Health
Obesity Trends in Older Australians
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 16-page bulletin examines levels and trends of obesity among older Australians, describing the situation as an epidemic, and points to the likely health and economic consequences
Medical Negligence: an update
Information Service, Parliament of New South Wales
This parliamentary briefing paper reviews recent events in New South Wales and the Australian Commonwealth impacting on medical litigation
HealthPosted: 2004-02-16
Extended Aged Care at Home Census 2002
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
An 80-report consisting of data providing insights into the needs and circumstances of those receiving this care
Climate Change and Mosquito-Borne Disease: Causal Link or Green Alarmism?
American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
This 6-page commentary challenges the WHO claim that climate change was responsible for 150,000 deaths in 2003
Climate Change & Environment, HealthPosted: 2004-02-21
State-Level Estimates of Annual Medical Expenditures Attributable to Obesity
Research Triangle Institute
This press release provides a summary of the principal findings of this US report, which can be purchased in full.
HealthPosted: 2004-02-22
An Economic Evaluation of the Prison Methadone Program in New South Wales
Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation
A 29-page project report which evaluates the costs and consequences of the prison methadone program in New South Wales
Crime, Law & Order, HealthPosted: 2004-02-27
Health, Wellbeing and Body Weight
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 24-page bulletin looks at the relationship between excessive body weight and health-related characteristics
HealthPosted: 2004-03-05
2003 Influenza Vaccine Survey: Summary Results
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This summary Australian report, based on a survey of participants, indicates their recent medical and financial experience of influenza and influenza vaccination
HealthPosted: 2004-03-11
Air Pollution and Infant Health: What Can We Learn From California's Recent Experience?
Institute for the Study of Labor
This 51-page discussion paper measures the impact of air pollution on infant mortality in California during the 1990's
Health, Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2004-03-11
Actual Causes of Death in the United States, 2000
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This fact sheet, showing the leading causes of death together with the actual causes (lifestyle and behavioural), highlights the significance of poor diet and physical inactivity
HealthPosted: 2004-03-12
Genomics, Health and Society: Emerging Issues for Public Policy
Policy Research Initiative
This 200-page Canadian book is a wide-ranging study of the policy issues raised by the development of genomic medicine
Health, Science & TechnologyPosted: 2004-03-17
Pharmaceutical Benefits and Free Trade: Trouble Ahead for Subsidised Medicines in Australia?
Australian Review of Public Affairs
A commentary arguing that Australia's Free Trade Agreement with the U.S. could harm Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, that subsidies a wide range of drugs for Australian users
Globalisation & International Trade, HealthPosted: 2004-03-31
Possibility or Utopia? Consumer Choice in Healthcare: A Literature Review
Rand Corporation
This 168-page literature review examines consumer choice in healthcare in the context of the German system, together with experiences in other industrialised countries, and effects on health status, satisfaction, fairness and macro-economics
Health, Social PolicyPosted: 2004-04-02
Community Mental Health Care 2000-01
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 118-page Australian working paper presents statistics and data collated with the objective of ascertaining, "Who receives what services from whom, at what cost and with what effect?"
