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.