New ACIR Report Unveils Major Shifts in Australian Healthcare Performance and Patient Safety
ACHS Clinical Indicator Report (ACIR) 2017 – 2024
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) is proud to announce the release of the “ACHS Clinical Indicator Report 2017–2024” (ACIR), the world’s most enduring report on clinical indicator-based health performance data. Now in its 26th edition, the ACIR provides a comprehensive framework for health services to monitor and improve performance, summarising eight years of data across a broad range of patient-centred clinical specialty areas.
The ACIR remains unmatched in both statistical depth and breadth, capturing data and measuring trends over 34 years. This invaluable resource assists organisations to benchmark and drive improvement within a national context, supporting quality and safety initiatives across Australia and internationally.
Feature Report: Patient Safety Culture Survey
This year’s Feature Report spotlights the release and implementation of the Patient Safety Culture Survey. Patient safety culture reflects the values, attitudes, and behaviours within healthcare organisations that support patient safety—minimising harm through open communication, fair processes, and continuous learning. ACHS has provided infrastructure for survey implementation, analytics via the Metrik platform, and benchmarking capabilities. The Feature Report reviews the survey’s pilot trial and its rollout across health services, highlighting the importance of a just culture, restorative approaches, and strong leadership at all levels.
ACIR Data Report: Key Findings
- Improvements:
- 19 clinical indicators showed significant improvement across the sector.
- The rate of unplanned transfers or overnight admissions for day patients reduced from 0.82% in 2017 to 0.45% in 2024, equating to better outcomes for 4,582 patients.
- Oncology patients waiting longer than recommended for radiotherapy dropped from 12.6% in 2018 to 4.0% in 2024, reducing delays for 1,481 patients.
- Deteriorations:
- 13 indicators trended in an undesirable direction, highlighting areas for improvement.
- Cancellations after arrival due to pre-existing medical conditions doubled from 19 to 37 per 10,000 patients (2017–2024).
- The rate of patients leaving emergency departments after triage without being seen increased from 2.7% in 2020 to 4.2% in 2024, peaking at 4.9% in 2022.
These trends reflect both the achievements and ongoing challenges in Australian healthcare, with improvements benefiting thousands of patients and areas of deterioration identifying opportunities for targeted action.
Quote from ACHS President
Professor Len Notaras AO, President of ACHS, said:
“For more than three decades, ACHS has led the way in healthcare performance measurement, building the world’s largest and most comprehensive clinical indicator data repository. The ACIR’s extensive dataset—now exceeding 26,500 submissions—offers unparalleled insights, empowering healthcare organisations in Australia and worldwide to advance quality improvement and strengthen patient safety.”
Contact Marketing Director, Gemma Puplett on (02) 9281 9955 for more information.
