Healthc Inform Res.  2012 Jun;18(2):88-96. 10.4258/hir.2012.18.2.88.

Geographical Information Systems and Health: Current State and Future Directions

• Shaw NT

• KMID: 2045572
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4258/hir.2012.18.2.88

Abstract

This paper provides an introduction to Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and how they can be used. It reviews the current state of GIS use in health care before identifying the barriers to more pervasive use of GIS in health. Finally, it makes recommendations for the direction of health GIS research over the next decade and concludes with a call to action to health informatics researchers to stop ignoring a tool and methodology that has such immense potential for improving the health of our communities.

Keyword

Geographic Information Systems; Public Health Informatics; Medical Informatics; Public Health; Epidemiology

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care
Geographic Information Systems
Informatics
Information Systems
Medical Informatics
Public Health
Public Health Informatics

Figure

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  Figure 1 Mapping Change of Canada Population, 2006-2011.

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