Chronic Health Conditions
We have grouped five networks relating to chronic health conditions together to integrate projects and policies related chronic health conditions in WA.
You can also read the individual news pages of each network: Cardiovascular Health Network, Diabetes and Endocrine Health Network, Musculoskeletal Health Network, Renal Health Network, Respiratory Health Network.
This news page contains an update on these collaborative initiatives:
- Thank you for your feedback
- Chronic Health Conditions Framework
- Self-Management on Yammer
- Information for people living with a chronic condition
- Available information
- Resources available to order
- Related non-government organisations
Thank you for your feedback
During October and November 2011 we asked for your feedback on the WA Chronic Health Conditions Framework 2011–2016 (PDF) and the WA Chronic Conditions Self-Management Strategic Framework 2011–2015 (PDF), and subsequently considered your feedback and revised the frameworks.
Health Networks is pleased to announce that both frameworks have now been noted by WA Health’s State Health Executive Forum and are now available. Together with the WA Primary Health Care Strategy (PDF), you can find them on our home page.
We would like to thank all our stakeholders who contributed to the frameworks and look forward to implementation planning this year.
Chronic Health Conditions Framework
This framework (PDF) is an overarching guide to providing the right care at the right time by the right team in the right place for Western Australians with chronic health conditions.
One of the guiding principles in this framework is self-management.
Self-Management Strategic Framework
This strategic framework (PDF) provides a focus over the next four years to address the significant and sustainable changes required as a part of chronic condition management.
Chronic Disease Self-Management Support Starter Kit
A Chronic Disease Self-management Support Starter Kit (external site) has been compiled for Health Networks by South Metropolitan Public Health Unit for health professionals using, or wanting to use, the principles of chronic disease self-management in their daily practice.
This starter kit was developed by a team drawn from the health professionals selected to undertake the Australian Better Health Initiative (ABHI) core skills in self-management training package. Representatives from this group were selected to ensure input from people working across the continuum of care and who were implementing differing degrees of self-management techniques within their practice.
The Chronic Disease Self-Management Support Starter Kit contains a selection of resources that provide an overview for becoming more informed about self-management support:
- Section 1. What is self-management support?
- Section 2. What is available for professional development?
- Section 3. What programs can I refer patients to?
- Section 4. What is available for patients about self-management?
The starter kit is also available as a hard-copy or in alternate formats on request.
The starter kit is currently being promoted for feedback and improvement opportunities. We welcome you to access this starter kit then tell us if the contents are useful for a wide range of clinicians with differing levels of experience who may wish to implement self-management.
You can access the starter kit by registering (external site) with the Chronic Disease Self-Management web site, then logging into the professional development (external site).
For more information, contact Adina Quattrini adina.quattrini@health.wa.gov.au or Susanne Gough susanne.gough@health.wa.gov.au
Self-Management on Yammer
People within WA Health that are interested in Chronic Disease Self-Management or Chronic Disease Self-Management support can join a new group on Yammer.
The Chronic Disease Self-management group can be joined by anyone working in WA Health. There you can get can get up-to-date information, view current training opportunities, and create networks with others committed to self-management.
Yammer is a social networking site that WA Health allows its workers to use. It is a great way of sharing information with your colleagues about your projects and work that interests you. It is easy and free to join.
Register your WA Health email address with Yammer (external site) to begin, then join us in the Chronic Disease Self-management group.
Information for people living with a chronic condition
An information resource is available to help people with chronic conditions manage their health and enjoy a better quality of life.
“Living Life to the Full with a Chronic Condition” comprises a six-page A4 brochure (PDF) for consumers and an A3 poster (PDF) for display by healthcare providers. It was produced by WA Health Networks on behalf of the Chronic Conditions Consumer and Carer Group.
With tips on understanding your disease, understanding your medications and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, the resources offer easy-to-follow information that applies to a variety of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory disease.
GPs and other healthcare providers may obtain copies of these resources by calling (08) 9222 0200 or emailing healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au.
Available information
E-learning for health professionals
The Supporting Chronic Disease Self-Management module is a five-hour, five module online training program developed by the Heart Research Centre in association with Hunter New England Area Health Service. It covers behavioral goal setting, effective communication, motivational interviewing, and cognitive strategies to support behavior change.
To find out more, contact Rosemary Higgins or Emma Llwelyn at training@heartresearchcentre.org or phone (03) 9326 8544.
Resources available to order
The chronic conditions health networks have produced a number of resources which are now available for stakeholders. Contact health networks at healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au for information about how to order these resources:
- Living life to the full with a chronic condition information resource
Living Life to the Full With a Chronic Condition is a resource for consumers. It includes a six-page A4 brochure for consumers with tips on understanding your disease, understanding your medications and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, that apply to a variety of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular or respiratory disease. - Asthma Action Plan
The Asthma Action Plan contains information that consumers can use to manage their asthma and record their medications. The Asthma Action Plan is being distributed via pharmacists and GPs and is the result of collaboration between WA Health, the Asthma Foundation WA, the Pharmaceutical Society of WA, and the University of Western Australia’s School of Pharmacy. - The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Action Plan
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Action Plan contains information on key health service providers, current treatments, and what to do in an emergency. A wallet-sized card has been produced, along with fact sheets for patient information and health information. The Action Plan is being distributed to patients by medical specialists, community based health service providers, GPs and peer support groups. - Consumer information brochure: Would Home Oxygen Help Me?
The Would Home Oxygen Help Me? (PDF 208KB) brochure aims to give consumers information about using home oxygen, along with the risks, benefits, and costs. - Antiplatelet Medication Advice Card
The Antiplatelet Medication Advice Card reminds consumers and health professionals to contact their cardiologist and to provide easy access to the cardiologists contact details. - Manual Tasks Guide for Carers
The Musculoskeletal Health Network has completed a partnership project with Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA and WorkSafe WA to develop a Manual Tasks Guide for Carers. This carer-focused resource is now available from Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA (external site). - Spinal Pain Education DVDs
DVDs for health professionals and consumers about best-practice management of spinal pain are now available from Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA (external site). These DVDs were produced as part of the Spinal Pain Rural Roadshow project which delivered education forums to consumers and health professionals in rural WA over 2010-2011.
Swap It, Don’t Stop It
The national Swap It, Don’t Stop It campaign is now in full swing. Eric, an animated balloon character, who is the face of the campaign, has been spotted at the cinemas, in local papers and gossip magazines, at bus stops, food courts, car parks and he has also been heard promoting his ‘Swapper’ message on the radio.
The following resources are currently available for health professionals:
- campaign brochure
- campaign poster (A2 and A3 sizes available)
- 12 week planner booklets
- Information kits
To preview the resources or to download an order form, visit the Swap It WA website - www.swapitwa.com.au (external site)
If you would like further information about the campaign, please contact Lisa Wheatley at the Heart Foundation on 9382 5935.