Understanding Community Support Services Through Data: Emerging Insights and Future Opportunities
John P. Hirdes, PhD CM FRSC FCAHS
Community support services have long lacked the data needed to clearly understand who they serve, how needs are changing and where resources can have the greatest impact. A landmark research initiative led by Dr. John Hirdes is changing that, creating a unique opportunity to build a stronger, longitudinal evidence base for Ontario’s community support services sector.
This presentation will provide an update on new developments in interRAI assessment and screening methodologies, along with the research and data infrastructure enabling new analysis of community support services. Attendees will learn how restored access to historical and current data, combined with new provincial data capabilities, is laying the foundation for a deeper understanding of client populations, service utilization, and system impact.
The presentation will also provide a framework for the information system building blocks and business processes that are required to make appropriate use of artificial intelligence to inform decision-making at all levels of health and social services.
Dr. John Hirdes is the President of interRAI (www.interRAI.org), an international consortium of about 150 researchers from over 60 countries. He holds the distinguished title of University Professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo with a cross-appointment to the Balsillie School of International Affairs. He is a Member of the Order of Canada, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences.
Dr. Hirdes has 360+ publications in peer reviewed journals and academic book chapters. His primary areas of interest include assessment systems, mental health, aging, health services research, quality measurement, and quantitative research methods.
