Author

Sarah Ahmad

Date of Award

9-2010

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Geography

Supervisor

John Eyles

Language

English

Abstract

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Public engagement is increasingly becoming an important part of equitable

decision-making in healthcare. In particular, it is important to ensure that minority

populations can be involved in policy forming activities, given Canada's growing

diverse population. Therefore this research examines the nature and scale of

public engagement occurring with visible minority populations in terms of

enhancing their awareness and access to health care resources. This was explored

within the contexts of general health care services organised through Local Health

Integration Networks (LHINs) in Ontario, Canada, as well as more specialised

health care services, provided through Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). Keyinformant

interviews, focus groups and a document review were utilized to gain

insight into institutional and community perceptions about engagement and its

importance in accessing healthcare services. Findings highlight some of the

barriers and facilitators for engagement of visible minority community members.

The theoretical and policy contributions point to the need create opportunities to

facilitate interrelationships between institutions existing at smaller spatial scales;

therefore allowing community leaders, decision makers, activists and citizens to

exchange skills and knowledge to aid in better understanding of the delivery of

regional health care.

McMaster University Library


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