Appropriateness of care: why so much variation

Broad descriptions of variation are a useful way of finding disparities, but to generate change they need to be carefully analysed and applied

The Supplement accompanying this issue of the MJA addresses variation in health care delivery as an important theme in ensuring appropriate care across the health system. While all would agree that health care should be provided as and where needed, and that only appropriate care should be delivered, difficulties arise when seeking consensus on what variation is “appropriate” and what should be done about it.