Working together to keep you well

The Continuity of Care Collaboration wants to remind everybody that while COVID-19 is taking centre stage, it’s important not to neglect other areas of your mental and physical health.

Some health services have changed how they operate during COVID-19 restrictions, but if you have a healthcare appointment coming up or have new symptoms you are worried about, it’s important not to delay getting help.

There are COVID-safe measures in place to continue to keep you safe.

Telehealth is now widely available, so you can access your healthcare professional through video chat or phone calls.

Pharmacies are still open, with pharmacists ready to provide advice, the medicines you need, and immunisations including COVID-19 vaccines. Contact free delivery of medication to your home can also be arranged.

Clinics and hospitals are continuing to practise safe distancing measures, regular cleaning and wearing of personal protective equipment.

For appointments that still need to be done face-to-face, such as scans and pathology tests, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider to find out the best option for you.

The Continuity of Care Collaboration is encouraging everyone in Australia to look after themselves and those they care about. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 when you’re eligible and getting a test if you have COVID-19 symptoms are vital, but during lockdown you are also permitted to leave home for other health needs.

Things are tough at the moment, but in Australia we can be proud of the dedication and resilience of our community, as well as the amazing work of our health services, as we continue doing all that we can to keep each other safe.

Your health matters, so please don’t delay; get in touch, make that call, or book an appointment today. Let’s work together to keep you well.

Signed by:

Continuity of Care Collaboration Members  continuityofcare.org

Medicines Australia, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Pathology Awareness Australia (PAA), Hearts4Heart, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), Hepatitis Australia, Mental Health Australia, Australian Diabetes Educators Association (ADEA), Australian Patients Association, ausEE Inc, Bowel Cancer Australia, Musculoskeletal Australia (MSK), Public Pathology Australia, Melanoma Patients Australia, Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN), Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia

The post An open letter to Australia – Don’t Wait Mate first appeared on Know Pathology Know Healthcare.

Dear Fellow Australians,

The Continuity of Care Collaboration wishes you a happy festive season.  As we head towards a new year, we ask that you continue to focus on your health and the health of your loved ones.

We have heard the word “unprecedented” too often this year. Many of us are desperate to get to the other side of 2020. However, as we reflect on the year, it’s important to acknowledge our real accomplishment in Australia’s containment of COVID-19. This could only have been achieved through your dedication, resilience and staying the course throughout much of this year.

We certainly recognise that the year has been tough for many, and whether or not we have been directly affected by COVID-19, the pandemic has highlighted that each and every person’s health matters.

As we look to 2021, it remains critically important for all of us to look after our own health.  The Continuity of Care Collaboration is offering a friendly reminder to all Australians to put their health first by asking yourself these questions:

• Did you miss a cancer or diabetes screening test?
• Do you have new or worrying symptoms?
• Are you experiencing feelings of sadness, isolation or anxiety?
• Did you miss your regular medical appointments for an ongoing condition?
• Did you miss a regular blood test?
• Have you missed your regular 6-month dentist check-up or your allied health professional appointment?
• Have you put off an x-ray or scan?

If you, or someone you care for, said YES to any of these questions, now is the time to make an appointment with your healthcare professional, allied health professional, dentist, pathology provider, imaging centre, GP clinic or hospital.

We also want to remind Australians that there are COVID-safe measures in place to continue to keep you safe with staff at most healthcare providers wearing masks and in many cases, full PPE.

There is also regular deep cleaning of treatment rooms and equipment between patients, as well as frequent cleaning of waiting rooms and patient triaging. Clinics and hospitals will also continue to practise safe distancing measures.

Telehealth continues to be widely available in general practice and with many other health professionals such as specialists, dentists and allied health providers, making healthcare easier to access through video chat or phone calls. This may be particularly beneficial if you live in a rural or remote area or are unable to leave your home.

Pharmacists are ready to provide advice as well as the medicines you need, and home delivery of medication can also be arranged.

So please, don’t wait mate. Get in touch, make that call, or book an appointment today. Let’s work together to keep you well.

Signed by:

Continuity of Care Collaboration Members

continuityofcare.org

#dontwaitmate #getchecked #dontskiptests

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Your health is our priority

Congratulations to everyone in Victoria – we have saved lives and brought COVID-19 under control with only a handful of active cases now in the community. This could only have been achieved through your dedication, resilience and staying the course over the past few months.

We recognise that this year has been tough for many, and one thing is for certain, that each and every person’s health matters.

As we are coming out of lockdown, it is important to continue to look after your own health.  The Continuity of Care Collaboration is providing a friendly reminder to all Victorians to put their health first.

