Population Health Assessment and Surveillance

Population Health Assessment and Surveillance (PHAS) provides the methods, tools, and human resources required to support data, information and knowledge needs of the Department of Health and Wellness.

The work includes:

• Gathering and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions, policies, and strategies across DHW,
• program evaluation and monitoring activities,
• addressing process, tool, and procedure issues related to quality data collection, and
• surveillance of public health issues.

PHAS Responsibility Centre Sections Overview

There are three Sections within the Responsibility Centre:  Informatics, Research & Evaluation, and Surveillance.

Informatics supports the systematic assessment, development, implementation, evaluation, and sustainment of processes, tools, and procedures necessary for quality data collection.

Research and Evaluation provides answers to questions about the effectiveness or impact of a program, and uses that information to make informed decisions related to program support and improvement.

Surveillance focuses on the ongoing and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of health data to understand population health determinants and recognize and assess outbreaks and disease trends.

The Informatics, Research & Evaluation, and Surveillance Sections continue to develop, refine, and practice an integrated and collaborative approach to population health to provide DHW with the foundation for evidence-informed decision making that, in turn, supports improved health outcomes for all Nova Scotians.

Resources and Publications

Youth Health Centres in Nova Scotia - An Evaluation

Healthy Beginnings: Enhanced Home Visiting Initiative Evaluation Framework

Respiratory Watch

Influenza Surveillance Report 2008-2009

Surveillance Guidelines for Notifiable Diseases and Conditions

Surveillance Annual Report

• Notifiable Diseases in Nova Scotia Surveillance Report 2010
• Notifiable Diseases in Nova Scotia Surveillance Report 2009
• Notifiable Diseases in Nova Scotia Surveillance Report 2008
• Notifiable Diseases in Nova Scotia Surveillance Report 2007
• Notifiable Diseases in Nova Scotia Surveillance Report 2006
• Notifiable Diseases in Nova Scotia Surveillance Report 2005