A comparison of two proxy measures for morbidity

Abstract

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