Chronic disease

Chronic disease is responsible for sixty percent of all deaths across the globe. Almost 50% of deaths caused by chronic disease take place in people under 70 years of age. Chronic disease impacts men and women alike. Typically, the primary risk factors for all chronic diseases are physical inactivity, an unhealthy diet and tobacco use. Currently, 2.5 million Australians have chronic disease. The NPHP (National Public Health Partnership) identifies these chronic conditions as the ones that affect the burden of disease in the country the most:

• Ischaemic heart disease (coronary heart disease)
• Lung cancer
• Stroke
• Depression
• Colorectal cancer
• Type 2 diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Asthma
• COPD-Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Oral disease
• Chronic kidney disease

Chronic Disease Management process that we follow at Citydoc uses the model of shared care; this engages individuals that have chronic disease as well as the service providers. Our vision for integrated chronic disease management is essentially the delivery of a person-centred, responsive and highly effective system of care which can improve the health outcomes & the quality of life for patients with chronic disease. The aims are to:

• Improve the access to quality and integrated multidisciplinary care
• Slow down the rate of progression of the disease while maximising health & wellbeing
• Actively engage GPs as part of the multidisciplinary coordinated approach
• Facilitate client & carer empowerment via self-management programs and other specialised approaches
• Identify client needs early; this leads to appropriate & timely referrals
• Reduce the inappropriate demands on the acute healthcare system
• Support for self-management
• Coordinating care using carious team-based approaches- cross multiple organisations
• Regular review & follow-up
• Evidence-based care

Chronic Disease & Depression

A number of patients that have chronic disease also experience depression and/anxiety and this has a significant negative impact on their live. In these instances, we may refer the person to an expert psychologist; He will provide cognitive behaviour therapy and counselling. This can go a long way in improving the quality of the person’s mental state and wellbeing. We have 2 highly experienced psychologists. These onsite psychologists have years of experience in managing patients that have these problems.

At Citydoc we are highly experienced in providing care and managing such patients. We are committed to tailoring the best treatment options for our patients. You will find our services to be seamless and our psychologists professional and understanding. In many ways, this takes a lot of stress off of your shoulders. You will get enhanced levels of healthcare that is also well-coordinated. Call us and fix your appointment today and let us help you bring about a change in your life.

Useful links:

• www.health.gov.au
• www.aihw.gov.au
• cmcd.sph.umich.edu