Geographic Classifications for Health and what this will mean for rural maternity services, women and midwives.

Aotearoa currently lacks a fit for purpose rural/urban classification for health research and policy purposes, and the use of generic classifications in health is likely to be masking inequities. The Geographic Classifications for Health (GHC) is a standardised rurality classification currently being developed for use in health policy, health outcome monitoring and research. https://blogs.otago.ac.nz/rural-urbannz/

The rural codes are set to be removed from Section 88 in 2021 and a rural/urban taxonomy that is fit for purpose for midwifery and maternity research, policy, and funding is needed.

This webinar presents the project and the proposed Geographic Classifications for Health (GHC) and seeks feedback on whether these make sense on the ground from a midwifery perspective.

Presenters
Gary Nixon (University of Otago)
Jesse Whitehead (University of Waikato)

Moderators
Alison Eddy (CE, NZ College of Midwives)
Lesley Dixon (Advisor, NZ College of Midwives)
Shanti Daellenbach (Rural Midwifery Recruitment & Retention)