Evidence-Based Analysis for Healthcare Transformation

Welcome to NHEC's research library, where we provide comprehensive analysis of critical health equity challenges facing Northern Ontario and beyond. Our position papers combine academic rigour with practical application, offering healthcare leaders the evidence base needed to justify and guide organizational transformation.

Each position paper includes extensive literature review, policy analysis, and actionable frameworks designed specifically for healthcare organizations committed to moving beyond superficial solutions toward systematic change.

Research & Position Papers

Foundational Concepts Carla Bossart-Pletzer Foundational Concepts Carla Bossart-Pletzer

Upstream at Camp, Downstream in Life: How Summer Experiences Shape Lifelong Equity Perspectives

Every summer across Canada, 700,000 children participate in overnight camping experiences that fundamentally shape their understanding of community, fairness, and belonging. These intensive programs operate as accidental equity laboratories during the most formative period of social development, yet their profound influence on lifelong health and social outcomes remains largely unexamined in equity research and policy discussions.

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About Our Research

Our Approach

We examine healthcare challenges through a systems design lens, identifying where well-intentioned innovations fail to address fundamental barriers. Our research prioritizes:

  • Northern Ontario contexts while maintaining national relevance

  • Evidence-based analysis with comprehensive citations

  • Practical application for organizational implementation

  • Community-centred perspectives that challenge institutional assumptions

Research Standards

All NHEC position papers undergo rigorous development including:

  • Comprehensive literature review from peer-reviewed sources

  • Analysis of current policy and practice

  • Northern Ontario community consultation where appropriate

  • Clear frameworks for practical application

  • Actionable recommendations for system transformation

How to Use These Resources

For Organizational Planning

  • Share executive summaries with leadership teams

  • Use evidence base to justify resource reallocation

  • Apply frameworks in strategic planning processes

  • Reference in funding applications and proposals

For Policy Development

  • Citation-ready research for policy documents

  • Evidence base for advocacy efforts

  • Regional analysis for Northern Ontario contexts

  • Alternative frameworks to conventional approaches

For Academic Purposes

  • Literature synthesis for further research

  • Teaching resources for health equity courses

  • Theoretical frameworks for analysis

  • Northern Ontario case study material

Access Our Research

Executive summaries are freely available to read online. To download the complete position papers, we request your email address to:

  • Send you the full PDF document

  • Notify you of related resources and updates

  • Build a community of practice around health equity transformation

  • Share implementation successes and challenges

Your information is never sold or shared with third parties.