A Population Health Approach

The HNHB LHIN Profile utilizes a population health framework that has been adapted from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The purpose of the framework is to guide and categorize a selection of indicators which help describe the population within the HNHB LHIN in terms of the demographic, social, economic and environmental factors which can influence population health, as well as the lifestyle behaviours and health care practices which directly impact health status.  The framework also includes indicators that describe the characteristics, capacity and effectiveness of the health care system to respond to population health care needs.

The population health approach considers the entire spectrum from prevention and promotion to health protection, diagnosis, treatment, and care.

Key Elements of a Population Health Approach [i]

1. Address Determinants of Health Recognizing That They Are Complex and Interrelated—The entire range of individual and collective factors and conditions and their interactions that have been shown to be correlated with health status need to be examined. These factors are commonly referred to as the "determinants of health" (e.g., income, social status, social support networks, education, working conditions, social and physical environments, personal health practices and coping skills, health services, and culture). A population health approach reflects the evidence that factors outside the health care sector significantly affect health.
2. Focus on the Health of Populations—The focus is on improving the health status of the population. Action is directed at the health of an entire population, or sub-population, rather than individuals. Focusing on the health of populations also necessitates the reduction in inequalities in health status between population groups. The outcomes or benefits of a population health approach extend beyond improved population health outcomes to include a sustainable and integrated health system, increased growth and productivity, and strengthened social cohesion and citizen engagement.
3. Invest Upstream—Efforts and investments in a population health approach are directed at root causes to increase potential benefits for health outcomes and are guided by parameters based on evidence about what makes and keeps people healthy.
4. Base Decisions on Evidence—A population health approach uses evidence-based decision making. A combination of quantitative and qualitative evidence is used to identify priorities and strategies to improve health.
5. Apply Multiple Strategies to Act on the Determinants of Health—The complex interplay between the determinants of health and a variety of strategies and settings are considered to act on the health determinants in partnership with sectors outside the traditional health sector. Innovative and interconnected strategies that give due consideration to the full spectrum of social, economic and environmental health determinants are called for.
6. Collaborate Across Levels and Sectors—A population health approach recognizes that improving health is a shared responsibility and intersectoral collaboration is required. A population health approach calls for shared responsibility and accountability for health outcomes with groups not normally associated with health, but whose activities may have an impact on health or the factors known to influence it.
7. Employ Mechanisms to Engage Citizens—Participation in developing strategies to improve health is promoted. The approach ensures appropriate opportunities for people to have meaningful input.
8. Increase Accountability for Health Outcomes—A population health approach calls for an increased focus on health outcomes (as opposed to inputs, processes and products). Changes are examined in health status, determinants of health, and health status inequities between population sub-groups. Regular and timely reporting of results and sharing of information is an integral part.