Why physical health matters
Good physical health supports a person's overall wellbeing, quality of life and ability to participate in work, education and community life.
When physical health needs are not identified or addressed early, they can:
- affect daily life
- increase demand on health services
- contribute to poorer long-term outcomes.
Improving physical health alongside mental health and wellbeing can help people achieve better health outcomes and live well in their communities.
The Physical health project: case for change report outlines the evidence, barriers, enablers and opportunities for improving physical health.
Supporting better physical health
Improving physical health for people with lived-living experience is a priority of Shifting minds: The Queensland Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drugs, and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan.
The plan recognises the importance of addressing physical health disparities and supporting more holistic, person-centred approaches to care.
Physical health reform opportunities
Our physical health project identified opportunities to improve physical health for people with lived-living experience.
The Physical health project: strategic position paper outlines 4 key reform areas:
- individual – protective factors and service navigation
- health service delivery – accountability, collaboration and models of care
- system-wide – population health, partnerships and place-based responses
- resources and enablers – workforce development, funding, digital health, research and evaluation.
These opportunities support more coordinated and person-centred approaches to physical and mental health and wellbeing.
Lived-living experience priorities
We consulted with people with lived-living experience, carers and support people across Queensland about the proposed reform opportunities.
Key priorities included:
- targeted action in communities experiencing the highest burden of disease and socioeconomic disadvantage
- workforce training and capability building
- stronger partnerships between health and community organisations
- improved monitoring, research and evaluation
- technology that supports information sharing between health professionals
- greater focus on preventing oral health problems.
Participants also highlighted the importance of practical improvements that directly affect individuals and health services.
Read the Lived experience perspective on physical health care: summary report to learn more about the consultation findings.
Our ongoing work
We shared these findings with government and non-government stakeholders to support action across the health and community sectors.
We continue to work with partners to improve the physical health, mental health and wellbeing of Queenslanders, particularly people with lived-living experience.