Self-care strategy lacking

DRAWING the boundaries between individual self care and professional health care is a complex minefield with a lack of strategic direction in the Australian healthcare environment, according to a report by the Australian Health Policy Collaboration.

The report is the result of an ad-hoc alliance between three funding organisations: the Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI), HCF & Remedy Healthcare, and the Australian Health Policy Collaboration at Victoria University.

Reviewing the report, ASMI said that while there were considerable efforts being made to support better self-care throughout the country and there is a multiplicity of sources of information, there is an “overall lack of strategic direction to help people navigate the complex boundary between individual and professional responsibilities for health.

“There is scant evidence that people who most need support with self-care and self-management are being effectively targeted by existing programs,” ASMI said.

The World Health Organization defines self care as “the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, and maintain health and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health-care provider”.

The report itself highlights that with “the potential of responsible self-care by informed individuals” not being effectively harnessed, the narrative around this as a healthcare first option “needs to shift in response to profound social changes, including in patterns of disease in the population.

“A healthy population is achieved through a functional relationship between active and informed individuals, health care services that empower and support people, and governments that invest in the capabilities of individuals and communities to look after their health,” the report added.

ASMI summarised in its review of the report, that in relation to selfcare, “it is time to think again.”

CLICK HERE to access the report.