Population Health Data Analysis

Health Canada’s COVID 19 Epidemiology Updates, provide vital information on how Canada is managing the epidemic on both a federal and provincial level. For many of us, these reports may feel overwhelming as we scan for the crucial details - number of rising cases and deaths across the country. However, upon closer observation this documentation provides a wealth of information on how social, environmental and economic factors are contributing to the health and wellbeing of Canadians. It’s this information, in the hands of researchers, doctors and policy makers, that can make a critical difference!

Geography and epidemiology team up to characterize the modern scourge. We all know what geography is. It’s all that business about the names of countries, flags and making maps, right? A recent article in Wired surveyed the discipline among present circumstances with a refreshing resonance, whilst not overlooking its pragmatism. The point is that geography as a discipline has never really seemed so important.

The ability to use GIS and epidemiology to address emerging population health issues in our society are key components of the Population Health Data Analysis (PHDA) program.

Our society generates exponential amounts of information every day. Big data now fuels the engines of change and influence, but how can we harness this power to make meaningful social change?

According to The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA),“for the first time in our history the number of Canadians over 65 has exceeded the number of those aged 14 and under.

Data now fuels decision-making in almost every sector of our society. As a result, interest in data-intensive science is growing rapidly as opportunities to explore this expanding resource source abound.

"Are Canadians gambling with their health?" This was a question asked in a recent health report card update published by the Conference Board of Canada.

Expanding your tools and techniques to improve your practice Interested in adding more tools to your improvement toolbox?  There are many ways to support the ongoing management and improvement of health services and programs.

Seeing the big picture in the maze of complex and often messy data requires a unique set of skills. To be successful, researchers need to hone their role as ‘data detectives’ to effectively use and analyze administrative data.

Geospatial information (GI) identifies the geographic location of natural and built objects; but when combined with other forms of data, it can provide extremely valuable information for a myriad of business, government, academic educational or consumer applications.

Adele Balram is a Database Analyst with the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data, and Training.

According to a recent 2016 Health Status Report, 90 percent of Canadians indicated they have good to excellent health. That’s very promising news, especially when you consider that Canada’s average life expectancy of 82 years makes us one of the healthiest nations in the world. But before we get too comfortable, maybe we should check out the whole story. 

Complete four courses to earn a Certificate conferred by the University of Victoria or take up to two courses for professional development. These fully online, non-credit courses can help you take your career to the next level. Apply today!

We live in a world where, thanks to the Internet, geographic location is no longer a restriction to accessing quality higher education. The trend towards online learning has been growing steadily in recent years and is opening up opportunities for professional development and lifelong learning to many people who might otherwise not have access to it.

You’ve achieved success in your academic degree and launched your career. Short term, professional specialized training offers the theory and the practice that you need to move your career goals forward.

By Anders Erickson, Instructor Access to timely and quality health care is an important determinant of health and well-being.

Planning a research project has many key components, from formulating a research question and reviewing available data sources to preparing and analyzing the data. Making your way successfully through this process requires the knowledge and skill to ask the right questions and apply the appropriate statistical or analytic techniques. Many individuals working in the area of population and public health, know they cannot rely on a static set of skills to support the challenges of this work.  

Have you ever wanted to evaluate a program or project but didn’t know where to start? In an era of accountability it can be overwhelming to know how best to evaluate and demonstrate the value of your work.  Do you know if your service is delivering quality care? Are you reaching the intended clients and meeting their needs?  Have you been making the best use of your investments?  Like you, there are many individuals working in the area of population and public health who need up-to-date skills in sound monitoring and evaluation practices to answer these and other important questions. 

Ministers announce major research investment to improve health care for patients in BC The Honourable Jane Philpott, Canada’s Minister of Health, and Terry Lake, British Columbia’s Minister of Health have announced a major investm

In today’s world, the rapid expansion of big data, data networks, and related apps is changing the way we view and think about our society...

When does a space become a place? There are a myriad of small open spaces and buildings throughout towns and cities across Canada that offer places for play, walking, social gathering, and contemplation that are not official parks or community centers: boulevard gardens, empty lots turned dog walking spot, or commercial store front used as a gathering space after hours. These are but a few examples of how space becomes place in the context of local residents and the type of information Statistics Canada is trying to gather in its newly launched crowd-sourcing initiative.

Have you ever wanted to design your own credential? Have you ever struggled to find a program that meets your specific interests and needs? Then you might be interested in our newest program: the Certificate in General Studies.

I learned about the PHDA program while pursuing work at the BC Cancer Agency. It was good timing, as I wasn’t sure about my professional development plans for that year.