Provincial Priority Setting Approach To Injury Prevention In British Columbia, Canada

Background Injury resulted in 34 998 hospitalizations, 8 582 disabilities and 2 009 deaths, costing $3.7 billion in British Columbia (BC), Canada in 2010. Injury prevention strategies are essential for optimal population health. Recently established, BC Injury Prevention Committee (BCIPC), including provincial, regional and First Nations health authority representatives, provides guidance and recommendations on injury prevention to the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer. Objective To identify injury prevention priorities for recommendation and investment to the Ministry of Health and the Provincial Health Officer. Methods A mixed methods approach was used incorporating provincial injury data and findings from an evidence review and synthesis of effective injury prevention strategies. A facilitated two-stage modified Delphi process was undertaken with the injury prevention community in BC to rank injury prevention priorities. BCIP members then validated and finalized rankings using a pairwise comparison exercise to determine the top priorities for injury prevention investment and programming. Findings The top 3 injury priorities for BC were the prevention of: seniors’ falls; transport-related injuries; and, youth suicide and self-harm. Conclusion Priorities will be addressed in a staged approach over a 3 year period, starting with seniors falls and transport-related injuries. Policy implications As there is limited flexibility in resource allocation, efficiencies can be gained in planning by starting with the highest priorities and working across health authorities to address these priorities. The modified Delphi process supported committee members to reach consensus and express willingness to commit to Provincial action.