Background/Significance:
Overcoming chronic health issues to improve outcomes in any setting is challenging. It is critical to involve patients and consumers in planning and developing health services, as a means to improving quality of services. A process through which health care professionals or relevant organisations can improve the dialogue with patients and consumers to express their needs , present their concerns , devise strategies for involvement in decision -making process should achieve better political, social and cultural outcomes to meet their needs. Hearing the Consumer voice and translating it to the appropriate action is a key priority of Healthy Bones Australia.
Setting/Methods:
Whilst Patients Advocacy can play a significant role in many areas of health care system, Healthy Bones Australia is undertaking to enhance participation of consumers and patients who are living with poor bone health or may be at risk of osteoporosis. The approach focuses on guiding principles of patients/consumer participation and taking responsibility for decision making and input into health promotion, including a significant voice in support of Healthy Bones Australia developing strategies for improving identification of patients at risk of bone fragility fracture and better management of patients with osteoporosis. Additionally, consumers and patients play a critical role in "pushing "policy makers for action to improve access to diagnosis and treatment .
Outcomes.
In 2020 Healthy Bones Australia convened the Inaugural National Consumer and Community Forum to produce Position statement with specific recommendations and actions for the broader healthcare system to improve diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and overall bone health across community, representing a range of patients living with osteoporosis and key stakeholders.
The agreed priorities for action:
Increase Community Awareness and Education
Improve Risk Factor Identification and Diagnosis
Improve Fracture Identification and Management
Enhance Bone Health Strategic Engagement and Advocacy
Where to Next
Healthy Bones Australia incorporated the Forum's action into 21-23 Action plan and utilising Patient advocates to build effective partnership and collaborations with key stakeholder organisations and groups, as well as Federal Government.