Some factors influencing the use of medical services in the province of Quebec.

Hospital records of uncomplicated hernia cases, operated upon in Quebec in 1965, were analyzed to measure variations in the utilization of medical services and to estimate the amount of unmet need. By two separate methods, lower rates of utilization were demonstrated amongst women and the older age groups. Certain indices of health, health resources and utilization were derived, and their usefulness for planning purposes examined statistically. The importance of population-based, rather than institution-based data was stressed, and routine coding of duration of illness on hospital returns (as required on death registrations) was proposed. Regionalization of health services was discussed, and it was suggested that more use should be made of the experience of other countries and of international agencies in health planning, if mistakes are to be avoided.