This learning program is presented by Healthcare Excellence Canada (HEC) as part of Care Forward.
HEC is accepting applications for the next cohort of the Primary Care Access Improvement (PCAI) program This program is part of Care Forward - a growing movement to improve access to care by connecting and scaling what works. Participating teams can get up to $15000 in seed funding and are supported with expert coaching and evidence-informed tools and resources.
# Program Overview
Across the country, primary care teams are facing growing demand, workforce pressures and increasing challenges with timely access to care. Through PCAI, team-based primary care organizations receive support, including seed funding and expert coaching, to apply Advanced Access. This model helps clinics balance appointment availability with patient demand—optimizing clinic operations, reducing wait times, and supporting the well-being of the entire care team.
- About the program: Primary Care Access Improvement (PCAI) helps team-based primary care organizations apply the Advanced Access model to balance appointment availability with patient demand.
- Why it matters: Primary care teams across Canada are facing increasing demand, workforce strain and administrative burden. PCAI supports clinics to make sustainable changes that improve patient access while strengthening provider and team well-being.
- Impact: Early data from participating clinics shows an average wait-time reduction of seven days within the first six months. Providers from previous cohorts report improved care outcomes, reduced workloads, fewer administrative burdens and a notable increase in overall job satisfaction.
- Support: Teams are supported with seed funding up to $15,000, expert coaching, and proven tools and evidence-informed resources for implementing and measuring what works.
- Eligibility: HEC is selecting 15 teams for this cohort. Teams must operate in a team-based model that includes multiple physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and Medical Office Assistants (MOAs).
- Commitment: This 18-month commitment can result in long-term improvements in patient care, team satisfaction and clinic efficiency. To support sustainable change, teams will need to meet 30-60 minutes weekly or biweekly to test small, data-informed changes in real-time alongside monthly coaching sessions.
# To Apply
Check out the Call for Applications and visit the PCAI webpage for more information, including instructions on how to apply.
Deadline to apply is September 9, 2026. Program runs from January 2027 until July 2028.