Biomedical model of health

Question 1

Biomedical model

Answer 1

Focuses on the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness. It is a medical model of care practiced by doctors and/or health professionals associated with the diagnosis, cure and treatment of disease

Question 2

Aim of the Biomedical model

Answer 2

the aim of the biomedical model of health is to return the patient to the ‘pre-illness’ health

Question 3

Improvements in medical technology

Answer 3

Diagnostics is important in public health and preventative medicine, as well as any curative medicine, because affective decisions rely on correct diagnosis.

o X-rays, MRI, CT scan, Genetic testing
o Pharmaceuticals: Statins (reduce cholesterol), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) (antidepressants medication), Vaccines

Question 4

Pharmaceuticals

Answer 4

The discovery of antibiotics including penicillin has led to a further reduction in death rate from infectious diseases such as pneumonia, venereal disease and syphilis other developments include:

• Statins: reduce cholesterol
• Vaccines: more recent vaccines include human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer
• Medication: Antibiotics

Question 5

Medical procedures

Answer 5

The area of medical procedures is developing rapidly with the help of technology.
Examples include:
- Organ transplants 
- hip and knee replacement 
- robotic surgery

Question 6

Advantages (BM)

Answer 6

• Life expectancy is extended and quality of life is improved
• Leads to significant advances in medical technology and research
• Most people and conditions can be treated and ‘cured’

Question 7

Disadvantages (BM)

Answer 7

• The ‘fix it’ approach doesn’t promote good health
• Relies on costly medical technology and practitioners
• Not all conditions can be treated or cured
• Places major strain on the healthcare system (costs and services)

Question 8

Key characteristics

Answer 8

o Focuses on the biological determinant and physiological aspects of disease and injury
o Works to treat an individual’s condition once symptoms are present
o Involves interventions by doctors and other health professionals
o Often delivered in a health care setting such as doctor’s surgeries and hospitals
o Attempts to return the physical health of a person to pre-illness state (solution focused)