Chronic disease self-management in patients living in lower socio-economic areas: A WA perspective

Abstract

The WA HealthPartners self-management project involves patients over 50 with Type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease who live in the lower socio-economic areas of Perth. This paper will explore the challenges and successes in trying to recruit GPs and their patients to the HealthPartners program. The paper also outlines the process and progress of the five HealthPartners interventions and the strategies used to ensure sustainability. HealthPartners now have over 12 general practices on board with over 150 general practice patients enrolled in the project. In addition, over 100 people regularly attend the Live Life Club. The growing number of referrals into the project are indicative of the need for additional support for patients with chronic conditions.