ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the household microsimulation model used to test disease microsimulation and the simulation of diseases, using Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) disease models. It describes the model, disease data sources, modelling techniques and validations, and notes that the model is currently being expanded to 22 million persons and 2,200 geographic subdivisions. The AIHW has published models of the incidence and development of 176 diseases, without geographic subdivisions. Leaving aside diseases unlikely to cause death or permanent disability, 123 of these disease models were added to an existing household microsimulation model with 57 geographic subdivisions. Household Microsimulation Model was based on a 1 per cent sample of Australian households from the 2001 census. Mortality assumptions were included for each disease. Diseases for each person in the baseline population were retrospectively imputed, assuming stable incidence, development and mortality rates. Aged care residents in the baseline population were imputed, based on diseases and marital status.
