This guide provides additional information about reports developed by the Northern Health Population and Public Health Observatory.
What is population health status and how is it measured?
Population health status is the health of a group of people.
Population health status is measured by indicators such as life expectancy, infant mortality, incidence and prevalence of chronic disease, mortality, and premature mortality. Data for these indicators is based on where a person lives, regardless of where care is received. For example, a person from Fort St. John, BC who receives care at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC will be included in the data for Northern BC.
Where does the knowledge come from?
The knowledge sources that inform this content vary depending on the topic of the report. Knowledge may come from community led focus groups, provincial/federal surveys, administrative data, personal or community storytelling, etc. Each report contains information about the knowledge sources it draws on.
We draw on knowledge from community, health region (Health Service Delivery Area, Local Health Area , Community Health Service Area), provincial and federal levels.
How can I request more information about a specific population health topic?
- Please reach out to the Population and Public Health Observatory: PPHObservatory@northernhealth.ca
- For media inquiries, please contact the toll-free NH Media Line 1-877-961-7724.
What is Northern Health’s Population and Public Health Observatory?
The Population and Public Health Observatory was established in May 2021 to provide knowledge that informs programming, policy, decision making and practice.
One of the Observatory’s key functions is to facilitate the transformation of data to action by generating information and knowledge. The Observatory supports the Office of the Chief Medical Health Officer to meet provincial requirements to report on the health status of the population.
Northern Health’s Population and Public Health Observatory publishes a number of knowledge products, located on the Community Health information page.