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Media event date:
11 June 2024
Date published:
11 June 2024
Media type:
Media release
Audience:
General public
The Albanese Government is funding research to better equip Australia’s primary health care system to support patients, especially those with chronic and ongoing health conditions.
Nine projects will share in $19.6 million in funding delivered through the Medical Research Future Fund’s Primary Health Care Research Initiative. The benefits of multidisciplinary care, telehealth and preventive health are a focus of the research, with many projects specifically targeted to offer better health care and support to people in rural, regional and remote communities.
Four projects will share in $8.8 million in funding to ease the burden for Australians with chronic pain. Researchers from the University of South Australia will work with two rural communities to build the skills of local health professionals and offer a lifestyle program to patients living with chronic pain.
Another project will target support at rural Australians with back pain, which causes huge suffering and often coincides with lifestyle risks for chronic disease. Many people don’t get care to manage both, especially in rural regions.
University of Sydney researchers will adapt a lifestyle program that can be used by rural primary care practices to reduce disability and ongoing disease.
At least one in five Australians aged 45 and over lives with chronic and ongoing pain, which can take an enormous physical and emotional toll on them, their families and loved ones.
The research funding is just one way the Government is strengthening Medicare to better fit the needs of 21st century Australia, including a greater incidence of chronic disease.
Recent changes to bulk billing incentives, investments to support multidisciplinary care, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics and workforce investments are making it easier for every Australian to get the care they need, when and where they need it.
Further details about the nine projects can be found here.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Primary care is the frontline of Australia’s health care system – GPs, pharmacists and allied health professionals who are often the first point of contact for people who need health care.
“The Albanese Government is supporting primary care on a range of fronts as we strengthen Medicare for the needs of 21st century Australia.
“For people like Grace, pain has had a life-changing impact. It was there day and night, affecting her ability to live a normal life and do the things that bring joy and fulfilment.
“Finding better ways to care for patients like Grace relies on our research sector testing new interventions, devices and clinical approaches.
“The Albanese Government is targeting health research funding to where it’s needed most. Where it will improve the lives of everyday Australians and tackle the chronic issues that impact so many of us.”
https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/better-primary-care-and-chronic-pain-treatment-through-20-million-in-research?language=en
