Resources
Below you will find a collection of resources that have been curated to explore health concerns and the healthcare system in Canada.
Understanding Healthcare
The below curated resources enabled me to gain an understanding of the healthcare system in Canada and the role of the federal & provincial governments.
Healthcare in Canada
Government of Canada website outlining the Canada Health Act that provides federal legislation for publicly funded health care insurance.
Fact sheet that provides an understanding of the health care system in Canada.
Healthcare in Nova Scotia
Complete list of health legislation that guide the delivery of healthcare in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia legislature that regulates healthcare delivery in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia legislation that regulates the practice of Registered Nurses
Chronic Disease Prevention and Management
Chronic diseases are responsible for a large percentage of deaths in Canada. The below resources look at the prevalence of chronic disease in Canada & Nova Scotia and a local self management program.
This report from Public Health Agency of Canada highlights the prevalence, determinants and impact of obesity in Canada.
Peer reviewed article explored the prevalence of four chronic diseases in Nova Scotia
Provincially sponsored free self-management program that helps people living with chronic conditions to overcome daily challenges and live a healthy life
Fact sheet provides an overview of the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System which serves as a collaborative network to collect data on all residents of all the provinces and territories that are eligible for health insurance.
Indigenous Peoples and Health in Canada
Indigenous People in Canada are considered to be a vulnerable population as they experience a higher number of inequalities when compared with non-Indigenous Canadians. It is recognized that due to these inequalities Indigenous Canadians suffer a larger burden of illness as well as an earlier onset of chronic disease and disability
Statistics of the Aboriginal Peoples living in the province of Nova Scotia.
Local news clip on the rise in the Indigenous population of Nova Scotia
Health Canada reports on issues that affect the health of First Nations and Inuit people in Canada.
Health Canada website and resources on Indigenous Health.
Describes key characteristics of Aboriginal populations in Canada and the health system that serves them.
Aboriginal Children's Hurt & Healing Initiative is a group that works with communities and healthcare providers to help provide a better understanding pain and hurt in the population of indigenous children and how they are often misunderstood by many healthcare provider.
A peer reviewed article that discusses the investigation of pain among aboriginal youth.
Understanding Health & Determinants of Health
The below resources analyze traditional and contemporary definitions of health and identify the determinants of health and how they influence one's stat of health.
Understanding Health
A discussion on the idea of wellness rather than a definition of health.
Discussion on the WHO definition of health and the idea of wellness vs. a biomedical approach to health.
A concept of health that looks at the ability to adapt and to self-manage, in the face of social, physical and emotional challenges.
Determinants of Health
Government of Canada website on determinants of health.
Canadian Public Health Agency's description of the social determinants of health
An overview of the social determinants of health and the role of medical professionals.
Multilevel Approach to Understanding Health
It is important to understand health at multiple levels. The below resources analyze multilevel models of health and disease and how the determinants of health impact health and well being.
Application of the social-ecological framework to obesity in Aboriginal children
Overview of universal health system & a detailed explanation of the social-ecological model and the spheres of influence
A look at turning the social ecological framework inside-out placing health related and social policies at the center.
An editorial discussing the socio-ecological model of health.
Vulnerable Groups and Health in Canada
There are many vulnerable populations in today’s society and they are often at increased risk for chronic disease and other health problems. Groups may be vulnerable for many reasons such as geography, historical influences, or other mental and physical conditions. The below resources explore vulnerable populations and the resulting impact on health.
A commentary that explores the concept of vulnerability in health care.
Exploring characteristics of vulnerable populations and the access to health care for vulnerable populations.
Description of vulnerable populations and the relationship with population health.
One particular vulnerable population in both Nova Scotia and Canada is the aging senior population. The below resources explore the vulnerability of the senior population in relation to their health and well-being.
A report produced by the Canadian Medical Association to assess efforts in Canada to develop and implement a strategy to provide effective and timely care for seniors in Canada.
Explores risk factors, assessment and interventions related to the vulnerability of older adults.
Action plan developed by the province of Nova Scotia to outline the governments commitments to promote healthy, active living, support aging and value the social economic contributions of older adults.
Future Directions in Health Care
Healthcare if forever changing and evolving. The below curated resources will look at the future of healthcare in Canada and the impact of reconciliation on healthcare and health outcomes for Indigenous People.
An article from The Globe and Mail provided an interesting perspective on the future of healthcare in Canada
This document provides a summary of the 94 Calls to Action to address the legacy of residential schools in Canada without having to read the entire report.
Report by HealthCareCAN that discusses health issues facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada in relation the role that health leaders have in closing the health gap as well as addressing the Calls to Action
A look into the future of decreasing the health inequality gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada through the development of healthy public policy and reconciliation as a fundamental precursor to Aboriginal health equity