Measuring potentially avoidable and ambulatory care sensitive hospitalisations in New Zealand children using a newly developed tool
Elizabeth Craig, Philippa Anderson, Gary Jackson, Catherine Jackson
This study uses a newly developed tool to assess potentially avoidable hospitalisations in the paediatric population using a methodology which takes into account the socioeconomic determinants of health. Strategies which focus solely on improving access to primary care within office hours may have a limited impact on ACSH in children, due to the role socioeconomic factors play in shaping the underlying burden of disease, and the narrow window for intervention which exists for many acute onset infectious and respiratory diseases. There is significant potential for health gain for children as a result of policies and programmes to address the underlying determinants of health. New Zealand needs to consider policies to increase access to primary care for Pacific and M ori children and those living in more deprived areas. Policies should take into account the need for immediate (i.e. same day) and after-hours care in this age group.
