Select Saskatchewan Rural Women’s Perceptions of Health Reform: A Preliminary Consideration

Abstract

Health policy is often developed, implemented, and evaluated with minimal consideration of the impact (real or perceived) and implications for individuals, groups, and communities involved. Of note, rural women’s experiences with health restructuring have been largely overlooked, ignored, or subsumed (Armstrong & Armstrong, 1999; Bernier & Dallaire, 1999; Fuller, 1999; Gurevich, 1999; Howard & Willson, 1999; Rosser, 1994). The purpose of this qualitative research study was to gain insights into the perceptions of rural women on the impact of health reform in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. This paper considers preliminary findings of the perceptions of individual and communities of Saskatchewan rural women regarding health reform/renewal policy in an effort to provide a broader perspective on the impacts and implications of that province’s health reform directions. By identifying the perceptions and opinions of rural women, this research potentially contributes to rural women’s understanding of health policy and may encourage them to become more directly engaged in future health policy making and planning.