Health, Social PolicyPosted: 2004-04-07
Intervention for the Prevention of Falls in Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials
BMJ (formerly British Medical Journal)
A review of the literature regarding prevention of falls by the elderly
Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health in the Age of Bioterrorism
Trust for America's Health
This 36-page U.S. report examines 10 key indicators to assess areas of improvement and areas of continuing vulnerability in U.S. preparations to protect citizens against bioterrorism and other large-scale health emergencies
Defence, Terrorism & Security, HealthPosted: 2004-04-10
Making Vaccines Pay
Milken Institute
A 12-page U.S. article outlining a strategy to make vaccines more readily available against AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Africa
HealthPosted: 2004-04-10
The Illusion of Group Health Insurance: Discretionary Associations
Families USA
This 18-page U.S. paper reports on shortcomings of discretionary associations in the provision of health insurance and proposes greater regulation
HealthPosted: 2004-04-12
The Economics of Phasing Out PVC
Global Development and Environment Institute
This 57-page report argues that PVC is a hazardous material and discusses the introduction of alternatives
Climate Change & Environment, HealthPosted: 2004-04-12
The Effect of Economic Crises on Nutritional Status: Evidence From Russia
Institute for the Study of Labor
This 43-page discussion paper examines the relationship between nutritional status and both longer-run household resources and short-run fluctuations in resources
HealthPosted: 2004-04-16
Engaging Citizens: One Route to Health Care Accountability
Canadian Policy Research Networks
This report reviews the experience with citizen engagement in Canada and elsewhere and assesses its value in improving accountability in health care decision-making
Health, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-04-16
The 25 Recommendations on the Ethical, Legal and Social Implications of Genetic Testing
European Commission
These recommendations were formulated by an E.U. expert committee to guide the creation of an appropriate strategy for ensuring the maximum potential in healthcare innovation
Health, European UnionPosted: 2004-04-18
Emerging Infectious Diseases: Asian SARS Outbreak Challenged International and National Responses
U.S. General Accounting Office
This 73-page U.S. study examines the roles of the WHO and individual governments in responding to SARS, its economic impact in Asia and efforts to update the International Health Regulations
HealthPosted: 2004-04-30
Lost Voices: The Invisibility of Homeless People with Multiple Needs
Crisis
A 60-page U.K. study on multiple health needs among homeless individuals
Heart, Stroke and Vascular Diseases: Australian Facts 2004
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 152-page report presents comprehensive information on patterns and trends of cardiovascular health and illness among Australians, contributory risk factors and associated conditions, treatment and care
HealthPosted: 2004-05-06
Mental Health Services in Australia 2001-2002
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 306-page report describes the characteristics and activities of Australia's mental health services
HealthPosted: 2004-05-06
How Good is Canadian Healthcare? An International Comparison of Health Care Systems (2004 Report)
Fraser Institute
This 66-page study compares Canada to other OECD countries that guarantee access to health care regardless of ability to pay, using 12 indicators of access and outcomes
HealthPosted: 2004-05-10
The First National Report Card on Quality of Health Care in America
Rand Health
This 6-page report assesses the extent to which recommended care was provided to a representative sample of the U.S. population for a broad range of conditions in 12 metropolitan areas
HealthPosted: 2004-05-10
Accountability in Health Care and Legal Approaches
Canadian Policy Research Networks
A 45-page Canadian assessment of the effectiveness of legal mechanisms in improving accountability in health care
HealthPosted: 2004-05-10
Antibiotic Resistance: Federal Agencies Need to Better Focus Efforts to Address Risk to Humans from Antibiotic Use in Animals
U.S. General Accounting Office
This 102-page report examines various aspects of the risk to humans from antibiotic use in animals and recommends improvements in the procedures used by relevant U.S. agencies for assessment and monitoring
Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation, HealthPosted: 2004-05-25
The Taming of the Queue: Wait Time Measurement, Monitoring and Management
Canadian Policy Research Networks
A 24-page Canadian report on a colloquium held to consider aspects of waiting time for medical treatment
HealthPosted: 2004-05-27
Health Care: Unsustainable Trends Necessitate Comprehensive and Fundamental Reforms to Control Spending and Improve Value
U.S. General Accounting Office
A 38-page U.S. report of a forum held to discuss aspects of the U.S. health care system associated with costs and value
HealthPosted: 2004-06-01
Committing to Vaccine R&D: A Global Science Policy Priority
Science and Technology Policy Research
