What next for the Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation series? Focusing the system on appropriate and sustainable health care.

Mapping, identifying and reducing unwarranted healthcare variation is integral to improving the appropriateness of care - minimising wasteful or unnecessary care and redirecting care to those who could benefit most (J Eval Clin Pract 26: 687-696, 2020). The Australian Atlas of Healthcare Variation series has examined variation in healthcare use since 2015. The findings reported in the Atlas series have led to important system changes.

Recognising and responding to deteriorating patients: what difference do national standards make?

Background: The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released a set of national standards which became a mandatory part of accreditation in 2013. Standard 9 focuses on the identification and treatment of deteriorating patients. The objective of the study was to identify changes in the characteristics and perceptions of rapid response systems (RRS) since the implementation of Standard 9.

Health care variation: time to act.

Geographic variation in health care use has been demonstrated in many countries over many years. Such variation can be warranted - in response to patient need or preference for care - or unwarranted. Unwarranted variation raises concerns about equity and appropriateness of care.

Variation in coronary angiography rates in Australia: correlations with socio-demographic, health service and disease burden indices.

Background: Variation in the provision of coronary angiography is associated with health care inefficiency and inequity. We explored geographic, socio-economic, health service and disease indicators associated with variation in angiography rates across Australia.

Methods: Australian census and National Health Survey data were used to determine socio-economic, health workforce and service indicators.