Potential-years-of-life-lost - Health Quality Ontario (HQO)

INDICATOR NAME

Name

Potential years of life lost prematurely due to all-causes per 100,000 people

Alternate Name

Potential years of life lost prematurely due to all causes per 100,000 people

INDICATOR DESCRIPTION

Description

This indicator measures the potential years of life lost prematurely, per 100,000 people. Premature is defined in Canada as deaths before 75 years of age. A lower rate is better.

Indicator Status

Active

HQO Reporting tool/product

Public reporting

Dimension

Effective

Type

Outcome

DEFINITION AND SOURCE INFORMATION

Unit of Measurement

Years per 100,000 people

Calculation Methods

This indicator is calculated as: numerator divided by the denominator and multiplying that figure by 100,000 population

Numerator including inclusion/exclusion

- The sum of differences between age 75 and age of death

Denominator including inclusion/exclusion

Total mid-year population younger than age 75

Adjustment (risk, age/sex standardization)- detailed

Age-standardized using the 2011 Canadian population

Data Source

Vital Statistics, Birth and Death Databases

Data provided to HQO by

Statistics Canada

Reported Levels of comparability /stratifications (defined)

Province, Region, Sex, Time

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

Caveats and Limitations

An upper age limit of 75 does not imply that deaths in the population older than 75 could not be avoided. However, multiple comorbidities are common among older adults, making the assignment of a single cause of death challenging. - An analysis of avoidable mortality over time does not take into account changes in the incidence of disease over time. - There is also likely to be a substantial time lag between the introduction of a public health policy, improved healthcare services, innovations in medicine and a corresponding reduction in avoidable mortality. The age limit of 75 is used in Canada and is based on life expectancy; other countries may use different upper age limits making this indicator less comparable across countries

Comments Detailed

Potential years of life lost prematurely is sourced from: (1) Statistics Canada, Table: 13-10-0743-01 (formerly CANSIM 102-4315), Premature and potentially avoidable mortality, three-year average, Canada, provinces, territories, health regions and peer groups. (2) Statistics Canada, Table 13-10-0744-01 (formerly CANSIM 102-4316), Premature and potentially avoidable mortality, Canada, provinces and territories. (3) Statistics Canada, Table 13-10-0753-01, Premature and potentially avoidable mortality, three-year period, Canada, provinces, territories, health regions (2018 boundaries) and peer groups.