Models of Health - BM, OPH, NPH Flashcards
biomedical model of health
Focuses on the physical or biological aspects of disease and illness. It is an individualised, medical model of care practised by doctors and health professionals and is associated with the diagnosis, treatment (and cure) of disease.
old public health
Government policies and practices that focused mainly on changes to the physical environment to prevent infectious diseases.
new public health
Focuses on the broader factors that influence health and wellbeing; the sociocultural and environmental (and political) factors that have significant impact on health status to prevent lifestyle diseases.
infectious and parasitic diseases/communicable diseases
Caused by infectious agents
- bacteria e.g. TB, cholera
- viruses e.g. COVID-19
- parasites e.g. malaria
- fungi or their toxic products
non-communicable diseases
Include lifestyle diseases, they are caused by a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioral factors.
E.g. CVD, cancers, COPD, T2D, mental illness
Medical advancements for CVD
sphygmomanometer/blood pressure reader
x-ray
ultrasound
anti-hypertensives (blood pressure lowering medication)
Medical advancements for obesity
lap band surgery
appetite suppressant medication
Medical advancements for infections/infectious diseases
vaccinations
antibiotics for bacterial infections including TB, NOT viruses e.g. measles, COVID-19
Medical advancements for cancer
chemotherapy
radiotherapy
surgery
Advantages/Strengths of Biomedical Model
Creates advancements in medical technology and research THEREFORE better diagnosis and more effective treatment increasing health status.
Enables treatment of many conditions which could otherwise cause death THEREFORE increasing life expectancy.
Individualised approach THEREFORE treatment is tailored to individual cases which increases it’s effectiveness in improving quality of life/lowering DALYs
Disadvantages/limitations of biomedical model
Costly (for individual and nation) e.g. medical technology THEREFORE not everyone can afford to access healthcare e.g. low SES.
Relies on trained healthcare professionals THEREFORE accessibility can be limited if demand high e.g. waiting lists for surgery or appointments.
Not every condition can be treated/cured e.g. cancer has treatment available but no cure, quadriplegia is permanent THEREFORE it’s impact on health status is limited.
Doesn’t always promote good health and wellbeing à “band-aid fix” e.g. doesn’t address cause or focus on encouraging people to be responsible for their own health and wellbeing THEREFORE limited impact on incidence.
Old Public Health POLICIES
Quarantine laws e.g. COVID-19
Food quality and legislation e.g. to reduce food poisoning
Housing regulations e.g. sewerage systems and ventilation
Workplace regulations e.g. workplace safety laws to prevent injuries
Old Public Health PRACTICES
Provision of clean water
Improved sanitation e.g. garbage/waste removal systems
Mass vaccination programs e.g. TB, measles
