How are priority issues for Australia’s health identified? Students learn about • measuring health status − role of epidemiology Epidemiology - is defined as the study of the rates and patterns of illness, disease and injur amongst specific population groups. - Epidemiological data include: births, cause of death, disease, incidence and prevalence, frequency and duration of contact with health providers, e.g doctors, hospital usage, money spent on health care and days off work. - Identifies key indicators of illness. - Epidemiological data is used by governments, in conjunction with heath professions, to target health trends. - Epidemiology has many limitations. EPIDEMIOLOGY SERVES MANY PURPOSES - Monitors the major causes of sickness and death to identify any emerging issues and inequalities between groups - Identifies areas of need - determines priority areas for government funding - Monitors the use of health care services - Identify areas of inequity - Gain an overall picture of health