A first-of-a-kind data tool has been rolled out to allow the comparison of Australian data on health and healthcare, including health-risk factors and health-insurance coverage, with that of the 36 OECD-member countries.

The data tool, developed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AHIW), provides comparisons of key health indicators, such as life expectancy, health-risk factors, and causes of death, as well as insights on how Australia’s healthcare system, including data on the pharmaceutical market, health-insurance coverage and waiting times for elective surgery compares with OECD-member countries. 

“This new data tool is an important resource, facilitating international comparative reporting, supporting policy planning and decision-making, and enabling new types of research and analysis,” said Claire Sparke, AIHW spokesperson.

The International health data comparisons 2018 showed that Australia performed relatively well across most of the indicators.

“For example, Australia has a life expectancy at birth of 82.5 years – above the OECD average of 80.6 years, and sixth highest among OECD countries,” Sparke said. “However, the data show that there are some areas where Australia could be doing better, such as rates of being overweight and obesity.”