing of learnings, tools, and real-world approaches
- Case studies and stories of change from the QIDSS journey
- Support for collective improvement - not just individual projects
Current AFHTO driven Quality Improvement Initiatives
Quality Improvement is a core value and activity within every primary care organization in Ontario. The QIDSS roles, across the province, are driving critical projects forward to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and quality care of primary care teams and the people they serve. AFHTO often works with its members and the QIDSS on provincial wide or pilot programs for scale and spread.
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 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.