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Not all chronic diseases are detected early in Australia1.
The aim of early detection (also called secondary prevention) is to reduce the progress of disease by picking up and treating early warning signs 2. The benefits of early detection and early treatment can include3:
The Queensland Strategy for Chronic Disease 2005-2015 identifies six markers (early indicators) for chronic disease:
Combined, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high body mass index account for about one fifth of the burden of disease and injury in Queensland4. Individuals who have been identified as being at risk of chronic disease due to modifiable risky behaviours may receive a brief intervention by the health care practitioner.
The term 'brief intervention' means an intervention that takes very little time. A brief intervention can be provided by anyone in the health team and typically consists of an interaction lasting anywhere between 5 minutes and an hour – although it may be as brief as 30 seconds and may be provided during one opportunistic session or over the course of several counselling sessions. The nature of the brief intervention will consider the person’s readiness to change and whether the interaction is building upon previous sessions and it should utilise a self management, client-centred approach.
More information can be found:
The term ‘motivational interviewing’ refers to a type of client-centred encounter that assists people to be more open to change in behaviour.
Motivational interviewing is a non-confrontational collaborative partnered process which is based on an equal relationship between the client and clinician.
Motivational interviewing is a very effective therapeutic approach used by health professionals to empower people to make healthy behavioural choices.
More information on Motivational Interviewing:
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