Measuring Health Status

Measuring Health Status

• Epidemiology helps measure health status using key indicators such as mortality, infant mortality, morbidity, and life expectancy
• It identifies trends, compares data across population groups, and guides resource allocation
• Epidemiology may not capture the full spectrum of health, including quality of life or social and emotional wellbeing

Identifying Priority Health Issues

• Key considerations include social justice principles, equity, diversity, and supportive environments
• Prioritize subgroups with poorer health outcomes like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, rural/remote populations, disadvantaged groups, and the elderly
• Common conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes require focus due to their widespread impact
• Emphasize preventable conditions and those benefiting from early treatment
• Address the high costs of conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease to reduce financial and emotional burdens

Supporting Data and Activities

• Initiatives like "Closing the Gap" (Indigenous health), language support, and improved road safety show social justice principles
• Epidemiological data shows disparities and justifies prioritizing specific groups
• Programs like "Jump Rope for Heart" for cardiovascular health exemplify preventive measures

Why Prioritize?

• Prioritization ensures better resource allocation by addressing areas of greatest need
• It improves health outcomes by reducing incidence, prevalence, and costs
• It promotes fair access to healthcare and better outcomes for disadvantaged groups

Groups Experiencing Health Inequities: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

• Lower life expectancy (males: 71.9 years; females: 75.6 years) and higher infant mortality rates exist
• Leading health burdens include mental health issues, cardiovascular diseases (10% burden), cancer (lung: 25%), and diabetes (Type 2 accounts for 89% )
• Cultural, historical, socioeconomic, and environmental factors contribute significantly
• Loss of land and cultural connection are key sociocultural determinants
• Community-led health services and government programs like "Closing the Gap" reduce inequalities

Groups Experiencing Health Inequities: People in Rural and Remote Areas

• Higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy are evident
• Key issues include coronary heart disease, diabetes, higher rates of transport accidents, and risky behaviors
• Limited access to healthcare and technology, along with geographic isolation, are key environmental factors
• Health promoting behaviours should be adopted
• Organizations like ACCHOs provide tailored support, and services improve access to care

High Levels of Preventable Chronic Disease, Injury, and Mental Health Problems

• Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) creates a high burden among Indigenous populations (10%) and those in remote areas
• Cancer and mental health issues present significant burdens

Sociocultural and Environmental Determinants

• Family, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access impact prevalence and outcomes

A Growing and Ageing Population

• Health services face increased demand and workforce shortages
• There is greated reliance on carers and volunteers
• Increased prevalence of chronic diseases affects healthcare costs and resource allocation

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples (Inequities)

• Disparities exist in life expectancy, rates of chronic diseases, and cancer mortality rates
• Determinants include historical disenfranchisement, cultural disconnection, limited access to resources, and remote conditions
• Supporting health-promoting behaviors and culturally appropriate healthcare is important

People in Rural and Remote Areas (Inequities)

• Poorer health outcomes, higher death rates from preventable diseases, and less service access exists
• Determinants include a lack of awareness, economic barriers, and geographic isolation

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Details

• CVD includes coronary heart disease, stroke, and hypertension
• Mortality is declining but the prevalence is high, especially among older adults and low SES groups
• Risk factors include smoking, poor diet, obesity, and inactivity
• Family history, SES, and rural residency are determinants
• Older adults, men, smokers, low SES, and Indigenous Australians are at risk

Cancer Details

• Cancer involves uncontrolled cell growth
• Mortality is declining but breast cancer survival rates are rising, with lung cancer being the deadliest
• Risk factors include smoking, UV exposure, and family history
• Socioeconomic disadvantages and occupational hazards are determinants
• Smokers, fair-skinned individuals, and older women are at risk

Diabetes Details

• Diabetes involves impaired glucose regulation
• Rates of Type 2 and gestational are rising while Type 1 is stable
• Risk factors include age, weight, and family history
• Cultural diets, socioeconomic limitations, and sedentary lifestyles are determinants
• Indigenous Australians, overweight individuals, and pregnant women are at risk

Growing and Ageing Population Impact

• Health systems see increased demand
• A workforce shortage is being experienced
• There is increased reliance on carers and volunteers

Healthy Ageing

• Maintaining physical and mental health in older age is important
• This can prevent disease, reduce illness, and promote social participation

Increased Chronic Disease and Disability

• There is higher prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly due to increased survival rates
• Reduced quality of life and increased healthcare needs exist

Demand for Health Services and Workforce Shortages

• There is greater demand for services like hospitals, specialists, and aged care
• There is a shortage of trained healthcare workers

Availability of Carers and Volunteers

• Family and other organizations provide daily support
• Supporting activities includes meal delivery and companionship.

Range and Types of Health Care Facilities and Services

• Institutional facilities include hospitals and nursing homes
• Non-institutional services include GPs, dentists, allied health professionals, and pharmaceuticals
• Primary care is the first point of contact, while secondary care involves specialist and hospital services referred by primary care providers

Responsibility for Health Services and Facilities

• The Commonwealth handles national policies and funding
• State/Territory governments handle hospital and mental health programmes
• Local government cover environmental heath and community care
• The private sector provide hospitals and alternative health options
• The community groups deal with local needs like Diabetes Australia

Equity of Access to Health Facilities and Services

• Access is affected by socioeconomic status, geographic location, cultural/religious beliefs, and education
• Long waiting lists, staff shortages, and high costs are challenges

Support Examples

• Medicare provides fundamental medical care
• Programs improve access for rural populations

Health Care Expenditure

• Trend towards higher spending on curative services
• Cost-effective prevention methods reduce long-term healthcare costs

Emerging Treatments and Technologies

• Ex: Genetic testing, artificial organs, and new imaging
• Early detection improves outcomes
• Higher costs cause unequal access

Health Insurance

• Medicare is a tax-funded system providing healthcare
• Private insurance offers access and shorter wait times

Evaluation (Social Justice Principles)

• Programs cut cost barriers
• Local networks address needs
• Preventative care shows shared accountability

Types of Health Care

• Traditional services: Hospitals, GPs and pharmaceuticals
• Complementary services: acupuncture and herbal medicine

Access to Health Facilities

• Issues: Isolation and socioeconomic barriers
• Medicare, PBS, and the royal services help

Health Care vs Intervention

• More spending on treatment than prevention
• Preventative methods are cost effective

Innovations

• New testing and imaging tech offers options
• Improves early detection and outcomes

Health Insurance Details

• Medicare subsidizes the healthcare
• Private offers faster service access

Alternative Health Care

• Holistic and natural methods are in demand
• Include TCM and dietary supplements

Making Informed Choices

• Can research and select reliable providers
• Can assess health progress alignment

Social Principles

• Government help remove unfair blocks
• Working together acknowledges health

Ottawa Charter for Promotion of Health

• Increasing individual skills and personal responsibility
• Creates supportive and inclusive environments
• Builds healthy public policy promoting health
• Reorients health services toward promotion
• Strengthens local community engagement and action

Responsibility Levels

• Government creates programs
• Communities develop initiatives
• Individuals act more thoughtfully

Partnerships in Health Promotion

• Helps cooperation and coordination in community and the government
• Streamlines resources and reaches more to promote the initiatives
• More open and inclusiveness for communities

Justice Principles

• Gives fair resources in many levels
• Accommodates and provides for all cultural differences
• Healthier environment can result in positive change

Initiatives in Ottawa Charter

• National Tobacco Strategy with policies aiming to decrease smoking
• Community helps and educates to quit smoking especially indigenous
• 'Girls make your move' provides health tools to move with purpose