Skip to main content
Portal Sign-In

Follow us

Primary Care Access Improvement

Primary Care Access Improvement (PCAI) supports team-based primary care organizations, led by either physicians or nurse practitioners, to improve access to care using the Advanced Access model.

An illustration of three individuals: a masked healthcare provider holding a tablet standing in a doorway facing two individuals, one of whom has their hand on the other's arm and the other individual has their hand on their own chest signifying gratitude.

Applications close September 9, 2026

Apply in the HEC Portal
What you'll get

  • ​Seed funding: Up to $15,000

  • ​Coaching & learning: Expert coaching, peer learning and practical improvement resources

  • Proven tools: Evidence-informed resources for implementing and measuring what works.

  • Learning and networking opportunities: To share knowledge, celebrate successes and drive collective progress.

  • ​Applications close September 9, 2026: Start your application in the HEC Portal

Topics
  • Primary and community care
Audience

  • Community organization

  • Point of care provider

  • Quality or safety improvement lead

What can you expect from this program?

This program helps team-based organizations apply the Advanced Access model to balance appointment availability with patient demand, ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate care while maintaining continuity.

To achieve sustainable change, the program guides clinics in applying five pillars into practice: planning for capacity needs, adjusting supply and demand, streamlining workflows, strengthening team-based care, and enhancing communication.

By adopting this proven approach, clinics can address workforce strain and administrative burdens. Early data demonstrates an average wait-time reduction of seven days within the first six months, alongside reported improvements in care outcomes, lightened workloads, and higher job satisfaction.

What to know before you apply

  • The program is 18-months and can result in long-term improvements in patient care, clinic efficiency and team satisfaction.

  • Your organization should operate in a team-based primary care model that is led by either physicians or nurse practitioners working with registered nurses or licensed/registered practical nurses, allied health professionals, medical office assistants (MOAs) and other members.

  • You could be supported with up to $15,000 in seed funding, expert coaching, tools & resources and peer learning.

  • Applications are submitted through the HEC Portal and can be started and saved to resume later.

  • Key dates:

    • September 9, 2026: Application deadline

    • January 2027: Program begins

    • July 2028: Program ends

    See the Call for Applications for full eligibility requirements.

    Questions? Our team is ready to help. Contact us by email

    Ready to apply?

Apply in the HEC Portal

Readiness and eligibility

This 18-month commitment is an investment that can result in long-term improvements in patient care, team satisfaction and clinic efficiency.

A proven model for clinics

The Advanced Access model is built around five pillars that can help improve access to care and optimize the roles of all healthcare professionals within a clinic. Clinics that have implemented this proven solution have reported:

Wait times reduced by an average of seven days within six months.

More appointments available within 48 hours.

Better provider experience and higher job satisfaction.

Reduced workloads and fewer administrative tasks.

Applications close September 9, 2026

Start your application in the HEC Portal.

​​Apply through the HEC Portal​

Build on the momentum: Join cohort 2

The first cohort is already underway, and we are recruiting for the second cohort. The 24 teams in cohort 1 are already leading the shift toward improved access across Canada.

As part of cohort 2, you will build on their momentum and join a network of teams dedicated to the same goal.The experience of teams like Cowichan Collaborative Health shows the value of this work firsthand.

  • "The model has improved access to care. It has also reduced distress for our front desk and nursing staff, as they now have a tool to refer to when addressing the issues and challenges that patients bring at their first point of contact. The program has been energizing to the entire team, leading to a sense of accomplishment, gratification, and the power of strong teamwork."

    Mark SandersPhysician

  • "We have found that this model has improved care outcomes. Reducing complexity means fewer crises, fewer missed opportunities, and more meaningful care, which makes our work more sustainable. PCAI has given us the tools to redesign care in ways that work for the people we provide care to."

    Kirsten NelsonNurse

    Cohort 1 teams:

    Moving Care Forward

    Care Forward, a pan-Canadian movement bringing people together to share knowledge and apply proven approaches to improve healthcare quality and safety for more people across Canada.

    Today, nearly hundreds of health and social care teams are working together through Care Forward to improve access to safe, connected, high-quality care closer to home and community.

    Learn more

    Ready to apply?

    Applications close September 9, 2026.

    ​​Apply through the HEC Portal​

    The Five Central Pillars of Contemporary Advanced Access

    Discover how contemporary Advanced Access helps primary care teams improve access, reduce wait times, and deliver timely, patient-centred care using five pillars.

    Learn more about the resource

    Explore other Care Forward programs

      Search...