title: The population health approach: A qualitative study of conceptual and operational definitions for leaders in Canadian healthcare.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The population health approach is increasingly recognized for its role in health system reform; however, its broad scope and definition have been criticized for being a barrier to clear communication. This qualitative study examined the way senior healthcare leaders in Canada conceptualize and operationalize the population health approach in planning and decision-making.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Core elements of the population health approach included focusing on health and wellness rather than illness, taking a population rather than individual orientation, understanding needs and solutions through community outreach, addressing health disparities/health in vulnerable groups, addressing the social determinants of health and inter-sectoral action and partnerships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The population health approach is increasingly recognized for its role in reducing healthcare demand and contributing to health system sustainability. This study demonstrated the growing need to clarify terminology among multiform partners to establish a foundation for future healthcare integration and inter-sectoral action.
authors.affiliation: Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI), Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Ottawa, ON, Canada; Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.affiliation: Centre for Innovation in Complex Care, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Tai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Huynh
authors.affiliation: Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI), Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Ottawa, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sebold
authors.affiliation: Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI), Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Ottawa, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Harvey
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.
authors.forename: Cory
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Neudorf
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Adalsteinn
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brown
keywords: Public health; healthcare; population health approach; qualitative study; terminology