Background
The IPCT project is a primary care initiative, aiming to increase access and attachment to interprofessional, team-based primary care for individuals in Downtown East Toronto experiencing significant financial and social barriers. The project places a specific emphasis on addressing the unique needs of Indigenous and Black communities, particularly those who are experiencing housing insecurity, identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, are refugees, live with disabilities, or use substances.
The follows the principles of health equity and population health to reduce disparities in health outcomes across diverse DET community.
About the Project
The project will encompass a two-pronged approach to improve client navigation:
- Increasing access to team-based primary care services
- Increasing attachment to these services.
The DET OHT is undertaking this project in collaboration with four of its Team Members, representing a diverse mix of partnering primary care organizations (PCOs) including Community Health Centres, Academic Family Health Teams (AFHT), and Family Health Teams (FHT):
These PCOs will collaborate closely with referring community partners in the Downtown East Toronto, specifically Black- and Indigenous-focused organizations, to identify clients.
Integrated Care Pathway
The care model will embed Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in the four PCOs mentioned above to strengthen clients’ access and attachment to primary care. The NPs will offer low-barrier primary care services outside of the traditional primary care office, including pop-up clinics, weekly drop-in clinics, and walk-in services, to enhance access to and reach of primary care services.
Caseworkers will work alongside the NPs to provide navigation and service coordination support. Moreover, over time, other care providers will join the circle of care; these will include, but are not limited to, community ambassadors, system navigator(s), a chiropodist, a social worker, a mental health practitioner, and a physiotherapist.
Current Progress
Currently in its initial launch phase, the four PCOs are collaborating closely with their referring community partner organizations to establish a strong foundation for success.
Capacity Building
Cultural Safety Training for Black Health
In a step toward strengthening shared understanding of culturally informed care, DET OHT, in collaboration with Wanasah and Regent Park Community Health Centre, organized a training session focused on culturally safe care for Black communities.
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