Developing a linked administrative database of health service utilisation by the aging population of Metropolitan Perth

Abstract

The increasing use of health services by the older population has placed significant stresses on the health system ofWestern Australia. This is a report of the development of a linked administrative database of health resource utilisationby the aged population of metropolitan Perth. Hospital administrative databases linked to clinical or administrativedatabases of other health providers are reviewed. Length of stay data is linked to aged care assessments, referrals tonursing homes and community services. The linked databases approach allows the study of resource allocation and canpinpoint systemic stress in aged care. It is a tool for reducing the duplication of services, the pressure on beds in healthinstitutions, and cost by improving efficiencies.