Table 1: Classification of selected potentially avoidable hospitalisations

Analysis by Medicare Local catchment and Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3) is based on postcode of usual residence of the patient.

Presented as a number per 100,000 people.

100,000 x (Numerator ÷ Denominator)

Number of selected potentially avoidable hospitalisations per 100,000 people (crude and age-standardised to the 2001 Australian population)

Total number of potentially avoidable hospitalisations in 2011–12 for the following groups:

• Selected potentially avoidable hospitalisations
• Potentially avoidable hospitalisations for chronic conditions
• Potentially avoidable hospitalisations for acute and vaccine-preventable conditions
• Potentially avoidable hospitalisations for individual conditions except iron deficiency anaemia and nutritional deficiencies which were combined due to low separation counts for nutritional deficiencies

2011–12 by Medicare Local catchments, Medicare Local peer groups and Statistical Areas Level 3, which have been derived from Postcode—Australian (person):

• Medicare Locals are primary health care organisations established to improve responsiveness, coordinate primary health care delivery and tackle local health care needs and service gaps. A Medicare Local catchment refers to the geographical area of a Medical Local.
• Medicare Local peer groups are the grouping of the 61 Medicare Locals into seven peer groups. This grouping was undertaken by the National Health Performance Authority using statistical cluster analysis of 2006 Census based socioeconomic status for each Medicare Local and, 2006 Census based Remoteness Area categories (ABS cat. no. 2039.0). Additional information on the average distance to the closest large city and major hospital (A1 public hospital peer group classification, 2010–11) contributed to the assignment of Medicare Locals to peer groups. Groupings were tested for face validity with a stakeholder group. The National Health Performance Authority has created 7 peer groups: Metro 1 to 3, Regional 1 and 2 and Rural 1 and 2.
• Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3s) are geographic areas defined in the ABS Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS). The aim of SA3s is to create a standard framework for the analysis of ABS data at the regional level through clustering groups of SA2s that have similar regional characteristics. There are 333 spatial SA3s covering the whole of Australia without gaps or overlaps. They are designed to provide a regional breakdown of Australia. SA3s generally have a population of between 30,000 and 130,000 people. There are approximately 50 with fewer than 30,000 people and 35 with more than 130,000 as at 30 June 2011. For further information see the ABS publication, Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS): Volume 1 – Main Structure and Greater Capital City Statistical Areas, July 2011 (cat. no. 1270.0.55.001).

The scope of the Admitted Patient Care National Minimum Data Set (APC NMDS) is episodes of care for admitted patients in all public and private acute and psychiatric hospitals, free standing day hospital facilities and alcohol and drug treatment centres in Australia. Hospitals operated by the Australian Defence Force, corrections authorities and in Australia's offshore territories may also be included. Hospitals specialising in dental, ophthalmic aids and other specialised acute medical or surgical care are included. Episodes of non-admitted patient care provided in outpatient clinics or emergency departments are excluded from the APC NMDS data.

Potentially avoidable hospitalisations are also called ‘potentially preventable hospitalisations’ and ‘ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisations’.

National Health Reform Performance and Accountability Framework

Healthy Communities: Selected potentially avoidable hospitalisations in 2011–12, Technical Supplement