Transforming
Rural Healthcare.
Brightshores Research Institute is dedicated to advancing rural healthcare and wellness through innovations tailored to meet the distinct needs of rural communities.
The healthcare challenges faced by rural and remote areas differ significantly from those faced in urban settings.
Limited access to facilities, fewer specialized providers, and significant travel distances underline those differences. Rural healthcare is about more than medicine; it’s about overcoming logistical and connectivity barriers, navigating resource shortages, and addressing the specific health needs of smaller, often underserved populations. Understanding these differences is essential to crafting effective solutions that provide equitable care, no matter the community or its location.
Rural and remote communities across Canada are home to nearly 18% of the population. These communities:
- Are often older, less affluent, and face higher rates of chronic illnesses than urban populations.
- Also face higher rates of substance abuse, mental health concerns, and significant barriers to accessing care, particularly in mental health and specialized services.
- Experience compounded challenges due to the fact that only 8% of physicians practice in these areas.
- Have a lower proportion of residents who rate their health as “excellent” compared to the national average, reflecting the broader health disparities faced by these populations.
Sources:
Mitura, V., & Bollman, R. D. (2003, October). The health of rural Canadians: A rural‑urban comparison of health indicators (Rural and Small Town Canada Analysis Bulletin, Vol. 4, No. 6). Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/21-006-x/21-006-x2002006-eng.pdf
Canadian Institute for Health Information. (n.d.). Rural health care in Canada. CIHI. https://www.cihi.ca/en/topics/rural-health-care-in-canada
Rural Ontario Municipal Association. (2024, January 21). Fill the gaps closer to home: Improving access to health services for rural Ontario. Rural Ontario Municipal Association. https://www.roma.on.ca/sites/default/files/assets/IMAGES/Home/ROMA%20Report%20-%20Fill%20the%20Gaps%20Closer%20to%20Home%20January%2021%202024%20FINAL%20Draft-Reduced.pdf
Tackling Rural Healthcare Challenges Through Key Areas of Focus
Through in-depth engagement with rural communities and healthcare providers across Canada, Brightshores Research Institute has identified three critical areas of focus where the impact of our work will be most effective in addressing rural healthcare challenges.
Enhancing the Ability for People to Age in Place
Aging in place leads to better physical and mental health, enhances independence, and fosters stronger connections, all while reducing family and healthcare system costs. We are committed to evaluating innovative solutions that help people in rural communities live safely and independently.
Improving Access to Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare in rural communities is hindered by geographic isolation, healthcare provider shortages, and limited specialized care. We aim to address these challenges that prevent timely, affordable, and high-quality care for rural residents.
Supporting Our Healthcare Workers
Healthcare systems across Canada are facing staff shortages and heavy workloads that affect care quality, and these challenges are even more pronounced in rural settings. We aim to reduce their administrative burdens and empower healthcare workers to collaborate better, and fully apply their expertise on what matters most: patient care.
What healthcare challenge do you see and experience most in your community?
Your voice is important to us. Take our short survey to share your perspective on the realities of rural healthcare and help drive meaningful change.
We Can’t Transform Rural Healthcare Alone.
Together we are investing in not only rural healthcare — but the well-being of rural communities.
Healthier rural communities require bold investment, focused innovation, and committed partners. At Brightshores Research Institute, we collaborate on initiatives and evaluate pilot projects that are designed not just to test ideas, but to deliver measurable impact where it’s needed most. We can’t do this alone. If you're ready to contribute resources, expertise, or strategic insight toward meaningful change, let’s build something transformative — together.
News & Events
What’s New at Brightshores Research Institute
Knowledge Sharing & Thought Leadership
As part of our commitment to advancing rural healthcare, we actively share our insights through conference presentations, academic forums, and community dialogues. Speaking engagements are an important way we contribute to knowledge exchange and foster collaboration across disciplines.
We welcome invitations to speak at conferences and other events.