Hundreds of diabetes sufferers enjoyed health benefits under the trial program. Photo: Supplied
A Queensland initiative targeted at people suffering from cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes should be expanded across the country due to its success, researchers say.
In 2009 Queensland Health began the COACH program, a standardised coaching program in which trained nurses rang patients around the state and mailed out material.
In findings to be published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday, researchers found there had been substantial improvements in 1962 COACH patients with cardiovascular disease and 707 COACH patients with type 2 diabetes. The patients’ health was tracked between February 2009 and June 2013.
Of the patients who were quizzed on their physical activity, the average had increased their activity per week from 142 minutes to 229.
There was also a reduction in cholesterol levels, body weight, body mass index and the number of standard alcoholic drinks consumed each day.
Lead researcher associate professor Chantal Ski said the program – which was unique to Queensland – seemed to work equally well for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
“A further point of difference is that coaches identify the ‘treatment gaps’ in each patient’s management – the gaps between guideline recommended care and the care patients actually receive, and coach patients to close their treatment gaps whilst the patients work with their usual doctors,” Professor Ski said.
Professor Ski, who wrote a report with seven other researchers, concluded that the program would be a success if implemented interstate.
“Given the burden of [cardiovascular disease] and diabetes, it offers a sustainable means for optimising health outcomes across diverse populations.”