Changing morbidity patterns in Ireland 1996-2006

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine changing patterns of morbidity (and healthcare utilisation) in Ireland and consider the impact of these changing patterns on the need for health services using health insurance data. This analysis is set in the context of a corresponding significant reduction in mortality rates over the period. Using inpatient hospital data from a large health insurer, which covers nearly 40% of the population, the changing pattern of morbidity is analysed by age, gender, and geographic area of residence for the years 1996-2006. Morbidity is measured using the International Classification of Diseases standard - Version 9 (ICD). The analysis shows that despite an improvement in mortality, not only has the rate of hospitalisations not correspondingly reduced but also the morbidity rates of the population have not reduced. The results confirm that the population is receiving more medical treatment than before even though mortality has improved. This may be as a result of better access to health services, a worse incidence of ill-health within population, better detection of illness or a combination of all of the above. Either way the changing utilisation pattern suggests that in establishing a policy for resource allocation for health services many factors need to be considered, many of which are not measurable and confirms that increasing life expectancy may come at a significant economic cost in terms of the increased resources that may be needed in the health system.