Use of the Internet in the diffusion of GIS for General Practices in Victoria, Australia

Abstract

This paper describes the delivery of a Geographic Information System (GIS) product through the Internet for primary health care services provided at general medical practices in the State of Victoria, Australia. The paper details a collaborative research project, the principal aim of which was to develop a methodology for creating a GIS as a decision support system, for more effective use of information about population and health services at a given location. The methodology employed is based on the ability of a GIS to establish interrelationships between a combination of health, geographic, and demographic data. An overview of GIS as a technology that allows geospatial data to be analyzed, displayed, and queried is given. The results of the project can be demonstrated through a live presentation, detailing specific and generic reasons for the choice of the Internet as the preferred delivery mechanism. The paper concludes with the identification of important issues related to the research and use of the World Wide Web for Geographic Information Systems and Health.