Making Team-Based Care Work: What to Know About IPCT Round 3

Dear SGFP Members,

Over the past couple of years, Ontario has been implementing an unprecedented investment in interprofessional primary care teams. For those of us who have spent years making the case for team-based care, that matters. A well-supported team can change what’s possible for our patients, and for us.

But funding alone doesn’t make a team work. The real test is whether these resources reach every family physician providing longitudinal, comprehensive care, and whether they’re delivered in a way that helps us attach more patients while still giving the timely, high-quality care our patients deserve, and without adding to our admin burden. There’s still work to do to get there.

SGFP wants this to succeed. We’ll keep advocating, and keep working with government wherever we can, to get the details right.

With the third round of IPCT funding underway, I’ve asked our colleague, Dr. Briana Yee-Providence, to share what you should know before you apply. Briana is Physician Co-Chair of the Physician Leadership & Engagement Table (PLET), the OMA’s bilateral table with government (MOH) where the IPCT discussions are taking place. She has a front-row seat to how these agreements are taking shape, and I’m grateful she’s sharing that perspective with you.

Warm Regards,

Dr. Dave Barber, Chair, SGFP

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Dr. Briana Yee-Providence, Physician Co-Chair, Physician Leadership & Engagement Table

Dear Colleagues,

Ontario’s historic investment in Integrated Care Teams represents an important opportunity to strengthen team-based care, increase support for family physicians, and expand patient access to primary care. We strongly support this investment and encourage physicians to explore opportunities to participate.

While this funding offers significant potential, there are important considerations physicians should understand before making commitments:

• Attachment targets: Funding is tied to net new patient attachments, with expectations to maintain increased roster sizes. Patients transferring from other physicians, including those retiring or closing practices, may not qualify.
• Access to resources: Funding flows through eligible organizations, such as Family Health Teams, rather than directly to physicians. This can create challenges with staffing, oversight, and ensuring resources meet individual practice needs.
• Recruitment challenges: Difficulty recruiting health professionals may affect the availability of promised supports, while attachment commitments remain.
• Reporting/accountability: Executing any data sharing agreement or consent related to reporting requirements that involve sharing personal information or patient phi should be carefully considered. Legal advice is recommended. (See OMA News.)

Our priority is ensuring these investments translate into meaningful support for physicians, enabling sustainable increases in patient attachment without compromising quality of care. We continue to work with government, Ontario Health, and primary care leaders to advocate for practical solutions that support physician participation.

We encourage physicians to explore these opportunities with a clear understanding of their commitments. If you have questions or would like to discuss the unique circumstances in your region, please reach out to arrange a meeting with us at info@oma.org. Your insights are invaluable in shaping our ongoing advocacy and the future of primary care in Ontario.

Warmly,

Dr. Briana Yee-Providence

Physician Co-Chair, Physician Leadership & Engagement Table

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