Improving the culture of care with the team-based primary care model: A look at DFCM’s new graduate studies course

With more data showing the benefits of team-based primary care, Academic Fellowship and Graduate Studies (AFGS) at the Department of Family and Community Medicine (DFCM) has created a new course, Team Based Primary Care: Principles, Practices and Transformational Concepts.

AFGS continues to not only be amongst the best programs in the world but be a leader in professional development for health-care professionals involved in health professions education and teaching. 

Whether individuals are looking to grow their teaching skills and influence how the next generation of health professionals are taught, advance primary care research and scholarship, or improve the health of populations and communities by impacting the health system, AFGS has flexible options to help every learner reach their goals.

This new course offering launches this summer and runs from May to July with a hybrid model. Instructed by Dr. Julia Alleyne and other guest lecturers, this unique elective is comprised of online interactive modules and in-person sessions at the DFCM at 500 University Ave.

Both a family physician and physiotherapist for over 30 years, Dr. Alleyne is an educational curriculum consultant with an interest in producing learning experiences that are smart, interactive and engaging. Dr. Alleyne’s experience in updating and developing online courses and e-learning tools, including DFCM master’s courses, has made her an incredible asset to the building and delivery of this course.

All signs point to team-based primary care

Team-based primary care is a model of practice where the patient is assessed and treated for by any or all members of a  team versus a single provider. This model involves collaboration between interprofessional health-care providers alongside patients and their caregivers and creates a more holistic approach to patient care by leveraging the expertise of multiple professionals to meet the needs of patients more comprehensively and effectively. Driven by the need for improved care coordination and patient health-care outcomes, this model strives to address the complexities of ever-changing modern health-care delivery.

With a reduction in clinician burnout and an increase in patient satisfaction, a shift to the team-based primary care model can now be seen amongst governments and health-care organizations through their growing investments in funding research and the implementation of this model.

A look into Team Based Primary Care: Principles, Practices and Transformational Concepts

This innovative new course offering, which coincides with the noticeable shift towards value-based care models, will improve learners’ interprofessional collaboration, communication and leadership skills, and help lay the groundwork to design an optimal primary care team to apply to their own practice settings. With the opportunity to apply theoretical frameworks to real practices, this course goes beyond the four walls of a classroom.

Open to health-care professionals who have experience with patient-provider relationships from a wide range of disciplines—like physicians, nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, rehabilitation therapist and social workers —students who are already enrolled in a certificate and degree program are encouraged to explore this summer course. Faculty and health care professionals not currently enrolled in one of our programs are also able to participate in this course and are encouraged to enroll.

Learners will gain practical insight into team-based care and can also expect to improve collaborative practice skills, learn to launch effective care models, contribute to health-care leadership and evaluate evolving health-care models.

This summer course is a great opportunity for continuing professional development for both current and prospective students. For those already enrolled in a graduate program, course enrolment opens April 8, 2025. Prospective students who are interested in a single course enrolment can apply anytime until April 20, 2025. To secure your spot, contact familymed.grad@utoronto.ca, or visit our website to learn more about applications and registration.