An indicator is a quantitative or qualitative measure of how close we are to
achieving a set goal (policy outcome). They help us analyse and compare
performance across population groups or geographic areas, and can be useful for
determining policy priorities. Health indicators based on reliable, comparable
data are essential for designing strategies and policies to improve the health
of Europeans, and then monitoring their implementation.
The Commission already publishes various sets of health indicators and data,
which will continue to be used and expanded to incorporate emerging health
considerations.
Health information strategy
The strategy aims to set out an overall approach
(83 KB) for generating, disseminating and applying
information, based on the priorities outlined in the health strategy, and
create an organizational structure and methods.
EU health indicators
One of the Commission's aims is to produce comparable data on health and
health-related behaviour, diseases and health systems.
This needs to be based on common EU health indicators, for which there is
Europe-wide agreement regarding definitions, collection and use:
International classifications
Consistent use of
internationally-agreed classification systems, with their common concepts
and definitions, is essential if data is to be registered and codified in a
standardised manner, so it and the indicators based on it are comparable.