Please ask yourself the following questions:

• Did you miss a cancer screening test?
• Do you have new or worrying symptoms?
• Are you experiencing feelings of sadness, isolation or anxiety?
• Did you miss your regular medical appointments for an ongoing condition?
• Did you miss a regular blood test?
• Have you missed your regular 6-month dentist check-up or your allied health professional appointment?
• Have you put off an x-ray or scan?

If you, or someone you care for, said YES to any of these questions, we ask that you make an appointment straight away with your general practice team, allied health professional, dentist, pathology provider, imaging centre, or hospital.

We also want to remind Victorians that there are COVID-safe measures in place to continue to keep you safe.

Telehealth is now widely available in general practice and has been expanded to make healthcare easier to access through video chat or phone calls with other health professionals too. Pharmacies are still open with pharmacists ready to provide advice as well as the medicines you need, and home delivery of medication can also be arranged. Clinics and hospitals will continue to practice safe distancing measures, regular cleaning and wearing of personal protective equipment/masks.

Please do not delay any further, get in touch, make that call, or book an appointment today. Let’s work together to keep you well.

Signed by:

Continuity of Care Collaboration Members  continuityofcare.org

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The Reengaging with Healthcare webinar focuses on measures being taken by providers to ensure infection control, as well as other changes to service delivery to provide better access to health services.

You can watch the full webinar here:

The speakers are:

• Dr Michael Wehrhahn, Sonic Pathology
• Susan Davidson, Australian Diabetes Educators Association
• Dr Lara Roeske, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
• Dr Tin Fei Sim, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia
• Richard Keene, Living Positive Victoria,
• Leanne Wells, Consumers Health Forum

Dr Michael Wehrhahn was able to give some important information about how pathology providers are delivering services in a COVID-Safe way.

As a microbiologist Dr Wehrhahn is a specialist in infectious diseases, and it is a timely reminder for patients that pathology services in Australia have some of the highest quality standards in the world, and pathology teams were already experts at infection control, even before COVID-19.

Further webinars are planned for the coming months:

• • Preventative Health – re-engaging with your health (register here)
• Clinical trials; Tele-Trials and remote monitoring – advancements

For details of speakers and how to register keep an eye on our Facebook page.

Other previous webinars in the series are available here:

About the Continuity of Care Collaboration https://vimeo.com/428420101

Rural and Remote communities: https://vimeo.com/441240546

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During this time, while focused on COVID-19, many Australians have missed out on the other pathology tests that are vital for diagnosing and managing diseases, and this could have a big impact on the future health of the nation.

The Don’t Wait Mate campaign is a reminder to anyone who has missed out on a healthcare appointment or test, not to delay any longer.

You can support the campaign by:

Use the #DontWaitMate Facebook profile picture frame

1. Go to facebook.com/profilepicframes
2. Search for the #DontWaitMate-Continuity of Care Collaboration frame option (see image) and select
3. Click Use as profile picture to save

 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to share our Don’t Wait Mate posts

If you aren’t already following Know Pathology Know Healthcare on social media, now’s the time to get on board! We’ll be posting videos and images like the ones below as well as media stories and supporters’ post about the campaign so please like and share.

Our social media images can also be downloaded here

#DontWaitMate_Images _Facebook_Twitter_LinkedIn_Instagram

Post a #DontWaitMate selfie photo or video

Join the CCC member organisations and supporters by posting a selfie photo or video.

Use the hashtag #DontWaitMate in your post. See the example post below from CCC member organisation ausEE.

The post Help us tell Australia: if you need pathology, Don’t Wait Mate first appeared on Know Pathology Know Healthcare.

The Don’t Wait Mate campaign was launched this week by members of the Continuity of Care Collaboration in response to Australians missing vital healthcare appointments, pathology tests, scans and screening during COVID-19 restrictions.

According to research by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) there was a drop of 24% in face-to-face consultations in June 2020 compared to the same month last year.

During the first wave of COVID-19 pathology testing rates were down 40% on average across Australia and are currently down by 25% in Victoria.

Laboratory data revealed that in April diabetes testing rates fell 54% compared to the weekly average in February 2020. Cervical cancer screening rates fell by 67%, tests for prostate cancer reduced by 56%, and other cancer related tests dropped by as much as 60%.

Although healthcare is one of the permitted reasons to leave home under COVID-19 restrictions, patients are still delaying seeking the care they need to manage chronic conditions, or to address new symptoms.

Research results from a consumer survey by the CCC found the most common reasons patients are delaying health checks. Over half of survey respondents (59%), had delayed health checks due to fear of catching COVID-19. 36% were worried that health services would be too busy to see them, and 23% thought they would be breaking the rules to leave their homes to receive healthcare.

The purpose of the Don’t Wait Mate campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of continuing regular healthcare and to ensure that Australians feel safe and confident to access care during the pandemic.

