Chronic Health Conditions
The six networks relating to chronic health conditions are now grouped together to integrate projects and policies related chronic health conditions in WA.
This news page gathers all the latest on joint initiatives, projects and news items for the six networks which all share an interest in chronic health conditions.
You can also read about each network via their individual news pages: Cardiovascular, Diabetes and Endocrine, Neurosciences and the Senses, Musculoskeletal, Renal, Respiratory.
This news page gives an update on the following collaborative initiatives:
- Progress of the Chronic Conditions Self-Management Strategic Framework 2011-2015
- New website to help people better manage their persistent pain
- LiveLighter – eat well, be physically active and maintain a healthy weight
- Resources available to order
- Related non-government organisations
- Chronic health condition frameworks now available
Progress of the Chronic Conditions Self-Management Strategic Framework 2011-2015
Thank you to all the stakeholders who provided information on activities being undertaken that align with the Chronic Conditions Self-Management Strategic Framework.
The framework was endorsed one year ago to focus on embedding self-management principles to achieve shifts in WA health-care approaches for chronic conditions.
The goal of self-management is “the active participation by people in their own health care within their communities.”
The online survey provided a snapshot of progress toward achieving the short-term outcomes and identified possible gaps to support implementation of the framework. Overall, the CCSM Framework is being used to support policy or service redesign and service provision by a diverse group of stakeholders from a variety of organisations. There is also a positive attitude to achieving the framework strategies.
Some gaps identified that would support embedding of self-management into chronic condition management include:
- an indicator to measure the progress of embedding self-management in chronic condition management;
- criteria to be included in self-management programs and services;
- a framework for self-management support competencies for health providers;
- consistent messages to promote self-management
The Chronic Conditions Self-Management Reference Group is considering how to address these gaps to support ongoing implementation of the CCSM Strategic Framework.
More information on Chronic Conditions Self-Management can be found at http://www.selfmanagement.health.wa.gov.au/ (external)
New website to help people better manage their persistent pain
Western Australians with persistent musculoskeletal pain can now access a range of information and practical self-management tips with the click of a mouse.
Launched on 11 April by WA Health’s Chief Medical Officer Prof Gary Geelhoed, the new painHEALTH website is the first of its kind in Australia, developed for the estimated 700,000 Australians who suffer from persistent musculoskeletal pain.
The website is aimed at anyone who has conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Persistent pain is considered a disease in itself. It accounts for 20 per cent of visits to the GP. Of those persistent pain cases, 25 per cent are for musculoskeletal pain.
Cross-disciplinary health experts from WA Health’s Musculoskeletal Health Network, the Fremantle Hospital Multidisciplinary Pain Treatment and Management program, Curtin University and the University of Western Australia built the website.
The evidence-based information and practical tips for persistent pain sufferers take an overarching approach to pain management rather than talking about specific syndromes.
The site offers interactive self-checks, self-management tips from exercise to meditation and videos from pain sufferers telling their stories of how they have learned to manage their pain.
painHEALTH may be accessed at
http://www.healthnetworks.health.wa.gov.au/network/musculoskeletal.cfm
LiveLighter – eat well, be physically active and maintain a healthy weight
The State Government contracted the Heart Foundation, in partnership with the Cancer Council of WA, to conduct a new public education campaign encouraging people to eat well, be physically active and maintain a healthy weight.
The LiveLighter campaign gives people a look inside the body and the impact of toxic build-up within – called visceral fat.
“Overweight and obesity is now one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease in our community,” said Maurice Swanson, CEO of the Heart Foundation (WA Division).
“In what we believe to be a world first, this public education campaign will graphically portray the effects of being an unhealthy weight, and encourage and support Western Australians to make positive lifestyle changes and maintain healthy behaviours.”
Respected cardiologist and President of the Heart Foundation (WA Division) Dr John O’Shea added: “The time to act is now. Being overweight dramatically increases a person’s risk of developing serious conditions, including cardiovascular disease”.
Follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, or email livelighter@heartfoundation.org.au.
Resources available to order
Several resources produced by the chronic conditions health networks are now available for stakeholders. Contact health networks at healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au for information about how to order these resources:
Asthma Action Plan
The Asthma Action Plan contains information that consumers can use to manage their asthma and record their medications. It 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 provides easy access to the cardiologist’s 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 during 2010-2011.
Related non-government organisations
- Heart Foundation (external site)
- Asthma Foundation WA (external site)
- Diabetes WA (external site)
- Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA (external site)
- Kidney Health Australia (external site)
Chronic health condition frameworks now available
Printed copies of the Chronic Health Conditions Framework (PDF) and Chronic Conditions Self-Management Strategic Framework (PDF) are available on request. The WA Primary Health Care Strategy (PDF), which is relevant to service planning and integration for chronic health conditions, is also available on request.
To order copies of either framework, and to learn about joint projects underway, visit the chronic health conditions news page.