A 37-page working paper examining the reasons for under-investment in vaccine R&D and offering a range of policy options
Health, Science & TechnologyPosted: 2004-06-01
Persons with Disabilities and their Contact with Medical Professionals and Alternative Health Care Providers
Canadian Council on Social Development
An 8-page Canadian information sheet providing statistics on contacts by disabled people with medical professionals and alternative health care providers
Disability, HealthPosted: 2004-06-04
Addressing the HIV/Aids Pandemic: A U.S. Global AIDS Strategy for the Long Term
Council on Foreign Relations
This 40-page report recommends a longer-term and broader-based U.S. strategy to counter the HIV/AIDS pandemic, addressing the basic health systems required and critical issues going beyond health delivery
Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-06-11
A Guide to the Benefits, Responsibilities and Opportunities of Embryonic Stem Cell Research
British-North American Committee
A 55-page guide to the issues surrounding embryonic stem cell research
HealthPosted: 2004-06-23
Healthy Eating - Healthy Action: Implementation Plan 2004-2010
New Zealand Ministry of Health
A 79-page New Zealand governmental plan to reduce the impact of cardiovascular disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes by healthy eating and physical activity
HealthPosted: 2004-06-30
Australian Hospital Statistics 2002-03
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 356-page summary report describes the characteristics and activity of Australian hospitals. It includes summaries of changes over time and comparisons between public and private hospitals
HealthPosted: 2004-07-06
Undermining Access to Medicines: Comparison of Five U.S. FTA
Oxfam America
A 21-page briefing note arguing that the U.S. is using bi-lateral and regional free-trade agreements to impose unnecessarily stringent intellectual property standards on developing countries, to the detriment of public health in those countries
HealthPosted: 2004-07-13
Residential Aged Care in Australia 2002-03: A Statistical Review
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 101-page report contains statistics on the Australian residential care population and capacity, the residents and their characteristics, admissions, separations and dependency
The Impact of Dementia on the Health and Aged Care Systems
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
A 95-page study of the prevalence of dementia in the Australian population, the pattern of service used by people with dementia and the costs associated with this use
Children With Mental Disorders: Making Sense of Their Needs and the Systems That Help Them
National Health Policy Forum
A 24-page U.S. issue brief examining the nature, severity and prevalence of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders among children and the types of services that could help them
Health, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2004-07-16
Global Health: U.S. AIDS Coordinator Addressing Some Key Challenges to Expanding Treatment, but Others Remain
U.S. Government Accountability Office
An 86-page U.S. study of major challenges to U.S. efforts to expand ARV treatment in resource-poor settings and the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator's response to those challenges
Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-07-23
Downward Spiral: HIV/AIDS, State Capacity and Political Conflict in Zimbabwe
United States Institute of Peace
A 52-page study tracing the effects of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the economy and governance of Zimbabwe and concluding with a set of policy recommendations for the international community
Health, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2004-07-30
Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance - United States, 2003
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
A 100-page report on six categories of priority risk behaviour among youth and young adults in the U.S. during 2003
Families, Children & Youth, HealthPosted: 2004-07-30
Nutrition Labeling at Fast-Food and other Chain Restaurants
AARP Public Policy Institute
A 6-page U.S. policy brief examining, from the standpoint of older people, the health impact of eating out frequently, the need for nutritional labelling of restaurant foods and policy options
HealthPosted: 2004-08-05
Bridging the Divide: Integrating Cancer-Directed Therapy and Palliative Care
Journal of Clinical Oncology
A 3-page article arguing that the division between cancer therapy and palliative care is artificial and forms a serious barrier to quality care at life end
HealthPosted: 2004-08-05
Sharing Excellence in Health and Disability Information Management 2004
New Zealand Ministry of Health
A 39-page showcase of the best of health information management innovation in New Zealand
HealthPosted: 2004-08-09
Report on Maternity: Maternal and Newborn Information 2002
New Zealand Ministry of Health
A 128-page report on the outcomes, availability and utilization of maternity services for women who gave birth in New Zealand in 2002
Health, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2004-08-09
Pharmaceuticals and the Worldwide HIV Epidemic: Can a Stakeholder Model Work?
AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies
A 34-page paper arguing that the adoption of a stakeholder model by pharmaceutical companies in respect of the HIV-AIDS epidemic is likely to undermine essential R&D while doing little to curtail the epidemic
HealthPosted: 2004-08-09
Get It Together: How to Integrate Physical and Mental Health Care for People with Serious Mental Disorders
Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
The 12-page executive summary of a report examining model programs for improving the integration and coordination of health services for adults and children with serious mental health disorders (full report purchasable from publisher)
Health, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2004-08-12
Medical Cannabis Programs: A Review of Selected Jurisdictions
New South Wales Parliamentary Library Service
A 69-page Australian briefing paper describing the health benefits and detriments of cannabis use, and the laws and programs operating in the Netherlands, Canada, U.S.A. and U.K.
HealthPosted: 2004-08-23
TRIPS, Patents and Access to Life-Saving Drugs in the Developing World
Marquette Intellectual Property Law Review
A 40-page article analysing the root causes of the failure of many developing countries to prevent and treat public health crises and epidemics
HealthPosted: 2004-08-31
Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services in Australia 2002-3
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 124-page Australian report presents statistics on alcohol and other drug treatment services and their clients, including information about the types of problem for which treatment is sought and the types of treatment provided
HealthPosted: 2004-09-14
Medicaid at Birth, WIC Take-Up and Children's Outcomes
Institute for Research on Poverty
A 32-page U.S. discussion paper reporting on the effects of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which provides food and nutritional advice to low income families in the U.S.
Health, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2004-09-16
Disability Support Services in New Zealand. Part II - Provider Survey
New Zealand Ministry of Health
This 72-page report, based on a survey of service providers, highlights many of the challenges facing co-ordinators and support workers
Disability, HealthPosted: 2004-09-21
Risky Sex, Addictions and Communicable Disease in India : Implications for Health, Development and Security
Chemical and Biological Arms Control Institute
A 117-page report providing broad perspectives on risky sex and addictions, their interconnections and how they impact health, development and security in India
Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-09-24
Health Expenditure Australia 2002-03
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 141-page report examines expenditure on health goods and services in Australia for the period 1992/3 to 2001/2, with preliminary estimates for 2002-03 and comparisons with selected OECD countries
HealthPosted: 2004-09-29
India and HIV/AIDS: Fighting Back
Center for Strategic and Intrernational Studies
A 2-page update on the challenge facing India in dealing with its HIV/AIDS epidemic
HealthPosted: 2004-09-29
Infectious Disease Preparedness: Federal Challenges in Responding to Influenza Outbreaks
U.S. Government Accountability Office
A 17-page U.S. report indicating concern regarding the availability of influenza vaccines for common flu seasons and in the event of an influenza pandemic
HealthPosted: 2004-10-02
Assisted Reproductive Technology in Australia and New Zealand 2002
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
A 65-page report providing data on all assisted reproductive technology treatments taking place in Australia and New Zealand during 2002 and the resulting pregnancies and births
HealthPosted: 2004-10-04
The Impact of Aids
United Nations Department of Social and Economic Affairs
This report documents the wide-ranging impact of AIDS on population, societies and the economy at large (single page with links to all sections/chapters)
HealthPosted: 2004-10-06
Considerations for the Use of DDT in Malaria Control
Health Policy and Development
An article examining the benefits and risks of DDT in malaria control programmes
HealthPosted: 2004-10-12
Can We Design a Market for Competitive Health Insurance?
Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation
A 24-page Australian study into the practicality of applying the principle of managed competition to private health insurance
HealthPosted: 2004-10-12
Modeling Health Insurance Choices in "Competitive" Markets
Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation
This 58-page Australian paper describes the use of choice modelling to analyse consumer choice behaviour in "competitive health insurance markets
HealthPosted: 2004-10-12
Is the Child Health/Family Income Gradient Universal? Evidence from England
Institute for the Study of Labor
This 26-page discussion paper compares the child health/family income gradient in England with results from the U.S.