Concerns have also been raised following the decrease of around 15% in skin sample referrals to laboratories across the country. An alarming figure on a topic which is close to Jason Clare MP’s heart.

Speaking out in support of the campaign Mr Clare said:

“The work the CCC is doing to encourage Australians not to delay the healthcare they need is vital. Around this time last year, I noticed a mole on my leg was changing colour. I went and got a skin check. The mole was removed, and the pathology test revealed it was a malignant melanoma. I was lucky. We got it early. If I didn’t have that test the cancer could have spread to the rest of my body. I’m asking Australians to please go and get the checks you need done. It’s what I did. It saved my life and it could save your life too, Don’t Wait Mate.”

Pathology testing is a vital part of preventative healthcare such as screening tests, as well as for diagnosis and management of chronic diseases. John Crothers, Chair of Pathology Awareness Australia says that many people will now be overdue for tests they missed during the first months of the pandemic and that continued delays puts patients’ long-term health at risk. Mr Crothers said;

“Pathology tests can be lifesaving in diagnosing many serious diseases, as well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, to maintain their health and quality of life. It is vital that anyone with an ongoing condition, new symptoms, or who is due for a screening test comes forward to get the care they need, please don’t wait.”

General Practitioners are also concerned that many patients are still staying away and delaying important GP appointments. Chair RACGP Victoria, Dr Cameron Loy said; “the last thing we want to see is a rise in health problems because patients have delayed care. My message to patients is this: if you have an ongoing or new health concern don’t wait, call your GP and make an appointment today. Your GP is there to help.

“It has never been easier to access care from your GP, with telephone and video appointments available. And it remains safe to visit the clinic if you need an in-person consultation, such as for a test. General practices have strict measures in place to keep patients, GPs and the practice team safe, including infection prevention and personal protective equipment. If you have cold or flu like symptoms, please call your practice first, don’t just drop in.”

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The Continuity of Care Collaboration (CCC) is a group of over 30 healthcare organisations with a common aim; to ensure Australians continue to access the care they need for chronic health conditions and new symptoms during the pandemic.

As part of getting the word out and encouraging Australians to join the healthcare conversation, the CCC is running a series of webinars with speakers from across the healthcare spectrum, including pathology.

Previous webinars include a session on the background of the CCC with insights from a consumer survey which explored why Australians have been skipping healthcare, you can view the webinar video here

The CCC’s second webinar focused on rural and remote communities with speakers from rural healthcare and patient Brad Rossiter who kindly shared his personal experience. The webinar can be viewed here

The next upcoming webinar is on the theme of Consumer Engagement – re-engaging with healthcare, with speakers including a clinical microbiologist, representation from pharmacy and general practice as well as specialists in diabetes education and HIV support.

You can register to join the webinar on 14th August here

Further webinars are planned for the coming months with themes including:

• Data Connectivity – new digital tools for health (Friday 4th September 11-12pm register here)
• Preventative Health – re-engaging with your health
• Tele-Trials and remote monitoring – advancements

For details of speakers and how to register keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Healthcare does not stop for lockdown, we are here to keep you well

• Healthcare is one of the four reasons you can leave home, and it is safe to visit health services in person when you need to*
• Don’t delay getting the healthcare you need, for an existing condition or new symptoms
• Talk to your health provider if you have any concerns about how to access your care safely

We know this year has been tough so far. The good news is lives have already been saved with COVID-19 restrictions and this can continue by following the latest health advice to slow the spread of the virus, and by continuing to look after our own health.

While we are focused on COVID-19, no one can afford to put off other areas of their own healthcare. Health issues do not stop when there is a pandemic – we want to avoid unnecessary illness, complications and hospitalisation for chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, mental health conditions and cancer. And the only way to do this is if patients keep up their regular healthcare appointments.

Remember, there are four reasons that people in areas under Stage 3 restrictions can leave home; healthcare is one of them.

While we continue to take the necessary precautions to protect our wider community against COVID-19, it’s important to also look after the other aspects of our mental and physical health. We want to reassure Victorians that your healthcare services remain open and ready to support you.

Many people may have already missed out on a healthcare appointment, either for new symptoms or a check-up for an existing issue. Please do not delay any further. Even before COVID-19 restrictions, we were concerned about the low numbers of people getting cancer screening tests. We are already working to improve early detection and monitoring of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and asthma and to reduce the number of undiagnosed cases. We don’t want COVID-19 to make these problems worse.

The same goes for mental health. We know that since the pandemic hit, higher levels of anxiety and psychological distress have been reported in the general population. Anyone experiencing mental health symptoms should seek help, whether you are managing an existing condition, or the symptoms are new.

