Routine Distributional Analysis of Health Inequality Impact by Socioeconomic Group: Technical Feasibility Study in Queensland, Australia

Building on methods established in a previous study in England, the calculator compares the magnitude of health inequality impact across interventions for different diseases. METHODS: The calculator was adapted for adults in Queensland using the Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage quintiles, Australian Bureau of Statistics population estimates, 2023 hospital admissions (International Classification of Diseases-10th edition 3-digit level) from Queensland Health, and published quality-adjusted life expectancy.

It was used to conduct aggregate distributional cost-effectiveness analysis of 5 interventions for diseases with relatively high prevalence in disadvantaged groups, based on existing cost-effectiveness results identified by a targeted review. The health inequality impact was summarized using the slope index of inequality in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). RESULTS: The selected interventions were 2 screening interventions for diabetes and hypertension, and 3 treatment interventions for chronic kidney disease.