NEW CASTLE — The Department of Health and Social Services’ second annual Benchmark Trend Report was presented at Thursday’s Delaware Health Care Commission meeting.

The report, which was presented by DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik, shows trends of the state’s health care spending and quality by comparing the data against a benchmark. Baseline data from 2019 is also used to determine trends.

“While the decreases in per-capita health care spending and the spending growth rate appear at first glance as a positive change, it is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on preventative health care services, health care facility utilization, service delivery and payer/provider finances,” Ms. Magarik said.

“These benchmark findings need to be viewed in the context of the extraordinary circumstances we faced in 2020. And that makes equitable comparisons with previous calendar years extremely difficult.”

The Benchmark Trend Report shows how key metrics compared to their 2020 goals. These results varied, including an increase in adult obesity, an increase in opioid-related deaths, a decrease in the prescription of high-dose opioids, significant improvements in the prescription of beta-blocker treatments for heart attacks, and an increase in the availability of stain therapy for patients with cardiovascular disease. Emergency department utilization is also a key area but was given first-year status due to changes in methodology.