Research summary
Despite having a universal health insurance system, Canada ranks 30th out of 38 high-income countries on measures of child well-being, including physical and mental health. Within Canada, there are also important socio-economic inequities that contribute to these outcomes. Dr. Astrid Guttmann, Canada Research Chair in Applied Child Health Services and Policy, is investigating how health services and policies can reduce these inequities.
Using population-based health, demographic and education data from Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia, she and her research team are focusing on three key areas: the impact of a universal developmental screening program in primary care on children’s readiness for school, the role of innovative primary care models in meeting the health-care needs of resettled refugee children and families, and the long-term impact of COVID-19 restrictions on primary care outcomes for children. Ultimately, their research will inform health-care delivery for Canadian children and support evidence-based decision-making.