As health systems reform progresses, opportunities will arise to improve the system. Quality improvement approaches, tools, and indicators have evolved and have introduced organizations to new concepts. It is equally important, however, to understand and address the challenges and barriers to change, and to provide incentives within the system for improvement initiatives which can then be shared across jurisdictions. The 1999 federal budget announced a major investment in Canadians' health and quality health care. A major part of the reinvestment in the health care system is on promoting health research and innovation and on improving health information.
Health research is a cornerstone of quality health care system of the future.
The evidence generated by health research leads to the discovery of new cures, medical technologies and procedures that can improve the health care system. Improving health information is crucial to improving the delivery of health care, the accountability of the health care system and the access Canadians have to information about health and health care. In making these improvements, it is essential to consider the needs and concerns of health care providers and consumers by involving them in the process of improving the system. It is essential that any approach has the ability to integrate existing and new approaches to evaluate and improve health care and health outcomes. The creation and exchange of ideas is an integral part of the development process.