Chronic conditions impose a significant burden on individuals and health systems across Australia. In Western Australia, 54 per cent of potentially preventable hospitalisations are due to chronic conditions (WA Health Annual Report 2013).
Supporting self-management, the active involvement of people in their own health care, is recognised as a core component of models of care for chronic conditions.
A coordinated approach to prevention and optimal management (primary, secondary and tertiary) is imperative to minimise the impact on:
- individuals
- the community
- health systems.
In line with best practice, a multi-level, multi-component approach to embedding chronic condition self-management (CCSM) support is being utilised across the WA Health system.
A range of online information and resources is available to support chronic condition self-management in WA.
Evidence shows that supporting self-management can have benefits for:
- people’s attitudes and behaviours
- quality of life
- clinical symptoms
- optimal use of healthcare resources.
Resources
For health providers
An Embedding CCSM Support Package (WA Health staff only)
For consumers
The Healthy WA website has further information for consumers and carers including:
- managing your chronic condition
- partnering with your health care provider
- support information programs and resources
- Aboriginal health
- where to find help
A series of short videos designed to help people self-manage their chronic condition are available for consumers on the Department’s YouTube channel (external site).
A copy of the video on DVD can be requested from Health Consumers Council WA.
More information
Health Networks
System Policy and Planning
Department of Health WA
PO Box 8172 Perth WA 6849
Phone: 9222 0200
Email: healthpolicy@health.wa.gov.au
Website: Health Networks (external site)
Produced by
Chronic Condition Self-Management