Bringing Exercise and Healthcare Together
On Tuesday 11 August, the Active Australia Summit brought together leaders from exercise and active health, healthcare, research and government.
The Summit focused on one key question:
How can we formally connect the health system with the exercise and active health sector?
For three years, AUSactive has been advocating for a stronger connection between exercise and healthcare.
The Summit marked an important next step.
AUSactive launched a proposed model of care. The model aims to connect eligible patients with structured exercise programs through the health system.
Turning “Move More” Into Action
Three in five Australians live with chronic disease. These conditions cost almost $98 billion each year.
Exercise can play an important role in preventing and managing chronic disease.
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of several health conditions. It can also support healthy body weight, muscle strength and mental health.
The proposed model would turn the familiar advice to “move more” into a structured healthcare pathway.
How the Proposed Model Could Work
Under the proposed model, eligible patients would be referred to structured group exercise programs.
The programs would be tailored to their health needs and conditions.
A health professional would make the referral. An accredited exercise professional would then support the patient through the program.
The exercise professional would track attendance, progress and outcomes.
This information could then be reported back to the referring health professional.
This approach would help create a stronger connection between clinical advice and supported exercise.
Building on What Already Exists
Structured exercise programs are already operating in parts of Australia.
However, access is not consistent across the country.
AUSactive believes Australians should have access to safe and supported exercise through a more consistent national approach.
Australia already has more than 8,000 gyms, studios, leisure centres and community centres.
The proposed model would help connect this existing network with the health system.
Working With Health Professionals
AUSactive CEO Ken Griffin said the model is about supporting both health professionals and exercise professionals.
“Our health system and health professionals are under strain. Our health system wasn’t designed to deliver the safe, structured exercise that Australians need to be healthier.”
“We want to work with health professionals to design a model that will help them work confidently with exercise professionals to make Australia healthier.”
He said Australia already has the facilities and skilled workforce needed to support this approach.
“We already have the facilities and skilled workforce. This model is about building the bridge between clinical advice and safe, supported action.”
What Happens Next?
AUSactive will consult on the proposed model over the coming year.
The consultation will explore how health professionals and accredited exercise professionals can work together more effectively.
The goal is to create a practical pathway from clinical advice to community action.
This could help more Australians access safe, structured exercise as part of their health and wellbeing.
Have Your Say
AUSactive is inviting industry and the wider community to read the whitepaper and provide feedback on the proposed model.
Read the Whitepaper and have your say:
