Bridging Gaps and Building Connections: A Protocol for Mapping Mobile Health and Outreach Services in the Greater Hamilton Area

Abstract

This protocol delineates a comprehensive strategy for mapping mobile health and outreach services in the Greater Hamilton Area, with a particular focus on marginalized and underserved populations. Initiated by the Greater Hamilton Health Network (GHHN) in alignment with the Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) framework, this project aims to enhance integrated, patient-centric care across the healthcare continuum by mapping existing services and identifying synergies and gaps. The steps and methods employed to complete this project are outlined in this protocol. Additionally, the systematic approach used to complete Phase 1 which successfully established a taxonomy that sets a shared understanding and consistent categorization of services for the project are outlined in detail. This foundational work will pave the way for the final phases of the service mapping, gap analysis, and the development of actionable strategies to address identified service gaps, ultimately aiming to foster a more coordinated and accessible healthcare system.