Tash Clutterbuck's Z-s1-Lecture recording

Course Overview

  • Week Three Focus: Principles and practices of primary health care.

  • Learning Outcomes:

    • Analyze health and well-being through various determinants.

    • Relate primary health care principles to nursing practice.

    • Apply health promotion strategies at different levels.

    • Discuss Australia's national health priority areas.

    • Support nursing practice with current evidence.

Definition of Primary Health Care

  • WHO Definition:

    • A comprehensive approach to health care aiming to ensure high levels of well-being, accessible to all, addressing health promotion, disease prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.

    • Recognizes everyone’s right to health, focusing on the needs of communities.

Key Components of Primary Health Care

  • Three Main Components:

    1. Integrated health services across the lifespan.

    2. Addressing broader health determinants with multi-sectoral policy actions.

    3. Empowering individuals, families, and communities.

  • Philosophical Basis: Health as a fundamental right and collective responsibility.

Health Determinants

  • Addresses: Biological, social, economic, environmental, and cultural factors.

  • Key Principles:

    • Social justice

    • Equity

    • Community participation

    • Health promotion

River Story Analogy

  • Demonstrates the need to address root causes of health issues, not just treat symptoms.

  • Highlights the importance of preventative measures in health care.

Historical Context in Australian Healthcare

  • Changing Burden of Disease: From communicable diseases to chronic conditions due to improved public health.

  • Key Statistics:

    • Life expectancy increased from 55 (1900s) to 80 (post-2010).

    • Significant decline in deaths from infectious diseases.

  • Current Challenges: Chronic conditions, health inequalities, and pandemics (COVID-19).

Primary Health Care Significance

  • Primary health care as the first point of contact in the health system.

  • Focuses on prevention, early intervention, and management of health care needs.

  • Essential for achieving universal health coverage and effective health systems.

Key Historical Moments

  • Alma Ata Declaration (1978): Shift to primary health care as integral to health systems.

  • Subsequent Health Initiatives: Global strategy for Health for All, Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion.

Principles of Primary Health Care

  • Equity: Expanding access irrespective of socio-economic status.

  • Empowerment: Encouraging health literacy and community participation.

  • Cultural Sensitivity and Safety: Respecting individual cultures in health care delivery.

  • Intersectorial Collaboration: Working across sectors to improve health outcomes.

Health Promotion Framework (Ottawa Charter)

  • Prerequisites for Health:

    • Peace, shelter, education, food, income, stable ecosystem, social justice.

  • Action Areas:

    1. Build healthy public policy.

    2. Create supportive environments.

    3. Strengthen community action.

    4. Develop personal skills.

    5. Reorient health services.

Primary Health Care vs. Primary Care

  • Primary Health Care: Broader approach including social determinants.

  • Primary Care: First point of contact, usually episodic treatment.

Access and Equity in Australian Healthcare

  • Rural vs. Urban Disparities: Higher health risks and lower health literacy in remote areas.

  • Impact of Social Determinants: Economic, geographical, and educational factors affecting health outcomes.

Conclusion

  • Need for Investment in Primary Health Care: Essential for improving outcomes, reducing disparities, and addressing chronic health issues in communities.