Julie Ricard (McGill University) , Martin Bader (McGill University) , Hamid Etemad (McGill University) , Hamed Motaghi (Université du Québec en Outaouais) , David Carriere-Acco (McGill University) , John Gradek (McGill University) , Faranak Firoozi (Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal du CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal)
A disparity exists in healthcare services between the centrally located Canadian regions and remote areas. Inequitable healthcare access has long-term consequences. Suboptimal governance structures can lead to inequity in policy applications for vulnerable populations. Remote communities experience healthcare supply network challenges from geographic isolation, limited infrastructure, and extreme weather conditions. Geographical positioning induces network development; isolation influences the formation and evolution of supply networks. A significant rise in healthcare digital technology has been observed since 2013. Even if First Nation communities have taken constructive action, critical technological advances are yet to be fully synchronized. Although research is conducted on healthcare supply networks in Africa, Australia, Bangladesh, and India, Canada-based research remains scarce. To overcome challenges, researchers have identified opportunities: i) local production and circular economy, ii) more active collaborations between levels of government, and local communities, iii) private sectors, and investments in digital and satellite infrastructures. We aim to develop knowledge and theory on how the healthcare supply networks in Northern Quebec’s remote communities can evolve to address timely access to service and quality of care. This project will examine network development using multi-layered shared governance to address healthcare’s social challenges. We are developing a protocol for a longitudinal embedded case study and collecting preliminary data via public policies and documents. We developed three sub-questions: How have collaborations between governments, private sector organizations, and local communities evolved? How are new technologies, such as AI and industry 5.0 technologies involved? How have grassroots, circular economy initiatives, and local projects evolved?