Chronic conditions are characterised by prolonged illness causing functional impairment or disability due to multiple and mostly preventable risk factors. Occurring insidiously over time with little chance of cure or spontaneous resolution, these conditions often affect the most vulnerable in our society.
The fiscal and social burden of chronic conditions is widely known and reported as the largest contributor to premature death in Australia. It is estimated that if current trends continue over the next two decades, the burden of chronic conditions will account for 80% of our nation’s ill health and represent more than 70% of all health care expenditure, leaving an indelible socioeconomic and personal impact on the fabric of the nation, straining national health infrastructure and valuable resources.
This manual has been developed using contemporary, evidenced literature, best practice frameworks and statewide strategies. The concise Medicare compliant health checks and nationally accepted management guidelines to address chronic conditions in a clear and consistent format, provides clinicians with a safe quality platform for early intervention to support a patients journey to a healthier life.
The health checks and guidelines are supported by lifestyle behaviour recommendations to promote patient health literacy and proactively plan, manage and optimise their health, wellbeing and quality of life while living with one or more chronic conditions.
It is our privilege to continue to support the rural and remote workforce by presenting to you the Chronic Conditions Manual: Prevention and Management of Chronic Conditions in Rural and Remote Australia 3rd edition 2024.
Dr Helen Brown Deputy Director-General Clinical Excellence Queensland Queensland Health
Debra Malthouse Chief Executive Officer Apunipima Cape York Health Council
Dr Jacob O'Gorman Chief Medical Officer Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section)
Office of Rural and Remote Health
The Office of Rural and Remote Health provides quality evidenced clinical support tools for Queensland Health's rural and remote workforce. The unit develops contemporary reference manuals and digital education courses in partnership with state and national rural and remote health care service providers and stakeholders, including the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the Australian Defence Force, Apunipima Cape York Health Council and statewide clinical networks.
The suite of tools for rural and remote clinicians include the Chronic Conditions Manual (CCM), the rural and remote Medicare compliant Health Check forms, the Primary Clinical Care Manual (PCCM), the Rural and Remote Emergency Services Standardisation (RRESS) guidelines and the Office of Rural and Remote Digital Education Program.
The Office of Rural and Remote Health Clinical Support Unit takes pride in these initiatives to support the diverse clinical requirements of our rural remote health workforce and the health needs of our target consumer population.