The National Lung Health Framework The National Lung Health Framework is a 'made in Canada' action plan developed by and for a wide range of stakeholders working to improve lung health. Its coordinated approach to the prevention and management of respiratory diseases will have a significant positive impact on the state of lung health in Canada.
National Lung Health Framework Executive Summary (PDF)
National Lung Health Framework Document
National Lung Health Framework - visual (PDF)
Overview of the Lung Health Framework
The Issue
The World Health Organization estimates that by 2020 lung disease will be the third leading cause of death in the world.
Right now, the impact of lung disease is significant. Today, lung disease
- affects one in five Canadians (six million);
- is responsible for the majority of emergency room visits; and
- causes one Canadian to die every 20 minutes.
- respiratory disease costs the Canadian economy an estimated $154 billion dollars per year.
If Canada is to stem this impending crisis, it needs to develop a comprehensive and coordinated national plan to manage the social, economic, cultural and health implications of these deadly and crippling ailments.
The Challenge
Because respiratory disease encompasses many illnesses, any attempt to reduce its impact requires the involvement of many different levels of government, agencies and industry players. It is complex and a number of approaches are needed to find and implement a solution. Only a coordinated effort can succeed.
The Solution – A Coordinated Action Plan
As the national voice of respiratory health, The Lung Association heeded the urgency of the situation to bring together a vast array of multi-sector stakeholders to develop a National Framework for Respiratory Health. At the request of an initial meeting of 47 stakeholders, and in collaboration with the Public Health Agency of Canada and the Framework Steering Committee, the Lung Association will spearhead the work of the experts within many communities and areas of expertise. These include:
- federal/provincial/territorial government departments and agencies,
- consumer and patient groups
- health care and medical communities
- pharmaceutical community
- the aboriginal community
- the business community
Over the next two-to-three years, they will layout a coordinated action plan for the prevention and management of respiratory diseases, and for improved respiratory health and wellness.
Expected outcomes
Stakeholders will join together to identify key goals for improved lung health in Canada, and the actions that need to be taken to achieve these goals. This action plan will be enhanced and supported by a number of research initiatives, which will assess the state of respiratory disease in Canada, and detail the costs and benefits associated with proposed action to help set priorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the National Lung Health Framework
What is the National Lung Health Framework?
The National Lung Health Framework is a 'Made in Canada' action plan developed by and for a wide range of stakeholders working to improve lung health. Its coordinated approach to the prevention and management of respiratory diseases will have a significant positive impact on the state of lung health in Canada.
The Lung Association, in collaboration with the Lung Health Framework Interim Steering Committee and the Government of Canada, is leading a two year process (2006-2008) that is bringing together the talent and expertise from a broad range of sectors.
The goal of this joint collaboration is to deliver a plan that acts as a catalyst for change; building partnerships, sharing best practices, identifying gaps and opportunities in the current respiratory health environment and supporting initiatives for advocacy and policy development.
Why is there a need for the Framework?
Respiratory illnesses currently cost Canadians an estimated $154 billion per year. According to the World Health Organization, lung diseases will soon be the third leading cause of death in the world.
As lung disease encompasses a variety of illnesses and risk factors, any attempt to reduce its impact requires the involvement of many different levels of government, agencies and industry players. A number of approaches are needed to find and implement a solution. Only a coordinated effort can succeed.
What is the vision of the Framework?
A Vision for Lung Health in Canada - Excellent respiratory health for all in Canada
The National Lung Health Framework Mission - To advance the respiratory health of all people living in Canada through collaborative and equitable: patient care, policy, programming, research and leadership
What outcomes can be expected?
Through meetings, workshops and other engagement projects held over 2 years, stakeholder groups are identifying the priority activities they see as necessary to improve lung health in Canada. The development of the action plan is designed to capture these priority actions and ensure that they are reflected throughout the plan's strategies and objectives. Some of the expected outcomes include:
For healthcare professionals:
- A clear picture of the scope of problems and current solutions related to lung disease (who is doing what and with what impact)
- The promotion of lung health and disease prevention
- Improved access to best practices and coordinated care
- Better access to information and increased practical applications of research
- Tools and knowledge to address the special needs of at-risk populations
- Awareness of the needs of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples
For Canadians with lung disease:
- Better diagnosis of their respective conditions
- Timely access to health care
- Tools and programs that will enable greater self-management of their disease and lung health
For Canadians without lung disease:
- Assistance in maximizing their lung health
- Assistance in maintaining good lung health through improved air quality at home, at work and in their communities
- Preventative programs that help reduce their risk of contracting infectious diseases
For non-governmental organizations:
- Support to improve their ability to provide information and support to patients, families, communities and health professionals
- To better coordinate efforts among health stakeholders
- More effectively translate research findings into practical applications, such as lung health programs, policies and guidelines
For researchers and investigators:
- Better coordination and sharing of research
- Sustainable, accessible and increased research funding
- A greater understanding of how public health policy is developed and implemented.
