数学中国 Ww. madio. net 138 The UMAP Journal 29.2(2008) Which metrics to Use Two common metrics for healthcare quality are life expectancy and in fant mortality rate, but both are influenced by factors beyond the control of a reasonable healthcare system IO Neill and ONeill 20071. Life expectancy it does not distinguish between treatable causes of death(e. g, disease)and other causes(e.g, war). Similarly, infant mortality rates are strongly influ enced by cultural, social, and educational factors. Because of the outside forces, comparisons made with only these metrics are not reliable IO/Neill and ONeill 2007] We follow guidelines of the OECD, which has concluded that an effective metric is best characterized by three things: First, it [must] capture an important performance aspect [of the healthcare system]. Second, it [must] be scientifically sound. And third, it Imust be] potentially feasible 2004] Data for Metrics The World Health Organization(WHO)offers an abundance of statis- tics relating to healthcare, which are widely believed to be accurate and unbiased. We rely on the wHO as the primary source for health outcomes ssociated with We choose metrics based on the recommendations of OECD [2004]and the availability of data in the wHO database [2008]. we group them by omponent of health, as set out earlier. Prevention Obesity. This metric reflects the emphasis that a healthcare system places on healthy dietary habits as well as the publics desire to adopt those habits. Data for this metric are readily available from the wHo as Adults aged>15 years who are obese. Prevalence of contraceptives. Contraceptives prevent both unwanted preg nancies and the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases. The majority of abortions are performed due to unwanted pregnancies; abortions have substantial long-term consequences in women, both psychologically and medically OECD [2004]. This metric responds to measures taken by a healthcare system to reduce risks of unprotected sex. Data are available from WHO as"contraceptive prevalence rate.数学中国ww.madio.net