Your Family Doctor - Managing your Chronic Disease
AMA FAMILY DOCTOR WEEK, 22- 28 July 2018
Your Family Doctor: Here for you
With one in two Australians reported as having at least one chronic condition, it has never been more important to seek your family doctor’s help to coordinate your care, AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone said today.
“Family Doctor Week is a time to highlight how your GP is here for you and your family, and management of chronic disease is an important part of your ongoing health care,” Dr Bartone, a GP in Melbourne, said.
“The eight common chronic conditions – arthritis, asthma, back pain and problems, cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, and mental health conditions – account for about 60 per cent of the total disease burden and contribute to nearly 90 per cent of deaths in Australia.
“One in two Australians has at least one of these conditions, and almost one in four is estimated to have two or more.
“Some chronic diseases may act as a precursor or as a risk factor for other chronic diseases. For example, having diabetes is known to be a risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease, and people with asthma are at greater risk of developing COPD later in life.
“Chronic conditions can place a high burden on individuals, their families and carers, and the health system.
“Patients with a chronic condition need the services of a range of medical and allied health services in managing their conditions. Your family doctor is there to lead your care team, and make sure you get health care that is tailored to your specific needs.
“Your family doctor is best placed to understand your individual clinical needs, and to work with you in putting together a management plan and a multidisciplinary health care team to help you understand your condition, and actively take control of it.
“Your family doctor is focussed on your care, and is here for you to help you manage your condition, minimise the risk of developing a secondary condition, and improve your quality of life.”
Family Doctor Week recognises and celebrates the important role that family GPs play in the lives of their patients. It runs from 22-28 July 2018.
Follow all the action on Twitter: #amafdw18 and the Family Doctor Week Website
28 July 2018
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