Tools for health professionals

Section Links

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• What is the My Health for Life program?
• Who can take part?
• How to identify and refer patients

My health for life Toolbox

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What is the My Health for Life program?

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My health for life is a free evidence-based lifestyle program funded by the Queensland Government and delivered by an alliance of health organisations. The program is designed to help Queenslanders live well and reduce their risk of developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Eligible participants are moved through a behaviour change model to assist them in identifying a personal lifestyle change goal and are then provided the support and tools they need to help enact change. The program is a practical extension of the advice given by GPs and nurses to their patients, allowing participants to better understand their lifestyle risks and action their health goals.

• Delivered in six sessions over three months
• Behaviour change program for patients at risk of chronic disease
• Based on the Health Behaviour Change Theory: Health Action Process Approach
• Utilises principles of Motivational Interviewing
• Choice of individual phone coaching, group videoconferencing sessions or local face-to-face group programs (in locations with Facilitators)
• Delivered by qualified health professionals who have been trained to facilitate the program
• Designed to help patients make small, sustainable and heathy changes through practical skills and support
• Encourages social support and sharing of experiences between participants
• Patient goal directed
• As a prevention program, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease are not eligible to enrol in the My Health for Life program

For more information about the MH4L please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions brochure here

Who can take part?

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People aged  ≥ 18* years and over With one of the following	Or people Aged ≥ 18 years with of the following:
AUSDRISK score ≥ 12 absolute cardiovascular risk score ≥ 15%  blood pressure ≥ either 160 systolic or 100 diastolic waist circumference 88cm plus for women (or 80cm plus for women of Asian descent) or 102cm plus for men (or 90cm for men of Asian descent) *including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) patients	Pre-existing conditions such as: previously diagnosed gestational diabetes pre‑diabetes (diagnosed impaired fasting glucose, or impaired glucose tolerance) familial hypercholesterolaemia high cholesterol (e.g. on cholesterol-lowering medication) high blood pressure (e.g. on blood-pressure lowering medication)

GP consent is required for: Current acute illness, Surgery in previous 12 months, Pregnant, Existing mental health issues.

 How to identify and refer patients

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To identify eligible participants, general practice can use practice software Cat4Plus and Topbar (see toolbox)

To refer patients, health professionals can complete a referral via the following options:

1. Medical practice software - Available in Medical Director and Best Practice medical practice software as “My Health for Life Referral” form 
2. Editable/printable PDF referral form
3. Otherwise, advise the patient to self-refer by completing the online health check or phoning 13 7475 (13 RISK)

Send/return referral via:

• Email: info@myhealthforlife.com.au
• Fax: 07 3506 0909
• Medical Objects: My Health for Life FM4064000RY

eReferral templates

(Below are RTF files for use in Practice Software. Do not open files. Download directly to Practice Software)

• Best Practice Referral Template
  
• Medical Director Referral Template
• GP Complete Referral Template
• Zedmed Referral Template
• Referral Form (PDF)
  
  

Patients may self-refer

Patients can self-refer by completing the health check at https://www.myhealthforlife.com.au/risk-assessment/ or my phoning My Health for Life on 13 7475 (13 RISK).

A My Health for Life brochure can be accessed here and given to your patients

Promoting My Health for Life

You can display this poster in your practice.

Click here for information about MH4L that you can share with practice staff.

See new tip sheets for general practices: Promoting My Health for Life, and Identifying My Health for Life patients.  Download these double-sided A4 tip sheets and discuss at a practice meeting or pass on to team members.