Families, Children & Youth, HealthPosted: 2004-10-12
Future Funding of the Health and Disability Services in New Zealand
New Zealand Ministry of Health
A 78-page report focusing on the future needs of the New Zealand health and disability services and the optimum balance between funding methods
Health, DisabilityPosted: 2004-10-13
Access to ARV Treatment: Aid, Trade and Governance in Uganda
Danish Institute for International Studies
A 59-page Danish working paper examining how the disconnects between international and national priorities, and between trade and aid, are currently affecting access to ARVs in Uganda
HealthPosted: 2004-10-19
Public Policy and Private Health Insurance: Distributional Impact on Public and Private Hospitals Usage in New South Wales
NATSEM
This 20-page Australian paper estimates the effect of recent health reforms on the usage of public hospitals
HealthPosted: 2004-10-20
Suburban Sprawl and Physical and Mental Health
Rand Corporation
A 9-page U.S. article summarising the results of a study of the association between suburban sprawl and chronic medical conditions and mental health disorders
Health, Urban IssuesPosted: 2004-10-23
Health Status and Future Treatment of the Future Elderly
Rand Corporation
This 264-page report describes a demographic-economic model designed to assist health care providers to predict future health care costs for the elderly. It also identifies possible medical breakthroughs that could greatly affect health costs
HealthPosted: 2004-10-23
Carers in Australia: Frail Older People and People With a Disability
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
A 109-page report presenting a picture of informal care in contemporary Australia
Health Care: U.S. Spends More, Gets Less
Economic Policy Institute
An economic snapshot charting health care expenditure and life expectancy in the 30 OECD member states
HealthPosted: 2004-11-02
Trick or Treat?
Council on Foreign Relations
A commentary on the first year of the U.S. Administration's Global Aids Initiative
Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-11-04
The Provider System for Children's Mental Health: Workforce Capacity and Effective Treatment
National Health Policy Forum
This 18-page U.S. issue brief examines two issues relevant to meeting the unmet needs of children requiring mental health care in the U.S., adequate provider supply and effectiveness of care delivery
Health, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2004-11-14
HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis & Sexually Transmissible Infections in Australia: Annual Report on Behaviour
National Centre of HIV Social Research
This 104-page Australian report monitors practices that incur risk of HIV transmission and practices concerning the social and behavioural aspects of treatment and care
HealthPosted: 2004-11-16
Critical But Stable: Australia's Capacity to Respond to an Infectious Disease Outbreak
Parliamentary Library - Australia
A 50-page research paper examining Australia's preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to serious infectious diseases
Health, Public Safety & Disaster MitigationPosted: 2004-11-19
Narrowing the Inequality Gap in Oral Health and Dental Care in Australia
Australian Health Policy Institute
This 92-page paper offers a series of proposals for improving oral health and dental care in Australia
HealthPosted: 2004-11-23
National Palliative Care Information Collection: A Way Forward For Community-Based Palliative Care
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
A 243-page Australian study designed to report on the feasibility and scope of a National Minimum Data Set for community-based palliative care
HealthPosted: 2004-11-27
Cervical Screening in Australia 2001-02
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
A 106-page report on the performance of the National Cervical Screening Programme in Australia
HealthPosted: 2004-11-27
Key National Indicators of Children's Health, Development and Wellbeing
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
This 16-page bulletin describes the indicators being adopted by The Australian government for monitoring the health, development and wellbeing of the nation's children
Families, Children & Youth, HealthPosted: 2004-11-27
State of the (Positive) Nation
Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society
This 106-page Australian report examines the treatments and services used by HIV sufferers, their patterns of sexual behaviour and relationships, and the impact of HIV on their lives
HealthPosted: 2004-11-30
Floods, Health and Climate Change: A Strategic Review
Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research
