Chapter 5.4 - Biomedical Model of Health

Question 1

What is the Biomedical Model of Health?

Answer 1

• focuses on the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness
• referred to as the ‘fix it approach’ or a ‘band aid solution’
• focuses on the individual
• is associated with the diagnosis, cure and treatment of disease
• the dominant approach to healthcare for many years
• led to many improvements in medical sciences/technologies

Question 2

Defining features of the Biomedical Model of Health?

Answer 2

• relatively expensive
• focuses on the disease itself and not that factors that contribute to the disease
• responsible for many developments in medical technology
• focuses on individuals with the disease, not the whole population
• accounts for a large population of the health budget (over 90%)

Question 3

Strengths of the Biomedical Model of Health?

Answer 3

• creates advances in technology & research
• many common problems can be effectively treated
• extends life expectancy
• improved quality of life

Question 4

Limitations of the Biomedical Model of Health?

Answer 4

• relies on professional health workers and technology; therefore costly
  (as knowledge and technology have developed, the cost of training and equipment has also increased)
• gives control and power to the healthcare worker
• it doesn’t always promote good health
  (as the focus is on the condition itself rather than the determinants that caused it, the biomedical model does not encourage people to be responsible for their own health)