A local program changing the trajectory of chronic illness in First Nations people and providing greater access to care and education will be showcased across the state next month.
The healthy lifestyle program is for First Nations and Australian South Sea Islander people who are at risk of type 2 diabetes, living with type 2 diabetes or have post-gestational diabetes.
This program uses group lifestyle sessions, one-on-one care management and community event education to support those at risk, newly diagnosed or living with the debilitating condition which is prevalent in these communities.
“Providing diabetes education, timely access to care and sharing practical tools to manage illness and prevent further decline, all in a culturally appropriate way, has helped reduce the growing pressure on healthcare providers including general practitioners and hospitals,” said Mackay Hospital and Health Service nurse practitioner Maree Wearne.
“This program helps those in Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac regions understand the risks and complications of type 2 diabetes, assists them in reducing the chances of hospitalisation, supports the management of diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices and works together with healthcare providers for type 2 management.”
“Many in these communities just accept diabetes as their fate as others in their family have it, but this program helps show them how, with good management and practical tools, they can change their health trajectory and stop or slow a decline into chronic illness,” she added.
“We are teaching them how to control their diabetes, not be controlled by it.”
In less than 12 months, the team has received more than 100 referrals from GPs, community health care workers, hospitals as well as self-referrals, and now has about 70 active program participants.
Maree, who has more than 30 years’ experience in First Nations healthcare, said she was excited to present the benefits of the program at the Clinical Excellence Showcase next month and demonstrate how it could also be applied to programs targeting other chronic illnesses.
“It’s exciting and very motivating to see the improvement in health outcomes with achievements such as reducing obesity, cutting back on medications and patients coming off insulin because of changes we’ve helped them make.”
Mackay Hospital and Health Service nurse practitioner Maree Wearne is part of a local program changing the trajectory of chronic illness in First Nations people. Photo supplied
