Developing an Evidence-, Equity-, and Community-Informed Agenda for Rural Health Research in BC

Research co-leads: 

Research user co-lead:

  • Deanne Taylor
    Interior Health Authority

Team members: 

  • Dr. Barbara Buckley
    Thompson Rivers University
  • Dr. Jason Curran
    Rural Coordination Centre of BC
  • Alex Kent
    Simon Fraser University
  • Dr. Jude Kornelsen
    University of British Columbia
  • Dr. Jen Miller
    Health Systems
  • Brad Anderson
    Aboriginal Health
  • Kim Peake
    IH Research Department, BC Support Unit 
  • Sage Runner
    IH Research Department

Rural communities in British Columbia (BC) face challenges in accessing care and services. Many rural and remote communities are First Nations, for whom geographic and resource inequities are compounded by sociopolitical and historical injustices. Equity considerations are critical to understanding the unique and diverse experiences and needs of rural communities. Research can help generate evidence, equity, and community-informed responses to the needs and priorities of rural communities. It can play a role in co-creating new ways of working together. Yet, BC has no coherent set of guidelines to inform efforts or investments in rural health research.

This C2 grant will bring people together to share their perspectives about the pressing research priorities for rural communities. Together, people who live and work in (or with) rural communities will articulate priorities for rural health research in BC. This early set of priorities will inform broader online dialogue, where people will collectively shape a vision for rural health research. The outcome will be an evidence and community-informed agenda for rural health research that can guide future directions for funders, researchers, health systems, and community partners.