NHPA (National Health Priority Areas)
A collaborative initiative endorsed by the Commonwealth and all state and territory governments. The NHPA initiative seeks to focus the health sector’s attention on diseases or conditions that have a major impact on the health of Australians.
The NHPAs represent the disease groups with the largest burden of disease and potential costs (direct, indirect and intangible) to the Australian community
reasons for selection as NHPA
contributes significantly to Australias burden of disease.
contributes significant costs to both the individual and community.
significant gains / improvements in health can be achieved through appropriate / focussed attention
NHPAs ‘a dad comic’
Asthma. Diabetes Mellitus. Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Conditions. Dementia. Cardiovascular Health. Obesity. Mental Health. Injury Prevention and Control. Cancer Control
direct costs
costs which directly result from the prevention, diagnosis and/or treatment of a disease / illness / injury
direct costs to community
implementing health promotion programs aimed at preventing / reducing impact of NHPA conditions.
providing Medicare to provide subsidised healthcare
direct costs to individual
out of pocket costs for medical services.
medications, hospital stays, diagnostic tests or rehabilitation.
ambulance transport
indirect costs
costs that occur due to the consequences of the disease / illness / injury but are NOT costs associated specifically with prevention / diagnosis / treatment
indirect costs to community
lost productivity to workplace if sufferer unable to work.
cost of unpaid care, if family stop work to look after sufferer
indirect costs to individual
lost income due to person being too unwell to work.
hiring a carer or cleaner
intangible costs
costs that relate to the emotional and social impact related to the pain and suffering associated with the disease / illness / injury
intangible costs to community
grief and sadness experienced by family if death.
grief and anxiety if community member is unwell
intangible costs to individual
pain and suffering experienced by individual with illness.
anxiety / stress / frustration experienced due to reduced productivity / inability to work.
anxiety and worry for the future of sufferer
NHPA: obesity, key features
refers to the presence of excess fat / adipose tissue in body.
abdominal obesity
abdominal obesity
BMI 30 or over; waist circumference females 88cm or more, males 102 cm or more
NHPA: cardiovascular health, key features
relates to maintaining the health of the heart and blood vessels and decreasing the risk of CVD
CVD
includes all diseases / conditions of the heart and blood vessels caused mainly by damaged blood supply to the heart, brain and body
NHPA: cancer control, key features
relates to decreasing the incidence and impact of cancers.
range of diseases where uncontrolled / abnormal cell growth occurs.
spread to other parts of body causing damage
8 priority cancers
lung, colorectal / bowel, prostate, breast, cervical, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancers
NHPA: diabetes mellitus, key features
refers to group of conditions where the body cannot maintain normal blood glucose levels.
type 1, 2 and gestational
NHPA: dementia, key features
syndrome of more than 100 different diseases leading to progressive and irreversible impairment of brain function.
Alzheimers, vascular, Lewy bodies, frontotemporal
NHPA: arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, key features
refers to conditions involves muscles, joints and bones.
osteoarthritis
degeneration of cartilage
rheumatoid arthritis
chronic inflammation autoimmune disease.
attacks tissue lining joints
juvenile arthritis
inflammation of the joints in children 16 and under
osteoporosis
bone density thins and weakens
NHPA: injury prevention and control, key features
about reducing both intentional and unintentional injuries such as falls, poisoning and drownings
NHPA: asthma, key features
chronic condition that narrows the small air passages in the lungs.
results in difficultly breathing / wheezing cue to triggers such as dust, pollen, smoke and exercise
NHPA: mental health, key features
refers to a person’s emotional wellbeing where they realise their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and are able to make a contribution to his or her community
health promotion programs
aim to encourage behaviour change before diseases become a problem (thus aiming at prevention)
obesity program
Live Lighter by the cancer council and heart foundation
explanation of live lighter
educations about risks with obesity.
encourages ‘simple changes’ to diet and physical activity.
use posters, commercials, brochures.
nutritious recipes and free ‘Meal and Activity Planner’
cardiovascular health program
tick program by the heart foundation
explanation of tick program
helps consumers make healthier choices quickly and easily.
encourages food manufacturers to modify food to be tick
diabetes mellitus program
Life! program by Diabetes Australia
explanation of Life! program
counselling support program aimed at at risk people.
adults complete risk assessment.
counselling sessions.
receive individual health plan, support and advice
cancer control program
National Bowel Cancer Screening program by Federal Government
explanation of National Bowel Cancer Screening program
targets adults aged 50-74 to detect bowel cancer early.
sent free FOBT (faecal occult blood test) kit sent to privacy of home
dementia program
Your Brain Matters by Alzheimer’s Australia
explanation of Your Brain Matters
encourage people of all ages to live a brain healthy life.
5 simple steps: look after your heart, do some kind of physical activity, mentally challenge your brain, follow your healthy diet, enjoy social activity.
brainy app, brochures, booklets, posters and informative website
arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions program
Waves Warm Water Exercise program by MOVE and YMCA
explanation of Waves Warm Water Exercise program
for people living with muscle, bone and joint conditions keep physically active.
low cost classes by qualified YMCA staff in hydrotherapy pools heated to 32-36 degrees.
‘arthritis map’
injury prevention and control program
The National Road Safety Strategy by the Australian Transport Council
explanation of The National Road Safety Strategy
10 year plan to reduce the annual number of deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads by at least 30%.
Safe System approach, safe roads, vehicles, people, speeds
asthma program
The Sensitive Choice by the National Asthma Council Australia
explanation of the sensitive choice
helps Australian’s choose asthma friendly products by selecting those with their blue butterfly symbol.
provides website which allows shoppers to easily search for asthma and allergy sensitive products
mental health program
youthbeyondblue by beyondblue
explanation of youthbeyondblue
aims to empower young people 12-25, their friends and those who care for them with how to respond to anxiety and depression.
look, listen, talk, seek.
website provides many resources such as the ‘brave program’