Reflection and Comment: Health GIS in the mid-west: Unexpected developments and directions

Authors

  • Frank Houghton Irish Centre for Research on Applied Social Studies, Limerick Institute of Technology and National Institute for Regional and Spacial Analysis

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2006.154

Abstract

The use of Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to address health issues is growing rapidly internationally. In Ireland, however, health GIS remains in its infancy. Nonetheless, significant progress has been made recently in one former Health Board in connection with developments in primary care. This project has dramatically increased the profile of GIS in health circles within the region. However, concerns emerged around with the growing professionalisation of the GIS function during this project. These included the tendency to hire GIS experts from technical, rather than social science backgrounds, and the conceptualisation of GIS in senior circles as a management control tool. Health (Medical) Geographers need to decide whether they wish to oppose the introduction of GIS in Irish health circles, ignore it, or actively try to lead and influence developments in this field. This last option is proposed to ensure that GIS remains a tool for exploring, identifying, highlighting and combating inequalities in health status,. healthcare provision and healthcare access.

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Published

2014-05-04

How to Cite

Houghton, F. (2014). Reflection and Comment: Health GIS in the mid-west: Unexpected developments and directions. Irish Geography, 39(1), 99–104. https://doi.org/10.55650/igj.2006.154

Issue

Vol. 39 No. 1 (2006): Issue 1

Section

Miscellany

URN

http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:irg:ie:0000-igj.v39i1.1540

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