Technical Paper 1:
Obesity in Australia: a need for urgent action
3.2.6 - Role of healthcare systems
- 1 - Executive summary
2 - Obesity in Australia
3 - Obesity prevention- 3.1 - What could be achieved in obesity control
- 3.2 - What is required to address the problem
- 3.2.1 - Prompt action
- 3.2.2 - Multi-faceted, multi-sectoral response
- 3.2.3 - Leadership and coordination
- 3.2.4 - Role of individuals
- 3.2.5 - Role of governments
- 3.2.6 - Role of healthcare systems
- 3.2.7 - Social determinants of health
- 3.2.8 - The environment
- 3.2.9 - Working with industry
- 3.2.10 - Population-wide focus
- 3.2.11 - High-risk groups
- 3.2.12 - Costs
- 3.2.13 - Research, monitoring and evaluation
- 4 - Potential initiatives
- Conclusion
- References
- Addendum for October 2008 to June 2009
Healthcare systems need greater emphasis on helping people to stay healthy through stronger investment in prevention, early detection and appropriate interventions to keep people in the best possible health. There is a need to ensure that, as well as diagnosis and treatment, actions and incentives are available to keep people well, create supportive environments and policies, protect the health of all Australians, and prevent disease and injury (adapted from NHHRC 2008).[44]
The direction of prevention within the health system and the provision of health services should be shaped around the health needs of individuals, their families and communities. Responsiveness to individual differences, stage of life, cultural diversity and preferences through choice in health care is important (adapted from NHHRC 2008).[44]