A comparison of two proxy measures for morbidity.

The use of standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) as a proxy measure of morbidity for resource allocation purposes in the National Health Service (NHS) has been widely criticised. The small number of deaths from infectious diseases makes it necessary to consider whether there are more appropriate measures. The standardised notification rate (SNR) was compared with the SMR for respiratory tuberculosis and it appears to be a better proxy for morbidity.