USE OF ABSOLUTE AND DERIVED VALUES IN ASSESSING POPULATION HEALTH AND THE ACTIVITIES OF HEALTHCARE INSTITUTIONS

The assessment of population health and the activities of healthcare institutions relies heavily on both absolute and derived values. Absolute values, such as prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates, provide raw data that directly measure disease burden, hospital admissions, and other health outcomes in a population. These values are essential for identifying the extent of health issues and planning healthcare services. However, absolute values do not account for differences in population structure or other influencing factors, which is where derived values come into play. Derived values, such as age-standardized rates, Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs), offer a more nuanced understanding by adjusting for variables like age, sex, or health status, allowing for better comparisons between populations or over time. Both types of values are critical in evaluating the effectiveness of healthcare interventions, optimizing resource allocation, and improving the quality of care within healthcare institutions. This paper discusses the role of absolute and derived values in public health research and healthcare management, emphasizing their importance in shaping healthcare policies, assessing disease burden, and guiding resource allocation