Our LMMML Region. Diverse geographic and demographic landscape. Each community and stakeholder group is unique. Require unique approaches

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1 Engaging communities in planning local health solutions Karen Marini Consumer Engagement Manager

2 Our LMMML Region Diverse geographic and demographic landscape Each community and stakeholder group is unique Require unique approaches Existing partnerships and current work is critical The context and the purpose of engagement requires varied levels and techniques There is no one size fits all

3 Health is a shared responsibility Research tells us that involving community in their health care improves the outcomes Locals know what works locally Local champions have impact and influence in local communities Consumer engagement refers to proactively establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships with consumers to understand and improve health services. (NZ Department of Health: 2008).

4 Population health planning LMMML health priorities (CNA): Diabetes Mental Health Falls Colorectal Cancer Lung Cancer Stroke Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Ischaemic Heart Disease

5 Frame your engagement All engagement activities should have a clearly defined purpose. Consider: An evidence base Who the key decision makers and key stakeholders are What the engagement aims to achieve What is in and what is out of scope What issues or questions are negotiable with the community When and how will it take place The preparedness of people to engage and the level of participation required Resources required to undertake the engagement and their availability

6 Can the oral health of rural communities be improved when rural people participate in oral health care planning?

7 Why oral health? Intricately linked with overall health Impacts on a range of other conditions including mental health, diabetes, cardiac disease and cancer Highest cause of all preventable hospitalisations for Victorians under 20 Tooth decay is Victoria s most prevalent health problem Oral conditions are the second most expensive disease group to treat $2.2 billion was spent in Vic on dental treatment in Tooth decay in children remains 5 times more prevalent than asthma

8 LMMML Regional communities 1 in 7 Australians aged 15 and over had a toothache in the last year Dental disease is preventable yet in Australia costs the economy $8.4 year It takes 2-3 minutes to properly brush your teeth but most people spend about 30 seconds Whilst brushing and flossing removes bacteria from the teeth and gums, about 50 % of bacteria live on the tongue and in the mouth

9 Rural ECOH Involves 6 communities over 3 years (Victoria & Queensland) Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council Methodology uses a bottom up not top down approach Outcome the development of a local oral health care plan Evaluate whether the Remote Services Future Method for rural community participation, developed in Scotland, will help with population health planning

10 How have we engaged? INFORMED THROUGH Website 4 newsletters annually hard and electronic copies Summaries Interview Transcripts Annual Report Press Releases s Video Conferencing Teleconferencing ENGAGED THROUGH Interviews Attendance at meetings ie advisory groups, knitting groups Workshops Street Displays Reviewing Summaries Feedback Summaries and Minute reviews Verbal Discussion Visual

11 Good evidence for focusing on projects and programs that facilitate: Early identification of risk and disease Healthy lifestyles- diet and oral hygiene Access to timely and appropriate dental care Access to oral health knowledge, information and skills (oral health literacy) Access to fluoride Referrals quick, easy, nurse led and follow ups

12 Successful community approach Successful community wide A large community participative and multi-strategy program Glasgow, Scotland, disadvantaged area, non-fluoridated water Reduced tooth decay increment by per cent in 3 5 year olds compared to matched Consisting of nutrition projects (breakfast clubs, school fruit, snack, meal and drink policies) Tooth brushing schemes (preschool, childcare and breakfast clubs and after school programs) Distribution of free fluoride toothpaste and brushes Health education by a range of health workers Opportunistic interventions at community fairs and primary care settings

13 Lessons learnt Clarity around what and how and when Evidence Partnerships Gannawarra Shire Council Realistic expectations Integration into existing processes and policies Go back to basics never assume Ensure local partners know each other Coordinate complimentary services, programs and supports Community wants prevention rather than cure

14 Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress, working together is success Henry Ford

15 Karen Marini (LMMML) (03) or Dr Virginia Dickson-Swift (03) or We acknowledge funding for this study from the National Health and Medical Research Council (Grant ID number : AP ).The contents of this published material is the responsibility of La Trobe University as the administering institution, partners or individual researchers and does not reflect the views of the NHMRC.