Topic 1.2 Chronic Care Contexts

Chronic Conditions Management

People with chronic conditions need to manage their condition long term, accessing health care in primary, secondary, and tertiary settings.

Primary Health Care

Provided by GPs, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, and allied health professionals, often subsidized by the Australian Government Medicare scheme.

Secondary Health Care

Provided by medical specialists like specialist doctors, psychiatrists, and physiotherapists, not the first point of contact, and can be in hospitals, clinics, or the community.

Tertiary Health Care

Highly specialized care in hospitals, including complex medical or surgical procedures, accessed on referral from primary or secondary health professionals or through an emergency department.

Health Care Tiers in Australia

Describes the health landscape with determinants of health, health promotion, primary health, community care, and specialist, acute, and residential care.

Coordination of Care

Involves seeing multiple health professionals, receiving care coordination, and the importance of shared decision making and personalized care plans for those with chronic conditions.

Aged Care Quality Standards

Developed by the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, organizations providing aged care services must comply with the eight quality standards, including consumer outcomes.

Prevention and Management of Chronic Conditions

Individuals seek care for prevention and management of chronic conditions, including lifestyle changes, health screenings, and long-term management of complex conditions.