Lecture 7 Flashcards
What is sociology?
The observation and analysis of societies
“Sociology demystifies the nature of health and illness, highlights the social causes of disease and death,
exposes power-factors and ethical dilemmas in the production of health care, and either directly or indirectly helps to create a discerning practitioner, who then becomes capable of more focussed and competent decision making.
Why do we need to consider the social context of pharmacy?
- Practice of pharmacy involves both pharmacist and the public.
- Public no longer a passive entity to whom medicines & advice are supplied.
- Pharmacy practice can be conceptualised as a ‘social process’ regulated by unwritten rules regulating acceptable & unacceptable behaviour.
What are the social groups/forces that determine the nature of pharmacist practice?
Public Other health professionals Pharmacy council Pharmaceutical society Government
What are examples of social forces?
Desire of practitioners Accepted practice Legal and ethical obligations Competence Standards Demographics of population Government policies
How does the biomedical model define health?
Free of disease (no pathogens) Body is functioning normally Free of injury, no physical problems Eats healthy food Engages in health behaviours
What is the WHO definition of health?
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
How is the nature of health changing?
- Cure to care
- Acute to chronic
- Increased longevity & increased morbidity
- Amelioration, prevention & promotion
- Lifestyle medicines
- Consumer power
- Information explosion [internet]
What are the Kasl & Cobb’s types of health related behaviour?
i) Health behaviour
Behaviour to protect, promote or maintain health
ii) Illness behaviour
Activities to define the state of their health and discover a remedy
iii) Sick role
Activities undertaken to get well
In the sick role there is both a ________ and a ________ for illness
There is both a “biological” and “social basis” for illness
What is the sick role?
- Patient is not blamed for being sick
- Patient is exempt from work and other responsibilities
- Illness is legitimate provided the patient accepts the undesirability of it
- Patient is expected to seek competent help to get well again
What is the therapeutic function of medicines?
To prevent, treat and cure disease
What is the placebo function of medicines?
To show concern, satisfy the patient
What is the coping function of medicines?
To relieve feelings of failure,stress, grief sadness and loneliness
What is the self regulatory function of medicines?
To exercise control over disorder or life
What is the social control function of medicines?
To manage behaviour of demanding or disruptive patients and hyperactive children
