HSC core 1: Health priorities in Australia Flashcards
what are measures of epidemiology?
Mortality, infant mortality, morbidity, life expectancy.
What is the Role of Epidemiology? what can it tell us and who uses it?
what can it tell us?
Reasons why people take risk Variations among sub populations
Impact of the illness on quality of life Data is incomplete or non-existent
Why inequities exist Contribution of factors
who uses it?
Government Researchers
health department officials health or medical practitioners
understand how to read graphs and find trends in life expectancy and major causes of morbidity and mortality especially between males and females. (teacher note: don’t need to know statistics only if trends cause an increase, decrease or stable)
what is epidemiology
Epidemiology is the study of disease and illnesses within a given population. Epidemiological
data identifies prevalence and incidence of disease and illness as well as patterns and measures
which may reduce the occurrence of the disease.
how to measure epidemiology
Prevalence:
The number or
proportion of
people with a
disease in a
population at a
given point in
time.
Incidence:
The number or
proportion of new
cases arising in a
particular
population within a
given period
(usually 1 year).
Mortality:
The number of
people within a
population which
have died in a
given year.
what are the principles of social justice?
The principles of social justice are:
* Equity
* Diversity
* Supportive environments
what are the priority health area?
- Social justice principles
- Potential for prevention and early intervention
- Prevalence of a condition
- Priority population groups
- Cost to the individual and community
Medicare
A pre-determined
amount ($) set by
the Australian
Government for
which medical
expenses are
subsidised once an
individual or family
have incurred the
medical costs.
Priority population groups
Priority population groups are identified as groups within Australian society who
experience health inequities. Because these groups are identified as experiencing poor
health, with the implementation of the social justice principles, such groups should have
equitable access to health. Thus, health promotion and strategies must be put in place.
Epidemiological data identifies that the priority population groups in Australia are:
* First Nations Australians
* People who are socioeconomically disadvantaged
* People living in rural and remote areas
* People born overseas
* The elderly
* People with disabilities
The Royal Flying Doctor Service
The Royal Flying Doctor Service has been developed to increase the health outcomes for people
living in rural and remote areas and communities of First Nations Australians. The service aims
to increase access to services, facilities and health education
Prevalence of condition
Priority health issues can be determined by how prevalent the health condition is. In Australia,
this is generally concerned with chronic disease, injury and mental health issues. Disease,
injury and mental health issues can place burden on a population and thus it is important to
prioritise health funding and resources in these areas.
Potential for prevention and early intervention
When identifying priority health issues it is essential to identify issues which are more likely to
be preventable. This means that, in the long term, resources can be used elsewhere.
example
The implementation of screening services, like cancer screening, has lead to a decrease in
mortality rates due to early detection and treatment.
Individual Costs:
Individual Costs: Medical treatment, loss of income, emotional impact.
Community Costs:
Community Costs: Healthcare funding, economic loss, reduced workforce.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- High cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- Over weight
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Smoking
