Objective: Currently, primary health care (PHC)
is under-represented in health statistics due to the
lack of a comprehensive PHC data collection. This
research explores the utility of population health
surveys to address questions relating to access to
and use of PHC, using diabetes as an example.
Methods: Drawing on published material relating
to diabetes management, we developed a conceptual
framework of access to and use of quality
PHC. Using this framework we examined three
recent population-based health surveys ? the
2001 National Health Survey, 2002?03 NSW
Health Survey, and AusDiab ? to identify relevant
information collection.
Results: We identified seven domains comprising
aspects of quality PHC for people with diabetes.
For each domain we proposed associated
indicators. In critiquing the three population
health surveys in relation to these indicators, we
identified strengths and weaknesses of the data
collections.
Conclusion: This approach could inform the
development of questions and extension of population
health surveys to provide a better understanding
of access to and use of quality PHC in
Australia. The additional information would complement
other data collections with a communitybased
perspective and contribute to the develop-
ment of PHC policy.
Appendix A Overview of National Population Health and Canadian Community Health Surveys*
