Application of Geographic Information System in Healthcare Planning: A Feasibility Study in the Indian Context

Abstract

The prospect of GIS in healthcare is remarkably broad. Its ability to link geography and data unleashes critical information which guides health researchers, policy makers and medical practitioners to better leverage limited resources; thereby, positively impact the public via targeted medical intervention. The following study attempts to merge the discipline of geography, public health and informatics to understand the health trends of a geographic population and evaluate health outcomes by linking health data with socio-demographic, environmental and healthcare services infrastructure. For the purpose of broader policy development, the study provides insights into the healthcare service utilisation patterns and barriers with a point of view that entails spatial and landscape perspectives. The proposed study includes - Feasibility study of Geographic Information System (GIS) as a public health tool in facilitating effective and targeted health care planning. - Understanding the regulatory roadblocks associated with the implementation of e-health tools. - Understanding the prospects and problems in the application of GIS in the Indian context. The overall objective of the study is to understand the feasibility and propose a framework for planning and implementing a comprehensive strategy to improve accessibility and delivery of health services by applying GIS in Health Informatics research.