Enabling geographic information systems for the public health sector: a proposal for the research agenda

Abstract

The health sector has been recognised internationally as one area of the potential new applications of geographic technologies1. Several groups in Australia and world-wide have been working with the application of geospatial information and Geographic Information Systems to aspects of health2-4.Since new applications need to address and solve issues that have not necessarily been considered or were not relevant to other applications with a longer tradition in GIS, this research agenda contributes to a more global research agenda on GIS.

This paper details the outcomes of the 'Research Agenda for Geographic Information Systems and Health' project carried out at The University of Melbourne, Australia.

In describing the project of a research agenda, this paper provides a summary of the major issues in need of discussion and research in the application of GIS to the Australian health sector to date, as perceived by the major stakeholders. The authors consider the issues most able to contribute to strengthening the future use of geospatial information in health service planning and service delivery. The body of what has been identified as important to a future research agenda has emerged from a consultative process. In particular, this includes the Second Symposium on GIS and Health, 'Developments in the Application of Geographic Information Systems within the Health Sector'; and a workshop on 'GIS in Public Health Research' held in June 1998. Both forum were attended by key public health, research, industry, government and education professionals from interstate and overseas, known to be interested and involved in projects of a GIS and health nature.