Differences in the Management and Use of Health Services in Australia Using Publicly Available Data: Comparisons between New South Wales and Victoria

INTRODUCTION:

Differences in health service utilisation between States are noted in publicly reported data. The national averages for health service usage and health related actions in Australia may mask differences in the management and provision of health services among the states and territories. Although the utilisation of health services tends to rise with age, the extent of this and other factors has not been determined at the state level. This study will analyse these differences for the two largest states in Australia, New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria.

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of the study is to examine specific features of health service provision and its management in New South Wales and Victoria. Using publicly available data the study analysed differences in the organisation, management, and expenditures of health services.

DESIGN:

The study uses data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), focusing on the 2021 census.

FINDINGS:

The study highlights differences in health service utilisation and management between New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria. Victoria had higher hospital service use and more health service employees. Victoria also had higher health service expenditure per capita. The findings underscore the need for tailored strategies in policy development, resource allocation, and health service planning to address the unique needs of each state.

IMPLICATIONS:

The study highlights differences in health service management and utilisation between NSW and Victoria. These findings are relevant for policy development, resource allocation, and planning of health services. The study provides a basis for further research, particularly of a qualitative nature, to explore the identified differences in more detail.