Part of the Australian Better Health Initiative, the 45–49 year old health check is a government incentive which was introduced in 2006 with the aim to promote health and wellness whilst reducing the burden of chronic disease within the community.
According to the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Ageing, a health check at this stage of an individual’s life can facilitate patients to implement the necessary changes in their lifestyle which may prevent or delay onset of chronic illness.
GP's are able to play a fundamental role in assisting and encouraging patients wanting to make positive lifestyle changes.
Patient Eligibility
The patient criteria for the 45–49 year old health check are as follows:
- Must be within the ages of 45 and 49 years
- Must have never previously partaken in a 45 year old health check
- Must be categorised as 'at risk' of developing a chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or cancer.
Possible risk factors may include:
- lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet, high levels of stress, or misuse of alcohol
- biomedical risk factors including high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, excess weight or impaired glucose metabolism
- Family history of a chronic disease.
Before undertaking the 45 year old health assessment it is essential that the patient fully understands what will be involved and must provide verbal or written consent .
Components of the 45 Year Old Health Check
Components of the 45 year old health check include:
- Collection of patient information from the patient regarding their past medical history, current health problems as well as the family medical history of the patient
- Examinations and clinical investigations including blood pressure, cholesterol, BMI, blood tests, and sexual and reproductive health examinations
- Overall assessment of the health of the patient including assessing the readiness of the patient to implement lifestyle and behavioural changes such as willingness to improve dietary habits, increase or commence an exercise regime, and/or decrease consumption of alcohol.
The GP’s Role
The 45 year old health check is most commonly carried out by the patient’s regular GP – that is, the doctor who has performed the majority of services to the patient with the last twelve months. (In the event that the patient does not have a regular doctor, the health check should be performed by the doctor most likely to provide the majority of services to the patient for the next twelve months.)
It is expected that the GP will adopt a primary role in activities such as:
- reviewing and analysing the information collected from the patient
- undertaking and arranging tests and investigations
- conducting an overall assessment of the patient
- making appropriate referrals to specialists and/or allied health practitioners
- providing advice, recommendations, support and education to the patient.
The Role of the Practice Nurse and Allied Health Professionals
Under the supervision of the GP, practice nurses and other allied health professionals are likely to assist the doctor in performing the 45 year old health check.
This may involve activities associated with:
- collecting necessary patient information such as measuring the patient’s weight and height, blood pressure and lifestyle risk factors
- educating patients of recommended interventions including information about community resources, local support services, and referral options as directed by the GP.
Sources
Australian Divisions of General Practice. LifeScripts. 45 Year Old Health Check-Tips. Retrieved 12 January 2012, from www.shiregps.org.au/45-year-old-health-check-984600656.php
Department of Health and Ageing’s Medicare. 45 Year Old Health Check Factsheet. Retrieved 12 January 2012, from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/3187C9D8567E611CCA2572F1007F0175/$File/Fact%20Sheet.pdf
GP Access.Health Promotion. Retrieved 12 January 2012, from http://www.gpaccess.com.au/services.php?category=services&service_id=43
