The selection of needs indicators for regional resource allocation in the fields of health and social services in Québec

In Québec, recent political statements have strengthened the necessity to allocate resources according to regional population needs. A regional-provincial working group was set up to propose needs indicators in 8 different fields--or client-oriented programs--which subdivide the entire spectrum of health and social services in Québec. These programs include physical health, mental health, public health, functionally impaired elderly people, physical deficiency, intellectual deficiency, alcoholism and drug abuse and problems (abuse, neglect, delinquency) among young people and their families. The following paper summarizes the main proposals of the working group. Some comments are made on the definition of client-oriented programs, basic concepts, research questions and methodological approaches. Concrete examples are given in order to illustrate the type of data and methods used. Furthermore, the indicators selected for resource allocation (in each of the 8 client-oriented programs) are presented on a regional basis (n = 18) and introduced in a principal component analysis. Their variations are discussed and recommendations to facilitate their use and promote their development are made. Finally, the actual utilization of these indicators is reported.