On
this page: What is the National
Action Plan? | What is
the aim of the National Action Plan? | What
will the National Action Plan address first? | How
many Australians are affected by these
conditions? | What is
the cost of these conditions for the Australian
medical system? | Who
was involved in the development of the
National Action Plan? | Evidence
supporting the National Action Plan
 What
is the National Action Plan?
The National Action Plan was developed to provide an outline which will assist
the Commonwealth Government to improve the quality of life for people living
with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. This includes areas
such as reducing the cost and frequency of these conditions .
It has been developed by a group of people who are living with these conditions,
working in the areas or have an interest in them.
Arthritis NSW was a stakeholder and had
a representative who contributed to the
development of the National Action Plan
on behalf of people with Arthritis and
Osteoporosis.
Arthritis NSW is committed through the
development of its programs and services
to implementing the relevant actions in
the National Action Plan.
What is the aim of the National Action Plan?
The National Action Plan aims to:
- Increase knowledge and understanding of osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis
- Consider groups with special needs
- Work towards improvements in services which support
people living with these conditions and their carers
What will the National Action Plan address first?
It will:
- Promote a healthy lifestyle and self-management
- Promote early management of rheumatoid arthritis to
minimise joint damage
- Promote assessment after fractures to minimise further
fractures
- Promote timely joint replacement for osteoarthritis
and rheumatoid arthritis
- Develop a research plan
 How many Australians are affected by these conditions?
Around 1.8 million Australians report having osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis, and after the age of 60, about half of all women and a third
of all men may have a fracture due to osteoporosis.
What is the cost of these conditions for the Australian
medical system?
Cost estimates for arthritis and osteoporosis range from $1.6 billion per
year for direct costs alone to $18.7 billion per year for direct and indirect
costs.
Who was involved in the development of the National
Action Plan?
The National Action Plan was prepared by the National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal
Conditions Advisory Group and was informed by advice from its working groups
and stakeholders, which included people with these conditions.
The
National Action Plan is available as a download from the Department
of Health and Ageing - click here.
Evidence supporting the National
Action Plan
A comprehensive level one evidence literature review is available for download
from the Department of Health and Ageing – click
here
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