One of the underlying realizations that has driven the writing of this book is that many of our current systems are in need of transformation in order to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of rural communities. In this chapter, the focus is on data and its role in responding to the health needs of rural populations. Data holds power; it can influence decision-making, programs, and policies at multiple levels. Lack of appropriate data often reduces decision-making to be based on opinions – opinions that may be clouded by biases from our personal values and perspectives

Particularly for rural settings, many urban assumptions regarding data do not hold, and are unable to provide the right information needed to meet rural healthcare needs. This chapter starts by focusing on what is wrong with existing data systems and then defines the principles upon which data should be organized to serve rural healthcare within the larger healthcare system. How data could be structured, emphasizing the utility of the approach, is explored. This organizational structure is then applied to specific health services and potential innovations. The chapter concludes by exploring the potential application of the approach to the larger issues of transformation and sustainability in the face of  climate change and ecosystem disruption.

Summary Infographic

Authors

Dr. Stefan Grzybowski^1,2, Esther Kim¹, Rajdeep Dhaliwal¹, Salina Edwards¹

¹ Rural Health Services Research Network of BC, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia
² Centre for Rural Health Research, Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia

RHSRNbc is funded by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC.