Average Emergency Department cost per weighted activity unit

Rationale

This indicator is a measure of the cost per WAU compared with the state target as approved by the Department of Treasury, which is published in the 2021-22 Budget Paper No. 2, Volume 1.

The measure ensures that a consistent methodology is applied to calculating and reporting the cost of delivering ED activity against the state’s funding allocation. With the increasing demand on EDs and health services, it is important that ED service provision is monitored to ensure the efficient delivery of safe and high-quality care. 

Target

The 2021-22 target for average ED cost per WAU is $6847. Improved or maintained performance is demonstrated by a result below or equal to target. 

Results

Please note: 2019-20 and 2020-21 actuals have been restated in accordance with the 2021-22 Outcome Based Management Key Performance Indicator Data Definition Manual

Commentary

The target for 2021-22 was developed by WA Health for all HSPs. The actual average ED cost per WAU is $506 above the 2021-22 target of $6847. It is also $255 higher than the actual average cost of $7098 in 2020-21 when compared to the performance in that year.

EMHS EDs remain open and fully prepared for all emergencies on a 24/7 x 365 basis to ensure staff and patients always remain safe and protected irrespective of other environmental factors. In 2021-22, ED costs have increased, due primarily to the additional safeguards implemented to address recommendations from health reports into ED waiting room practices and processes for maintaining patient safety.

Period: 2019-20 – 2021-22 financial years 

Contributing sites: Armadale Health Service, Royal Perth Hospital, St John of God Midland Public Hospital 

Data source: OBM allocation application; Oracle 11i financial system; Emergency Department Data Collection (EDDC)