For industry partners:
- Recognition that they have an important role to play in both the development and implementation of the action plan.
For First Nations, Inuit and Métis:
- Inclusive, holistic, respectful and appropriate approach to First Nations, Inuit and Métis issues with respect to health and partnering on health issues
- Addressing the importance of indoor air quality and other home and work place issues that affect respiratory health
- Addressing the need for better research into the prevalence of chronic respiratory disease in the peoples' communities
- Acknowledge and address the disparity between First Nation, Inuit and Métis people and other people in Canada with respect to incidence of lung disease and prevention, surveillance, diagnosis and access to care
- Addressing important youth respiratory health issues
- Addressing the particular concern of high recreational use of tobacco
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How did this process begin?
In March 2006, The Lung Association initiated a multi-stakeholder workshop (“Breathing Matters”) comprising of government department and agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), health institutions, the business community, First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, as well as consumer and patient groups.
An Interim Steering Committee to guide the process
At the workshop, it was agreed that a collective effort to seek funding and collaborators for the development of a national action plan was needed. The Canadian Lung Association was chosen by workshop participants to lead this effort with the support of a multi-stakeholder Interim Steering Committee. This committee was given the mandate to clarify the necessary steps and funding to build a collective, national action plan over the next two to three years.
Research on which to build a foundation
Based on the recommendations from “Breathing Matters”, the Interim Steering Committee identified a series of research and consultation initiatives to build the base of the action plan. They included:
- the creation of four working groups (chronic disease, the environment, infectious disease and tobacco control) which produced draft reports that identified key issues and potential activities to be considered in the action plan (Winter 2006)
- an asset map and gap analysis, to document current work on lung health (Spring 2007)
- a cost risk benefit analysis to identify where investment can result in the highest return in health outcomes (Fall 2007)
Plan for Action: A Great Start!
April 26th and 27th, 2007 marked an important step in the creation of the National Lung Health Framework. Stakeholders participated in the “Plan for Action” meeting, discussing key strategic priorities and activities to improve respiratory health for all Canadians.
Provincial and Territorial Engagement
Throughout the fall 2007 and winter 2008, multi-stakeholder consultations will take place in each province and territory. Input and knowledge garnered through already completed provincial/territorial work on respiratory disease strategies, environmental strategies and other chronic disease strategies, as a strong base to build on. We will receive feedback on what has been completed to date on the National Framework, and explore the priorities, successes and gaps of strategic initiatives at the provincial/territorial level.
How will federal and provincial departments, agencies and groups integrate?
The Lung Association is committed to working with provincial stakeholders throughout the entire process - from design to implementation. The success of a national action plan will depend on the commitment of and endorsement by all stakeholders. The vision, goals and activities of the national plan must be complementary, supportive and reflective of the work that is being done at the provincial level. Provincial stakeholders are and will continue to be involved through the interim steering committee, working groups, and as expert advisors and reviewers. They are priority stakeholders in all research-related activities and will be involved in workshops, focus groups and other activities that will take place in their regions.
Implementation
Excitement is building for the upcoming Framework implementation and advisory committee members were keen to see simple, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely (SMART) objectives and targets highlighting how our “Made in Canada” action plan will come to life. Across all meetings, participants transitioned from seeing themselves as an individual reviewer of the Document, to seeing their role as part of a solutions-oriented/problem-solving team. In addition, many volunteered to assist in specific areas of focus and expressed a desire for further engagement in the planning process.
Throughout the summer of 2008, the Framework staff will continue to work with the Interim Steering Committee and key stakeholders to develop the implementation strategy, identifying national priorities and the process for enabling collaboration, partnerships and the steps necessary to allow stakeholders to take the Framework’s strategies and key activities and implement relevant pieces into their own strategic plans.
How is the development of the plan being funded?
Financial support for the initial workshop was received from The Lung Association, industry and the Government of Canada. The Lung Association and the Government of Canada continue to provide financial resources to support the development of the Framework. The Government of Canada's support has primarily been through in-kind contributions, commissioning of research or direct support for costs associated with the April meeting
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Research, reports and information resources
About the Interim Steering Committee
"Plan for Action" Meeting - April 26 - 27, 2007
Communiqués
Phase I Technical Reports
Asset Map and Gap Analysis
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For more information on the National Lung Health Framework
The Lung Association will continue to post information about the National Lung Health Framework on this web page. If you would like to learn more, or if you'd like to contribute to the Framework through the public consultation process, please contact Anne Van Dam, Acting Director, at (613) 569-6411, ext. 222, or by e-mail: avandam@lung.ca.
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