Kolling researchers are part of an international team calling for musculoskeletal health to become a global priority, addressing a current lack of funding for the world\u2019s leading cause of pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project team found the management of musculoskeletal health is under-prioritised despite its impact on the community, and devised an action plan to address this gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Led by Professors Andrew Briggs and Helen Slater from Curtin University, the project involved Professor Lyn March from the Kolling Institute and Dr Carmen Huckel-Schneider and Swatee Mishrra of the University of Sydney, as well as a broader international team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It mapped the current landscape for musculoskeletal health, identified trends in national health policies and developed a blueprint to prioritise musculoskeletal health. This work was informed by stakeholders from more than 70 countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Professor Briggs said more than 1.5 billion people live with a musculoskeletal condition, such as low back pain, fractures, arthritis and osteoporosis, but despite calls to action, health systems continued to under-prioritise these conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cOne of the limiting factors to reform is that no global-level strategic response to the burden of disability has been developed \u2013 until now. This initiative will be critical to guiding global-level work in health reform, such as that undertaken by the World Health Organization,\u201d Professor Briggs said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis blueprint will provide guidance which countries, including low and middle-income countries, can then adapt to suit local needs and priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Professor March said the framework focuses on critical areas for reform, including community education; leadership and governance; health financing models; service delivery models that support integrated and person-centred care; equitable access to medicines and technologies; building capacity in the health workforce to deliver the right care at the right time; population health surveillance; and research and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThe blueprint is practical and can inform what a global strategic response might look like and how countries can respond to musculoskeletal health in order to arrest the increasing global burden of disability and cost,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The project was commissioned by the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health and funded by the Bone and Joint Foundation, with additional funding provided by Curtin University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The international team of researchers are from Curtin University, the Kolling Institute, University of Sydney, University of Toronto, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Kathmandu University and the University of Southern Denmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n