This project uses novel whole-of-population linked data, including data from the Multi-Agency Data Integration Project (MADIP), to provide evidence on health and health care in Australia. Working in partnership with researchers and key organisations — including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare and the Heart Foundation — we use these data to answer partner priority research questions, centred on three themes.

Theme 1 – Variation in fatal burden of disease

There is a huge opportunity for identifying potential population health gain within Australia by systematically quantifying socioeconomic variation in fatal burden of major diseases. Using Census linked to mortality data, we quantify inequalities in all-cause and cause-specific mortality and in life expectancy. We are using this information to develop an Index of Preventive Potential, which may  be a useful tool for prioritising action.

Theme 2 – Variation in health care

Australia’s health care system is built on equity principles but achieving equity in practice is difficult. Using a variety of linked administrative datasets available through the MADIP, we are investigating variation in health care, which includes projects on out-of-pocket costs and preventive cardiovascular disease care. Our findings will inform the community, practitioners, and policymakers, with the aim of improving health and health equity in Australia.

Theme 3 – End-of-life care

The need for appropriate end-of-life care is recognised but evidence on where Australians die and the support they receive is fragmented.  We are using multiple linked datasets to examine social circumstances, residential location, and health and aged care service use in the last year of life, particularly for people living with cardiovascular disease. This work has huge potential to fill gaps in knowledge on end-of-life pathways and inform action.