ABSTRACT
Sensitive local planning is necessary to meet people’s needs and to distribute scarce health care resources best to meet government aims. This requires good quality health data, which is often not available for smaller geographical areas. For example, in Austria, the National Health Survey is collected only once a decade. To overcome such obstacles, we can make use of small-area simulation methods; here we use spatial microsimulation modelling to model this ‘missing’ data. One of the main advantages of this method is the simulation of specific target groups, e.g. divorced women aged 30 to 44 without a job. The main research centres of spatial microsimulation modelling are found in the UK, the US and Australia. However, the advantages are getting increased recognition worldwide. Drawbacks for using the modelling method include the lack of available software and expert knowledge in the area of spatial microsimulation modelling.
