What is a target and what is anindicator?

For use with Slide 22: Definitions from Matrix document

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In addition tounderstanding health inequality, it is necessary to be clear with regard to whatis a target and what is an indicator, and to which sets they refer. We have therefore developed the followingdefinitions for the purpose of this study:

 

National Health Inequalities Targets: Measurable objectives for reducing health inequalities acrossthe country as a whole (currently falling into the two over-riding categoriesof life expectancy and infant mortality).

 

Local Health Inequalities Targets: Measurable objectives for reducing health inequalitiesacross the country as specified in the Performance and Planning Framework (PPF)and for which responsibility for delivery lies with local health and socialcare agencies.

 

High Level Indicator: Asmall set of measures covering key areas of delivery.

 

Basket of local indicators: A set of local measures which can be used to monitorprogress towards the achievement of national and local targets, as well as forneeds assessment, target setting, monitoring, performance management and equityaudit (see list in para 1.3). A number of indicators will be relevant to allareas, identifying the underlying health situation including the determinantsof health inequalities. Indicators can be used to monitor change both withinand between primary care trusts.

 

Core set of local indicators: The core local indicatorsare those which are available to all localities and from which local actionprogrammes can choose.