Prevention and Management of Long Term Conditions
Description and Aims
This stream is a response to the challenge of long-term conditions to health and health care services. These conditions include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and chronic obstructive lung disease, cancer and mental illness. They commonly occur as multi-morbidities. The aim is conduct research in the community which informs improvement in health care and programs which aim to prevent and manage these conditions.
Key Current Research Areas
Prevention
The program focuses on improving interventions to address the behavioural risk factors (especially Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical activity) as well as physiological risk factors such as obesity and cardiovascular risk in primary health care. This uses the 5As framework (ask/assess, advise, agree and assist, arrange), approaches tailored to health literacy levels and use of wearable technology and social media.
Management
This program focuses on a patient centred approach based on the Chronic Care model and includes teamwork, information and communication systems (including e-health), self-management support and community resources. This is the focus of work on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma, COPD, cancer, mental illness and multi-morbidity.
Key Partners
This research is conducted in partnership with primary health networks and local health districts along with other groups including Aboriginal Health organisations.
Stream lead
Mark Harris leads the stream.
Completed
Projects
Lifestyle risk management in the 45 year old health check in general practice
This research project will examine the implementation of the NSW GP SNAP Trial approach as part of the 45 year old health check to be implemented through general practice in November 2006, and the impact on patient lifestyle.
Mental health and prevention of cardiovascular disease in general practice- impacts and interactions
This study aims to explore the relationship between psychological distress and other risk factors for cardiovascular disease in general practice in both rural and urban settings in NSW.
Multidisciplinary care of chronic illness: views of patients of low socioeconomic status and their GPs
This study identifies what patients of low SES with chronic illness and their GPs think about chronic illness, their health care and the concept of care planning.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in general practice - a decision making dilemma
This study aims to understand how general practitioners (GPs) and patients make decisions regarding the use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) for treatment of osteoarthritis
Overweight and obesity among adolescent refugees and migrants arriving in Australia: A review of the literature
This project consisted of a literature review of the evidence available for overweight and obesity among refugee and migrant adolescent populations who have recently arrived in their resettlement country.