11.1.2. Data sources

This chapter draws on a number of international and national data sources, and makes use of published academic literature. Eurostat data and the European Health for all data (2007) forms the basis for the majority of the comparative figures on health expenditure, health care resources – both physical and human resources – and health care utilization. Trends are mostly reported for the period 1990 to 2005 to ensure a high level of reliability, though definitional differences do exist across countries and the comparative figures should be interpreted with caution.

To supplement the HFA database where necessary, the chapter draws on the OECD health database (2007) for the partner countries included. Although this does not cover the entire European region, there have been some important cross-country comparative projects in areas such as sources of financing, waiting times, provider payment methods, and health care quality measurement. Where possible, the information provided by OECD sources is supplemented with national data on those countries not covered1.

In addition to the above international data sources, the chapter also makes use of European survey data and existing evidence in the literature. The European Community Household Panel Survey (ECHP) and the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) form the basis of the cross-country research on equity in health care use. The First European Quality of Life Survey (2004), coordinated by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, is referenced in relation to public satisfaction with health. Levels of satisfaction are also elicited in the European Social Survey (2002, 2004, 2006). In addition, a Eurobarometer survey conducted by the European Commission in 2006 is available on public perception of medical errors as well as an earlier Eurobarometer survey of EU Member States prior to 2004 on satisfaction and experiences with health care. Finally, the chapter draws on published reports from national and international organizations, and papers published in peer-reviewed journals.