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February 17, 2025

Professor’s insight to shape future of chronic healthcare in Australia

Professor Liz Halcomb joins national consortium focused on transforming nation’s primary care system

A ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp (UOW) primary care nursing expert will co-lead a new research group that aims to help patients prevent and proactively manage chronic health problems.

The research group forms part of the national , established following a $5 million grant from the Federal Government’s announced by The Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, this week (Wednesday 12 February).

The consortium will be led by Professor Michael Kidd from the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of New South Wales, former Australian Deputy Chief Medical Officer, and will encompass six research groups, a consumer group, and over 100 investigators.

Researchers will work in tandem with consumers, government entities and expert partners to design and test innovative models of health service delivery to better meet Australians’ healthcare needs.

, a globally recognised nursing academic from UOW’s School of Nursing, will co-lead the PROACT (Promoting Responsive and Optimal Approaches for Collaborative Team-Based Care in the Prevention and Management of Chronic Conditions) Research Group, alongside Professor Sarah Dennis from the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp of Sydney and Professor Nick Zwar from Bond ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵapp.

Comprising a multidisciplinary team of researchers, PROACT focuses on improving primary care through innovative, team-based approaches.

Professor Halcomb, who will also be joined in the consortium by , said the researchers had the knowledge and practical experience to bring an accessible and equitable perspective to the primary care health system.

“This funding will extend our internationally recognised research around how team-based care can improve health outcomes and support people living with chronic conditions,” she said.

"Our team possesses the expertise to not only design multi-disciplinary, team-based primary care models but also to thoroughly assess their effectiveness in real-world settings. This will ensure that the ideas generated will be practical and scalable."

Chronic conditions are long-lasting conditions that can impact peoples’ quality of life and lead to premature death.

PROACT is underpinned by a focus on shifting from a primary care system that is reactive to one that is proactive, in which health care professionals work with patients to prevent and manage chronic health conditions.

“Chronic conditions are a major cause of disability and premature death in Australia,” said Professor Halcomb.

“In particular, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and respiratory conditions reduce quality of life and lead to premature mortality. The rising prevalence of chronic conditions is a significant national and international health concern,” Professor Halcomb said.

“Better managing chronic conditions in general practice and keeping people out of hospital is an important strategy to enhance quality of life and reduce health costs. 

“The shift to GPs working with nurses and allied health professionals is an exciting development that is changing the way that care is delivered. The work we will undertake as part of this collaboration will provide a vital evidence base to identify what does and doesn’t work and how multidisciplinary teams can enhance care.”