Measuring health - visions and practicalities

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Wolfson, Michael C.^{; 1}

Affiliations: Statistics Canada, Institutions and Social Statistics Branch, 24-A, R.H. Coats Building, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A OT6, Canada

Note: [1] This paper represents the personal views of the author, who is responsible for any errors or infelicities.

Abstract: A major challenge in health statistics is achieving a reorientation. At present, the preponderance of “health” data concerns health care system, and then mainly its inputs and throughputs. There is a paucity of statistical information on the levels, trends and distribution of health status for the population, and various sub-groups. We know far more about the costs of health care, and the numbers of patients treated, than we do about the health impacts of the treatments, and the health of the population in general. This paper reviews the leading approaches to the measurement of population health, and discusses the main conceptual and ethical challenges. It then illustrates some of the practical considerations in developing such measures with reference to Canadian experience.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1999-16101

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 1-17, 1999