Issues in Australian Health Care

Vocabulary list Biomedical model of health, medicare, complementary health services, alternative health care services, homeostasis.

The Australian health care system The aim of the national health care funding system(known as medicare) is to provide all Australians, regardless of personal circumstance, access to health care at no cost or at an affordable cost, while allowing choice for individuals through the private sector.

Preventative health care It aims at stopping illness from occurring or returning and, if illness does occur, to detect it at the earliest time possible to reduce the severity. 3 stages are: Primary Secondary Tertiary

Primary prevention Aim is to prevent the onset of illness, injury and/or disease. The key factors of primary prevention are: Education, awareness and promoting healthy lifestyles. Come up with 2 examples of this in our community.

Secondary Prevention Aim is to detect and treat illness at the earliest time possible. It is often directed at people who are at risk of a particular diseases, but have not fully developed it. Risk factors include: personal or family history, age and gender. Think about an example that fits this scenario.

Tertiary prevention Aim is to provide treatment, rehabilitation and support for people who already suffer from a disease or illness. It aims to improve the quality of life of the person. Think of an example for this.

Biomedical health care Aims to treat the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness. It involves diagnosis and intervention(medical treatment to cure, control or treat illness). Examples include: Blood tests, X-rays, medications and surgery. Patients first contact is with a GP, covered by medicare or proportion of it, if further care is needed they will be referred to a specialist. Many people also seek care from the private sector and this is not covered by medicare. Eg physio, dentists and natural therapists.

Biomedical health care Public hospitals are accessible by a patient on their own initiative via the emergency department, ambulance or referral by a doctor. Emergency services are provided free of charge. Funding for health care is shared between the Commonwealth, state and territory governments, health insurers, individuals and a range of other sources.

Role of government and non government organisations Commonwealth government is responsible for: Get 2 examples from page The State government, via their departments of health, provide a wide range of health services, such as provision of a public hospital system. Provide health care programs such as: Get 2 examples from page The non government sector provides: Get 2 examples from page

Complete activity 13.1