Social Model of Health inc. PRINCIPLES Flashcards
Definition, Characteristics, Advantages/Strengths, Disadvantages/Limitations, Principles
The Social Model of Health
A conceptual framework within which improvements in health and wellbeing are achieved by directing effort towards addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. The model is based on the understanding that in order for health gains to occur social, economic and environmental determinants must be addressed.
Characteristics of the Social Model of Health
- Targets lifestyle diseases
- Population based approach
- Acknowledges/recognises the role of social economic and environmental factors on health
- Focuses on behaviour change through education and health promotion
- Relatively inexpensive/cheaper compared to biomedical model (must specify this as still costs millions of dollars)
involves Intersectoral collaboration
Coordinated action between different groups from many sectors such as the government, health and the private sector working together to achieve a common goal as determinants cannot be addressed by the health sector alone.
addresses the broader Determinants of health
Addressing the sociocultural, economic and environmental factors (e.g. gender, culture/race, SES, physical environment) that impact on the body and human behaviour in order for health outcomes to improve.
Empowers individuals and communities
Involve individuals and communities in decision making by educating them with health related knowledge and skills allowing them to be more able to make positive changes to their h&wb/healthier choices.
acts to enable Access to healthcare
For health care to be accessible it should be readily available to everyone according to people’s needs, this includes the need for healthcare to be affordable.
acts to Reduce social inequities
Removing or reducing the sociocultural and/or environmental barriers that influence health such as gender, culture/race, SES, unemployment, housing, geographic location to achieve equity in the health care system.
DISADVANTAGES/LIMITATIONS of the SMoH
- Not every condition can be prevented THEREFORE limited impact on health status e.g. genetic conditions difficult to prevent.
- Does not promote development of technology and medical knowledge THEREFORE not contributing to the discovery or development of additional treatment options.
- Health promotion messages may be ignored THEREFORE health and wellbeing may not improve (relies on public cooperation to change health behaviours)
- Does not address individual health concerns THEREFORE limited improvement on the health status for those already suffering diseases.
ADVANTAGES/STRENGTHS of the SMoH
- Promotes good health and wellbeing and assists in prevention of disease THEREFORE lowering preventable disease rates and improving health status.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to the biomedical approach/in comparison to treating conditions once they arise THEREFORE more affordable to all SES groups.
- Focusses on vulnerable population groups e.g. Low SES, those living outside of major cities, Indigenous Australians THEREFORE increasing access to good health and wellbeing for disadvantaged groups (equitable).
- Education e.g. health literacy can be passed on from generation to generation THEREFORE able to achieve sustainable improvements in health status.
- Shared responsibility; more than just the health sector e.g. education sector as addresses reasons behind poor h&wb THEREFORE increasing effectiveness of health promotion campaigns to improve health status.
SMoH Principle I
involves Intersectoral collaboration
SMoH Principle D
addresses the broader Determinants of health
SMoH Principle E
Empowers individuals and communities
SMoH Principle A
acts to enable Access to healthcare
SMoH Principle R
acts to Reduce social inequities
What acronym do we use to help us remember the Principles of the Social Model of Health?
IDEAR
(“The Principle has an IDEAR”)
