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Public Health - Publications
Avoidable hospitalisations: potential for primary and public
health initiatives in Canterbury, New Zealand.
Sheerin I, Allen G, Henare M, Craig K.
New Zealand Medical Journal 119; 1236, 2006.
http://www.nzma.org.nz/journal/119-1236/2029/
Abstract:
Aim
To investigate the extent of potentially “avoidable hospitalisations” in
the Canterbury District Health Board area; specifically, to identify the leading
causes, recent trends, and estimated costs of avoidable hospitalisations.
Methods
All hospitalisations in Christchurch Hospital from 2000 to 2004 were analysed
and potentially “avoidable admissions” were categorised using
ICD10 clinical codes. Costs of these admissions were estimated for the financial
year ending 30 June 2003 using diagnostic-related groups (DRGs).
Results
The leading causes of potentially “avoidable hospitalisations” in
Christchurch Hospital were cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory, gastrointestinal,
and urinary disorders. The total estimated costs of avoidable hospitalisations
in 2003 were NZ$96.6 million, accounting for an estimated 94,462 bed days.
The estimated costs of cardiovascular admissions (excluding stroke) were $50.6
million, with stroke accounting for an additional $6.2 million.
Conclusion
Potentially “avoidable admissions” to Christchurch Hospital comprised
31% of all hospital admissions. There is considerable opportunity to invest
in public and primary health initiatives aimed at early detection and intervention,
with the major opportunities being identified as cardiovascular disease, stroke,
respiratory, gastrointestinal, and urinary disorders.
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