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[Regional differences in hospital utilization]
A Sarría Santamera1, J M Sendra Gutiérrez
1Ministerio de Sanidad y Consumo, Madrid.
Gaceta Sanitaria
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Hospitalization rates in Spain varied significantly across regions in 1988, indicating disparities in healthcare access and utilization. These large variations necessitate policy attention despite ongoing improvements in health information systems.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Public Health Policy
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Recent studies highlight significant geographical variations in hospital utilization rates.
- Understanding these disparities is crucial for equitable healthcare resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and analyze variations in hospitalization rates across Spain's 17 Autonomic Communities in 1988.
- To identify specific diagnostic groups with the highest and lowest rates of variation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Hospital Morbidity Survey for the year 1988.
- Calculated general discharge rates and rates for 14 specific diagnostic categories.
- Employed statistical measures including coefficient of variation, ratio of variation, and systematic component of variation to assess variability.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated substantial variations in hospitalization rates among Spanish Autonomic Communities.
- Observed a wide range in the systematic component of variation, from 0.96 for hernia to 8.45 for varicose veins.
- Findings align with variations seen in countries with different healthcare systems.
Conclusions:
- Significant and large variations in hospitalization rates exist across Spanish regions.
- These disparities are too substantial to overlook in policy-making, even with evolving health information systems.
- Recommendations for policy adjustments are needed to address identified healthcare utilization inequalities.