Early intervention project supports people to manage chronic conditions

In July 2021 the Department of Health and Aged Care (DOHAC) provided funding to the Brisbane North PHN to commission services that focus on early intervention initiatives that support healthy ageing and ongoing management of chronic conditions.

The PHN approach to this task was to address the impacts of social isolation and loneliness – fast becoming a recognised public health crisis, with over one third (33 per cent) of Australians reporting that they feel lonely (Coalition to End Loneliness). Research has also revealed social isolation to be a priority health and wellbeing issue for its negative effects on North Brisbane and Moreton Bay-based older people, with GPs in the region citing the lack of a support person or network as a major contributing factor in chronic disease severity in older patients.

Social isolation and loneliness are important, yet neglected, social determinants of the health of older people (WHO, 2021a).

What is the difference between social isolation and loneliness?

Social isolation is the state of having minimal contact with others. Loneliness is a subjective state of negative feelings about having a lower level of social contact than desired.

Several studies have linked social isolation with an increased risk of mortality (Holt-Lundstadt et al, 2015). These risk factors are comparable to more widely recognised factors such as smoking, obesity and stress. (WHO, 2021b). There is also strong evidence that social isolation and loneliness can influence or exacerbate mental health conditions such as cognitive decline, dementia, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation and suicide (Cacioppo & Cacioppo 2014; WHO 2021b). Loneliness also increases the risk of moving into a care facility even after adjusting for age and ability (Hanratty et al, 2018).

How can we help?

The PHN took a holistic approach to our intervention, commissioning four program strands under an overarching Early Interventions Project. Funding was put aside to ensure the specific needs of priority populations were considered. Priority populations include First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, LGBTQIA+ communities and those experiencing economic disadvantage.

The four Early Intervention programs are:

- Integenerational
- Social Prescribing
- CarFreeMe
- Chronic Conditions and Social Isolation (First Nations)

All programs aim to:

- support older people to live at home for longer
- promote healthy ageing and ongoing management of chronic conditions
- increase awareness in the local primary healthcare workforce of the needs of the local older Australian population
- reduce demand on local health services
- improve quality of life for older people living with chronic disease.

We look forward to bringing you future updates about this program.