Australian Health Review highlights importance of access to good health from childhood

The recently released October issue of the Australian Health Review, the Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association’s peer-reviewed journal, has highlighted the importance of access to quality services and good health from childhood to the later stages of life.

While the Federal Government has released new health policies designed to improve the health system, Editor-in-Chief Dr Sonĵ Hall explained that social determinants that start in childhood such as education, home environment, as well as those later in adulthood such as employment and social and community circles remain key factors in equitable access to healthcare that need to be addressed.

“A number of articles in this issue examine the quality of maternal and child health services, including complaints and the acceptability of the healthcare environment.”

“If a health service is unwelcoming, or considered sub-optimal by the community, people disengage and are more likely to avoid care. This could lead to poorer health outcomes in our most vulnerable community members, with potential lifelong effects,” Dr Hall added. 

Articles about mental health and the COVID-19 pandemic feature, with contributing authors noting that throughout the pandemic Victorian Emergency Departments saw an increase in children under 18 presenting with eating disorders, self-harm and anxiety disorders, highlighting the need to strengthen frontline mental health support.

“The pandemic has wreaked havoc on many, especially health care workers who daily confront the effects of the virus,” Dr Hall continued. 

“A perspective piece on the impact of compassion fatigue or the ‘cost of caring’, shows that healthcare workers need to be supported by policy options and interventions that look after their wellbeing and support staff retention.”

The latest issue of the Australian Health Review can be read on the CSIRO website.