Rural Health System Resources
BY RURAL PEOPLE FOR RURAL PEOPLE
How effective are allied health group interventions for the management of adults with long-term conditions? An umbrella review of systematic reviews and its applicability to the Australian primary health system
Authors
Dennis, S., Kwok, W., Alison, J. et al.
Description
In Australia in 2020–21, 79% of all Australians had a chronic condition with 47% reporting one or more chronic conditions. The chronic conditions contributing to greatest burden of disease in 2018 were coronary heart disease, back pain and musculoskeletal problems, dementia, and lung cancer. Many of these conditions are amenable to evidence-based allied health interventions, especially musculoskeletal issues and respiratory conditions. Most people with chronic conditions are managed by their general practitioner (GP) with approximately 70% of Australian GP encounters primarily associated with the management of chronic conditions. With growing shortages of GPs the study aims to establish an evidence-base about the effectiveness of allied health interventions in improving the health outcomes of people with chronic diseases. The comprehensive study found that allied health programs for community dwelling adults improved health outcomes for most chronic conditions
Why is this useful for rural and remote people?
As rural and remote communities confront the reality of dwindling numbers of GPs, attention needs to turn to how these communities can ensure local access to sustainable primary care for the management of chronic conditions. This study provides clear evidence for the wider use of allied health professionals in providing treatment services for rural and remote people with chronic conditions that were once provided by local GPs. As GP supply has declined, other health professionals have increasingly been trained to take over many of the functions performed by local GPs. While a GP, for example, may study one subject during their degree for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, physiotherapists and exercise physiologists can spend between 3-5 years in formal education and training learning about the treatment of these conditions. The level of professional expertise held by allied health professionals has enabled GPs to increasingly specialise in high level diagnostics and treatment planning, enabling allied health professionals to deliver treatment to the same or a higher standard resulting in improved health outcomes for patients. Improved use of allied health professionals in rural and remote communities may increase access to treatment services, and lead to higher quality life and health outcomes for rural and remote patients.
Suggested Citation
Dennis, S., Kwok, W., Alison, J. et al. How effective are allied health group interventions for the management of adults with long-term conditions? An umbrella review of systematic reviews and its applicability to the Australian primary health system. BMC Prim. Care 25, 325 (2024).
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