4 June 2007
A new project involving leading researchers from Monash University, the International Diabetes Institute and sanofi-aventis is aiming to help minimise the impact and economic burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and diabetes-related conditions on Australians and improve quality of life.
The project involves developing models to predict future patterns, as well as analysing the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of strategies to treat and prevent these diseases.
Monash University senior lecturer, Dr Danny Liew said, "Despite the many effective interventions available to treat and prevent cardiovascular and diabetes related diseases, the burden imposed by these diseases remains very high in Australia."
Dr Liew said statistics showed CVD alone was responsible for 38 per cent of all deaths that occur in Australia. Cardiovascular and diabetes related diseases are the most prominent contributors to premature loss of life and disease related disability and exert a significant financial impact on Australia's health system.
"We believe there is a lack of evidence available to help accurately inform public health practice and policy as to how to address this major health issue," Dr Liew said.
"While clinical trials are extremely important in determining the best interventions, they generally provide little understanding about the effect of what might happen at the broader community level or about the long-term effects and very few measure whether the intervention is cost-effective.
"This project helps to bridge the gap from clinical trials to practice and will allow us to develop a strong evidence base that will better inform public health practice and policy and help establish more effective allocations of healthcare resources," Dr Liew said.
Dr Dianna Magliano, from the International Diabetes Institute said, "We hope to determine the most efficient allocation of PBS and Medicare spending to help reduce the impact and economic burden of these diseases.
"The overall objective of the project is to improve the quality of life of Australians and help them continue to participate productively in society for as long as possible.
Given the ongoing rise of chronic diseases and an ageing population and the current climate of immense and rising healthcare spending, it is crucial that strategies be put in place that embrace the most effective and cost-effective interventions to ensure the best health prospects for Australians and the best economic outcome for Australia," she said.
This is project is a joint initiative between Monash University, International Diabetes Institute and sanofi-aventis and has been supported by a research grant from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and funding from sanofi-aventis.
For more information please contact: Monash University -- Steve Pogonowski on (03) 9905 1253 or 0417 568 781 or sanofi-aventis -- Kristy Chong on (02) 8666 2364 or 0412 104 885.
| 
