Championing change: Examining the challenges associated with promoting the social determinants of health at a strategic level in the Northern Territory. — Agentur Pty Ltd
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  3. Championing change: Examining the challenges associated with promoting the social determinants of health at a strategic level in the Northern Territory.

Championing change: Examining the challenges associated with promoting the social determinants of health at a strategic level in the Northern Territory. (188)

Breanna Ellis 1 , Christine Connors 2 , Liz Kasteel 1
  1. Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, NT, Australia
  2. Top End Health Services, Darwin

Background:

The Northern Territory has the highest burden of disease of all jurisdictions with high rates of chronic conditions in the Aboriginal population. Health data indicates a strong link between the Social Determinant of Health (SDoH) and the likelihood of developing a chronic condition. Addressing poor social determinants is one of eight key action areas in the NT Chronic Conditions Prevention and Management Strategy (NT CCPMS) 2010-2020

Methods:

The annual reports for the NT CCPMS includes information on activities undertaken between 2010-2012 to address Key Action Area 1: Actions on Social Determinant s of Health. Development of the second implementation plan for NT CCPMS has included NT Government Departments of Housing, Education and Local Government in the consultation process for this Implementation Plan.

Results/Discussions:

There has been increased effort and activity in the NT to disseminate information relating to social determinants of health .Teaching sessions for health professionals have included increased knowledge and understanding regarding the impact of chronic stress caused by poor social determinants. Access to health care, indigenous employment in the health system and racism are all aspects of social determinants either unknown or unrecognised by health professionals. Importantly they are all social determinants that can be improved by the actions of the health system.
Recent government initiatives, funding and new data, are providing further opportunities to strengthen understanding and collaboration across sectors. The Chronic Disease Network Steering Committee continues to monitor and lead the implementation plan to address Social Determinants of Health.

Conclusions/implications:

The extensive consultation process has introduced the concepts of the SDoH to a broader audience. The challenge remains in how we continue to work with these sectors to influence meaningful change, within and outside the health sector, with regards to the SDoH and subsequently improvements in chronic condition prevention and management.

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