As we have been in lockdown before healthcare services have adapted to make it easier for you to access the care you need.

Accessing care from your general practice team, and other health professionals is easier than ever, with video chat and telephone consultations available – as well as safe in-person consultations for those who need them. Pharmacies are still open in locked down areas with pharmacists ready and able to provide advice as well as the medicines you need, and home delivery of medication can also be arranged.

Remember, health services are open to see you face to face and it remains safe to visit in person when you need to, with infection prevention measures, hygiene and social distancing in place. So, if you or someone you care for is putting off a visit to your GP, nurse, an allied health professional or a pathology test – it’s time to get the care you need. Don’t delay, it could save your life.

We understand you may be feeling worried and have questions about how you can access healthcare safely; we encourage you to talk to your healthcare providers and ask those questions.

So please get in touch, make that call, and if you need an appointment, book one today. We’re here to support you and help keep you well.

Signed by:

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, The Pharmacy Guild, The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association, Allied Health Professions Australia, Asthma Australia, The Heart Foundation, Diabetes Australia, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation, Consumers Health Forum, Pathology Awareness Australia, National Rural Health Alliance, Medicines Australia, Patient Voice Initiative, Jean Hailes Foundation, Australian Diabetes Educators Association, Medical Technology Association of Australia, Australian Patients Association, Pathology Technology Australia, Australian Clinical Trials Alliance, Epilepsy Action Australia, Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia, ausEE

*If you have any respiratory symptoms please contact your health provider first

The post An open letter to Victorians signed by 26 health groups first appeared on Know Pathology Know Healthcare.

Pathology Awareness Australia is a founding member of the Continuity of Care Collaboration (CCC) that put the survey together. The CCC is a national group of healthcare organisations formed to address access to healthcare for chronic conditions and new symptoms during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The survey showed 32% of respondents had delayed or avoided a visit to a general practitioner in the last three months, and 21% had missed or put off a pathology test.

Of those surveyed, 59% were worried they would be around people with COVID-19 when attending health appointments, and 55% felt it was safe to delay regular appointments if their condition had not changed.

More than a third of patients (36%) were worried health services would be too busy.

Download the CCC Consumer Survey infographic

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) noted a significant drop in patients seeing GPs at the height of the pandemic. However, the rise in telephone and telehealth appointments helped to offset the overall fall in face to face consultations.

RACGP President, Dr Harry Nespolon said: “I urge anyone who might have put off seeing their GP to book an appointment now. GPs remain open and safe for patients to visit, your local GP can advise what measures they have in place to keep you safe when you need to attend in person, as well as consultation options for health concerns that can be dealt with over the phone or video call.

The drop in patients seeing their GP during the COVID-19 pandemic is very concerning – in these difficult times it is still essential for people to continue to take care of their health and see their GP for any ongoing or new health concerns.”

The survey showed 1 in 5 people had missed a pathology test in the last 3 months, and pathology data showed testing rates dropped by about 40% during the worst of the pandemic. Testing rates have improved in recent weeks and are now around 10-20% below the usual average.

Dr Debra Graves is CEO of the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia; “During the first weeks of lockdown when COVID-19 case numbers were rising, we saw a significant drop in pathology testing but in recent weeks we can see that testing rates are starting to get closer to normal levels. The survey clearly shows a number of people have delayed tests, so we would urge those patients who have delayed a test to ensure they catch up. Pathology results are vital for diagnosing and managing chronic diseases.”

The survey also shows 22% of people have delayed or avoided a visit to an allied health professional during the last 3 months. Allied health covers a range of professions and many practitioners work with patients who have chronic health conditions and need regular care.

CEO of Allied Health Professions Australia, Claire Hewat said:

“At the start of pandemic restrictions we did see a significant drop in patients attending, and there was confusion about what services were allowed, what was considered essential, but I think the message is clearer now.

Telehealth has been taken up well and patients are beginning to return for appointments in person too. Availability of PPE has improved, and healthcare practitioners are taking all the necessary steps to ensure patient safety. I would encourage anyone still feeling anxious about attending an appointment in person to contact their healthcare provider ahead of time to talk through their concerns.”

Consumers Health Forum represents patients in Australia and has found that telehealth consultations have been beneficial to many in continuing access to healthcare.

Consumers Health Forum CEO, Leanne Wells said; “We have seen good uptake and a positive response to telehealth by consumers. However, the survey shows there are still many people avoiding medical services for a variety of reasons. We need to reassure people, particularly those with chronic conditions, of the importance of consulting their doctor about their health concerns.

We would reinforce the message that face to face appointments are still available where they are needed, such as pathology tests and physical examinations or therapies that can’t be provided remotely.”

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