Characteristics and Philosophies of Health Care

Question 1

Western Medicine

Answer 1

Western melicine is based on modern biomedical science and is an evidence based medicine. The practice of evidence based medicine means using clinical expertise, clinical evidence and current best research to make medical decisions

ex. vaccines, Pharmicudicles, antibiotics, x-rays, ultrasounds , blood tests, surgery

Question 2

Complementary/Alternative

Answer 2

• there are other forms of medicine that can be used along Western medicine or in place of it. Unlike western medicine these types are not necessarily evidence based
• illness in one area of the body can affect all parts of the body
  - treating the whole person

Question 3

Traditional/Indigenous

Answer 3

-Uses a holistic model of well-being through the integration of emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of being
- based on the understanding that humans are a part of nature and health is a matter of balance
- there is respect for the land
- Elders understood the importance of respecting and using their environment for traditional foods, medicines and ceremonies for overall health