THE ASSOCIATIONS OF HEALTH CARE, SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION POLICIES WITH PERSONAL, FAMILIAL AND POPULATION HEALTH OUTCOMES 

University of Windsor

Canadians are proud of their public-based healthcare system. It not only provides us with world-class care, but it is also one of our greatest competitive advantages. Companies who locate in Canada do not have to pay for their employees' expensive private health care costs like in the United States. With the assistance of an Early Researcher Award, Dr. Kevin Gorey at the University of Windsor is exploring the impact of these differing approaches to healthcare.

A series of studies of large population groups will examine how various social factors affect the health of Canadians and Americans. For example, the research will measure the impact of income level, insurance status and the supply of health care resources in different places — including large urban centres, small cities, towns, villages and rural and remote areas.  

"These international comparative studies will provide scientific evidence for forecasting Ontario's future health care needs," says Dr. Gorey. "Our findings will help answer such practical questions as:  How long is too long to wait for various types of care?  Are there physician shortages or equipment shortages — if so where and how large are they?  And how many additional medical school spaces will be needed in the coming years?"  

"Our ultimate aim is to provide practically useful knowledge, so that the next generation of health policy decisions may be informed less by the ebb and flow of political tides and more by what we truly know about the experiences of Canadians and Americans with their respective health care systems."

Researcher: Dr. Kevin Gorey