A 138-page working paper presenting findings from a global review on health impacts, adaptation processes and policies relating to flood risks, with an assessment of the implications of climate change
Climate Change & Environment, HealthPosted: 2004-12-06
Implementing the New Zealand Health Strategy 2004
New Zealand Ministry of Health
This 148-page report details the actions taken in 2004 to implement the New Zealand Health Strategy and includes a progress report indicating areas in which progress has been made
HealthPosted: 2004-12-13
Tracking the Obesity Epidemic
New Zealand Ministry of Health
A 109-page bulletin examining changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in New Zealand adults from 1977 to 2003
HealthPosted: 2004-12-13
Longer Life, Better Health: Trends in Health Expectancy, New Zealand 1996-2001
New Zealand Ministry of Health
This 69-page bulletin provides health and life expectancy results for New Zealand over the period 1996-2001, broken down by age, gender and ethnic group
HealthPosted: 2004-12-13
Parenting Influences on Adolescent Alcohol Use
Australian Institute of Family Studies
This 102-page Australian report investigates the influences that parents can exert on adolescent alcohol use
Families, Children & Youth, HealthPosted: 2004-12-15
The Relationship Between Overweight, Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
AAn 86-page Australian report presenting the latest evidence linking excess body weight with cardiovascular disease
HealthPosted: 2004-12-15
Disability and Its Relationship to Health Conditions and Other Factors
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
A 173-page Australian report examining some of the inter-relationships among components of disability, health conditions and other related factors
Disability, HealthPosted: 2004-12-15
Measuring the Impact of Asthma on Quality of Life in the Australian Population
Australian Centre for Astha Monitoring
This 103-page Australian report provides a comprehensive review of approaches to measuring the impact of asthma on quality of life that can be used in population-based monitoring. Its findings will also be of interest to those focusing on other chronic diseases
HealthPosted: 2004-12-26
Global Health and Global Governance: Prioritizing Health Within the Framework of the Millennium Development Goals
Brookings Institution
This 11-page paper offers proposals for dealing with the critical state of global health conditions
Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-01-17
Careful Consideration: Decision-Making in the Health Care System
Institute for Research on Public Policy
The 8-page keynote address to this Canadian conference, by Quebec's health minister, focuses on achieving success in health care reform
HealthPosted: 2005-01-21
Tobacco Control in New South Wales
Research Service, Parliament of New South Wales
This 62-page briefing paper examines how governments in Australia and elsewhere have sought to control tobacco use
HealthPosted: 2005-01-24
Offender Mental Health Care Pathway
U.K. Department of Health
This 27-page document lays down best practice templates to provide guidance on mental health services for those involved in the criminal justice system
Health, Crime, Law & OrderPosted: 2005-02-01
Selection of Antiretroviral Medications Provided Under U.S. Emergency Plan is Limited
U.S. Government Accountability Office
A 43-page U.S. study examining whether the selection criteria for ARVs being supplied under the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief result in optimum cost-effectiveness
HealthPosted: 2005-02-01
AIDS, Economics and Terrorism in Africa
Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS
A 9-page paper discussing the link between AIDS, economic failure and terrorism in Africa
Health, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2005-02-04
Ageing and Health Care: Inexorable Costs Versus Modest Adaptation
Centre for Health Economics
This 19-page Australian working paper contains two documents dealing with the health costs of an ageing population
Health Care Accountability: The Role of Performance Measurement
Canadian Policy Research Networks
A 36-page Canadian report examining the objectives and effectiveness of health care performance reporting
HealthPosted: 2005-02-13
The Role of Training in Improving the Recruitment and Retention of Direct-Care Workers in Long-Term Care
Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute
A 12-page U.S. issue brief examining the impact of training programmes on the recruitment and retention of direct-care workers employed in long-term care
Influences in Childhood on the Development of Cardiovascular Disease and Type 2 Diabetes in Adulthood
New Zealand Ministry of Health
A 56-page literature review around the childhood determinants of adult diabetes and cardiovascular disease
HealthPosted: 2005-02-22