OHT 101: a path to a more integrated provincial healthcare system

Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) are a key component of Ontario’s healthcare transformation, aiming to provide more integrated, patient-centered care. These teams bring together a wide range of healthcare providers – such as clinicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community services – to deliver coordinated care that addresses all of a patient’s needs in a more seamless, efficient way.

The Beginning of Ontario Health Teams

Launched in 2019, OHTs were part of Ontario’s strategy to break down silos within the healthcare system. Before OHTs, patients often had to navigate multiple, disconnected healthcare professionals, leading to inefficiencies, delays, and fragmented care. The goal behind OHTs is to create a healthcare environment where services are more connected and streamlined, improving the overall patient experience and outcomes.

Ontario’s Healthcare Transformation

Ontario’s healthcare system has long faced challenges in delivering consistent, integrated care across regions. Factors such as an aging population, growing chronic health conditions, and rising healthcare costs have put significant pressure on the system. The OHT model is part of Ontario’s broader healthcare transformation, which includes adopting digital health solutions, promoting team-based care, and improving access to services in a more holistic and efficient way.

OHTs are designed to empower healthcare professionals to collaborate better and take collective responsibility for patient outcomes. This approach is expected to reduce duplication, lower wait times, and improve the quality of care across the province.

The Opportunity for OHTs to Build Primary Care Networks (PCNs)

One of the key opportunities for OHTs is the creation and enhancement of Primary Care Networks (PCNs). PCNs focus on bringing together primary care clinicians to deliver coordinated services, with an emphasis on prevention, early intervention, and personalized care. These networks support the integration of services across the care continuum, helping to address gaps and ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time.

As OHTs evolve, building strong PCNs will be vital to achieving the goals of Ontario’s healthcare transformation. With the right tools, resources, and collaboration, OHTs can create more efficient and sustainable healthcare systems that improve care delivery for everyone.

How We Help OHTs Level Up Their Digital Health Maturity

At Amplify Care, we work closely with numerous Ontario Health Teams to support them in advancing their digital health maturity. Our expertise spans areas like change management, integrated care, quality improvement, and cybersecurity, all of which are critical for the success of OHTs and their Primary Care Networks. We’re passionate about helping healthcare organizations enhance their digital capabilities and implement solutions that improve patient care.

We’re always happy to engage in conversations with OHTs looking to take their initiatives to the next level. If you’re interested in learning more or exploring how we can support your healthcare transformation, don’t hesitate to reach out!