RFDS programs and initiatives
Improved Primary Health Care Initiative – RFDS Cairns Base
In some RFDS areas additional resources have been directed to tackle chronic disease. The Improved Primary Health Care Initiative (IPHCI) operating from Cairns RFDS base has the aim of improving health outcomes for residents of Cape York Peninsula. This is achieved through the provision of additional health services specifically targeted to address the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.
In particular, IPHCI uses a primary health care approach which aims to make services more accessible, appropriate and sustainable and to facilitate community participation in health service planning and delivery. The additional services incorporate medical services and allied health services such as physiotherapy, podiatry, nutrition, diabetes education and health promotion. Service provision is broad and includes a mix of three key areas: clinical service provision, preventative health programs and community development initiatives.
Highlights of the program have included:
- A focus on diabetes with the auditing of charts of patients with diabetes, an updating of care plans and clients prioritised for consultations and ongoing management.
- Running projects to ensure community stores encourage the purchase of healthy foods, establishing local food making opportunities and utilising of bush foods for healthy eating.
- The distribution of protective footwear to Indigenous people in Cape York who have diabetes. The footwear helps people manage their diabetes and provide protection to their feet so that they do not develop any serious foot problems.
RFDS Health Promotion programs
RFDS Health Promotion programs address a number of lifestyle areas related to diabetes.
Relevant lifestyle issues include maintaining a healthy weight, the importance of exercise and eating healthily.
Health promotion programs focus on increasing awareness of risk factors and ways to maintain health.
Diabetes
‘Field Days’ were developed as part of a move to provide a more comprehensive primary health care service with a focus on prevention and promotion. They involve a morning session devoted to health education, information sharing, practical demonstrations and skill development, followed by an afternoon clinic where community members can access a medical officer or child health nurse.
Since 2001, RFDS field days have been held at rural and remote cattle stations, road houses, national parks and island resorts across north Queensland. RFDS staff and local communities work together in scheduling field day locations and identifying health topics of interest.
The RFDS Field Day team have developed a number of presentations on Diabetes – with the focus determined by Field Day participants. Accurate information is the key to understanding risks associated with type1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. There are many myths regarding diabetes that we find people subscribe to, particularly around diet.
Our ongoing focus is on prevention by incorporating lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of getting diabetes, and to successfully manage it for those with a diabetes diagnosis. Changes to diet, exercise patterns, cessation of smoking, and reduction of alcohol are highlighted, with participants encouraged to discuss realistic strategies to incorporate these changes into their lifestyles.
Follow up sessions with dieticians, fitness trainers, mental health professionals and the like, are organised with interested communities to help support and encourage ongoing healthy lifestyles. Clinical backup is also offered by our RFDS medical team.
Feedback from field day participants has reinforced the value of supporting people living in rural and remote communities to have access to up-to-date practical information and strategies for diabetes management.
For more details contact the field day coordinator at the RFDS Cairns base on (07) 40 400 444.
For more information on RFDS Health promotion programs visit:
Central Operations
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/HP-CO/
Queensland Section
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/HP-QLD/
Western Operations
http://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/Health-Services/Clinic-Services/Health-Promotion/RFDS-On-the-Road/