Universal access to ambulance does not increase overall demand for ambulance services in Queensland, Australia
Data(s) |
14/12/2012
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Resumo |
Objective. To determine the impact of the introduction of universal access to ambulance services via the implementation of the Community Ambulance Cover (CAC) program in Queensland in 2003–04. Method. The study involved a 10-year (2000–01 to 2009–10) retrospective analysis of routinely collected data reported by the Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS) and by the Council of Ambulance Authorities. The data were analysed for the impact of policy changes that resulted in universal access to ambulance services in Queensland. Results. QASis a statewide, publically funded ambulance service. In Queensland, ambulance utilisation rate (AUR)per 1000 persons grew by 41% over the decade or 3.9% per annum (10-year mean = 149.8, 95% CI: 137.3–162.3). The AUR mean after CAC was significantly higher for urgent incidents than for non-urgent ones. However projection modelling demonstrates that URs after the introduction of CAC were significantly lower than the projected utilisation for the same period. Conclusions. The introduction of universal access under the Community Ambulance Cover program in Queensland has not had any significant independent long-term impact on demand overall. There has been a reduction in the long-term growth rate, which may have been contributed to by an ‘appropriate use’ public awareness program. |
Formato |
application/pdf |
Identificador | |
Publicador |
CSIRO Publishing |
Relação |
http://eprints.qut.edu.au/55384/1/AH12141.pdf http://www.publish.csiro.au/nid/270/paper/AH12141.htm DOI:10.1071/AH12141 Tippett, Vivienne C., Toloo, Ghasem (Sam), Eeles, David, Ting, Joseph Y. S., Aitken, Peter J., & FitzGerald, Gerard J. (2012) Universal access to ambulance does not increase overall demand for ambulance services in Queensland, Australia. Australian Health Review, 37(1), pp. 121-126. http://purl.org/au-research/grants/ARC/LP0882650 |
Direitos |
Copyright 2012 Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association |
Fonte |
School of Clinical Sciences; Faculty of Health; Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; School of Public Health & Social Work |
Palavras-Chave | #111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified #Prehospital service #Ambulance funding #Projection #Modelling #Commmunity Ambulance Cover |
Tipo |
Journal Article |