Summary Report: Feasibility Study on Health Outcomes for Women and Diverse Members in the Canadian Armed Forces

Abstract

Women and diverse Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and Veterans experience health inequities shaped by interconnected physical, mental, social, cultural, and organizational factors. Understanding healthcare utilization (HCU) and outcomes across the military life course is essential for addressing these inequities, yet longitudinal monitoring remains limited due to fragmented datasets and inconsistent collection of military and diversity identifiers. This report represents the culmination of a three-phase study assessing the feasibility of developing a longitudinal health research and monitoring platform to support evidence-informed health policy and programs for underrepresented military groups.

Using an environmental scan framework, this study assessed feasibility through three phases: a rapid scoping review of federal and provincial/territorial datasets; semi structured interviews with data custodians, policy experts, researchers, and privacy officers; and virtual focus groups with women and diverse CAF members, Veterans, and healthcare providers. Qualitative data were analyzed using a hybrid thematic and framework approach, and findings were assessed using adapted FAIR and CARE principles. Results indicate strong interest in a platform among researchers, experts, and diverse CAF communities. While technically and methodologically feasible, development requires governance alignment, sustained collaboration, and an inclusive culture. Barriers relate primarily to integration, governance, and trust rather than data availability. The study proposes three recommendations to guide phased implementation and strengthen equitable, responsible military and Veteran population health surveillance in Canada.