Collaborative approaches to chronic conditions
Recognising that many people suffer from multiple chronic conditions, WA Health Networks is working toward a more coordinated and integrated approach to prevention and management of chronic disease, aimed at fostering collaborations across the various condition-specific Health Networks.
For consumers
Self-management resources
‘Living life to the full with a chronic condition’ is the title of this resource package comprising a brochure and A3 poster.
To obtain printed copies, contact healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au or telephone (08) 9222 0200.
Support groups and activities
The Chronic Conditions Consumer Carer Health Networks Group, a body formed with the support of WA Health Networks, is open to new membership. The group is working to promote the benefits of self-management and raise awareness of services and resources available to people with chronic conditions.
First Forum Well Received
The Chronic Conditions Consumer and Carer Health Networks Group held its inaugural Living Life to the Full with a Chronic Condition Forum on 27 October 2011 at Floreat. About 100 people from a range of backgrounds attended, more than half being consumers and carers living with one or more chronic conditions.
Participants were provided with their own copy of the Department of Health’s newly launched DVD “Self managing your Long Term Condition” and the Living Life to the Full resource developed by the consumers and carers of the CCCC Health Networks Group.
The forum program covered:
- how many have chronic conditions - why you’re not alone
- self-management – it’s what you do with a chronic condition
- how to get involved with Health Networks and the Chronic Conditions Consumer and Carer Health Networks Group
- what consumers with chronic conditions want
- how to work with your GP
- Medicare items for managing your chronic condition
- listening to consumer and carer stories and practising your own story for maximum impact.
A Talking Wall enabled participants to post their most important issues, the top three being:
- getting good information
- care coordination across several conditions
- being a carer with health problems while caring for another.
An evaluation of the event confirmed that 95 per cent of participants were satisfied or highly satisfied with the Forum.
A copy of the 2011 Forum report (PDF) is available. Feedback from the forum will inform future work of the CCCC Health Networks Group, and this includes another Forum in 2012. Those who expressed an interest in joining the CCCC Health Networks Group will be contacted shortly.
Some Health Networks dealing with chronic conditions currently have vacancies for consumers or carers living with those particular conditions. The CCCC Health Networks Group will welcome and support new consumers and carers who join these Networks.
To join Health Networks or the CCCC Health Networks Group please complete the registration form.
Further information
T: (08) 9222 0200
E: healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au
P: PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre WA 6849
For health professionals
Self-management resources
WA Health is partnering with key stakeholders to deliver a state-wide, comprehensive approach to Chronic Disease Self Management (CDSM) in line with the WA Self Management Strategy, the National Chronic Disease Strategy and the Australian Better Health Initiative.