Key findings: Potentially preventable hospitalisations by condition
Variation in hospitalisation rates by condition
For each of the five individual conditions, the Authority found marked variation in the age profile of people admitted for a potentially preventable hospitalisation (Appendix 2).
However, across PHN areas, substantial variation in rates of potentially preventable hospitalisations were found, even after accounting for differences in the age of the PHN populations.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
In 2013–14, the age-standardised rate for COPD was 239 hospitalisations per 100,000 people nationally.
Across PHN areas, the rate was over five times higher in Northern Territory PHN (600 per 100,000) compared to the rate for Northern Sydney PHN (112 per 100,000).
Diabetes complications
In 2013–14, the age-standardised rate for diabetes complications was 166 hospitalisations per 100,000 people nationally.
Across PHN areas, the rate was over four times higher in Western Queensland PHN (356 per 100,000) compared to the rate for Northern Sydney PHN (83 per 100,000).
Heart failure
In 2013–14, the age-standardised rate for heart failure was 195 hospitalisations per 100,000 people nationally.
Across PHN areas, the rate was three times higher in Western Queensland PHN (360 per 100,000) compared to the rate for Northern Sydney PHN (118 per 100,000).
Cellulitis
In 2013–14, the age-standardised rate for cellulitis was 237 hospitalisations per 100,000 people nationally.
Across PHN areas, the rate was almost five times higher in Western Queensland PHN area (696 per 100,000) compared to the rate for Perth North PHN (149 per 100,000).
Kidney and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
In 2013–14, the age-standardised rate for kidney and urinary tract infections was 279 hospitalisations per 100,000 people nationally.
Across PHN areas, the rate was over two times higher in Murrumbidgee PHN (462 per 100,000) compared to the rate for Tasmania PHN (191 per 100,000).