Call to improve Gippsland’s health

HEALTH inequalities will persist in Gippsland unless determinants of health are addressed, the Gippsland Primary Health Network says.

Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) CEO Angela Jacob said three new quarterly papers produced by the organisation highlighted important discussions needed to improve health outcomes for Gippsland.

“We know many people in Gippsland experience disadvantage that affects their health such as low income, lack of employment and pressures related to family and safety,” she said.

“These three papers – social determinants of health, improving population health and implementing value-based care – address the key factors that will guide and influence health system reform and realign with our commitment to improving health outcomes for the people of Gippsland.”

Research shows social determinants can be more important that health behaviours or healthcare in influencing health.

Factors that lead to delays in seeking healthcare or avoiding treatment altogether include cost for the service, lack of transport, discomfort sharing personal information for fear of judgement, a lack of information about available options for care, digital barriers, time pressure, and pressures related to caring and family responsibilities, and seeking financial security and safety are prioritised over healthcare.

In Gippsland, 15.4 per cent of children under 16 live in low income, welfare dependent families compared to the Victorian average of 9.3 per cent.

Data also shows that 23.3 per cent of people in Gippsland have less than $650 in weekly household income compared to the Victorian average of 16.4 per cent.

Low income affects how, where and when people access health services.

A population health approach recognises that health is shaped by a range of factors with social determinants the most important driver, followed by health behaviours and lifestyles, places and communities, and integrated health and care systems.

Mrs Jacob said Gippsland PHN used a population health planning approach when seeking to achieve its vision.

“We incorporate data into the health needs assessment to describe and understand inequities and priority populations, and incorporate equity considerations in the commissioning process,” she said.

“We look to fund holistic models of care, co-designed to meet community health and wellbeing needs and are working to support integration of the health system.”

Other initiatives include the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25 and a Climate Change Adaption Strategy, primary care education and training, supporting general practice with

Strengthening Medicare initiatives and advocating for policy and system change at local, state and national levels.

“Value-based health care is focused on the outcomes that matter to patients relative to the costs required achieve those outcomes,” Mrs Jacob said. 

“Shifting to value-based payment models can help move the health care system from volume to value. It promotes patient centres care and improves patient satisfaction.

“Clinicians focus on their area of expertise, leading to increased job satisfaction and less burnout.”

Gippsland PHN’s ‘Theory for Change for Value-based Health Care’ is a seven-step plan, which starts by conducting a comprehensive assessment of the community’s health needs.

It involves a diversity of stakeholders to identify health priorities and design potential solutions.

“We need the community to be involved in these important discussions around health reform,” Mrs Jacob said.

The new priority issues papers can be found on Gippsland PHN’s website.