Final answer:
Chronic illnesses are long-term conditions that include diseases such as heart disease and cancer. They are influenced by factors such as environment and lifestyle, which are addressed through approaches like the Wagner Model and Integrated Chronic Disease Management. The Australian National Chronic Disease Strategy aims to address these conditions through its four key action areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic illnesses or diseases, as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), are long-term health conditions that are generally slow in progression and can be controlled but not always cured. They include a range of diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and various types of cancer, which are major chronic conditions in Australia. The Wagner Model for chronic illness outlines an approach for improving patient outcomes through a proactive, planned, and population-based approach to care, encompassing elements like self-management support and delivery system design. Integrated Chronic Disease Management (ICDM) is about coordinating services and care pathways for patients with chronic conditions to ensure they receive the right care at the right time and by the right team.
Environmental and social conditions such as geographic location, upbringing, cultural background, education, and socio-economic status, have a significant impact on an individual's health and well-being. Each condition influences lifestyle choices, access to health care, stress levels, and risk exposure, which can either contribute to or mitigate the risk of chronic illnesses. The continuum of chronic disease prevention and care includes core elements such as healthy lifestyle promotion, disease prevention programs, early detection, and integrated care management. In line with this, the Australian National Chronic Disease Strategy focuses on four key action areas: prevention across the continuum, early detection and early treatment, integration and continuity of prevention and care, and self-management.