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Users' perspectives on epidemiological, GIS and point pattern approaches to analysing environment and health data

Cockings, S.; Dunn, C.E.; Bhopal, R.S.; Walker, D.R.

Authors

S. Cockings

C.E. Dunn

R.S. Bhopal

D.R. Walker



Abstract

Despite examples showing the usefulness of geographical information systems (GIS) and spatial point pattern analysis in health research, there remain barriers to their widespread use within health service settings. This paper explores potential users’ views on the relative usefulness of such approaches for analysing spatially referenced environmental health data. Our findings indicate that researchers and practitioners do not always prefer the approach with which they are most familiar. In addition, there is a need for higher levels of understanding of, and confidence in, GIS and point pattern analysis techniques amongst health service professionals. The greatest need is for multi-disciplinary research which uses the most appropriate approach for each investigation, rather than that with which researchers are most familiar.

Citation

Cockings, S., Dunn, C., Bhopal, R., & Walker, D. (2004). Users' perspectives on epidemiological, GIS and point pattern approaches to analysing environment and health data. Health & Place, 10(2), 169-182. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2003.09.001

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date 2004-06
Deposit Date Nov 7, 2006
Journal Health & Place
Print ISSN 1353-8292
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 10
Issue 2
Pages 169-182
DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2003.09.001
Keywords GIS, Point pattern analysis, Epidemiology, Environmental health data, User views.