The use of population-based information systems can help regional health authorities provide integrated healthcare. Administrative data from 1995 through 1997 for Manitoba's rural South Eastman Regional Health Authority and for the rest of Manitoba were used to aid South Eastman's strategic planning process. Three areas of concern were highlighted: the relatively high risk of poor health among residents of the RHA's Southern District, physician maldistribution and inconsistent patterns of service utilization. By improving population access to primary healthcare, regional imbalances are being addressed.
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