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
|
