Social Model of Health inc. PRINCIPLES

Question 1

The Social Model of Health

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Characteristics of the Social Model of Health

Answer 2

• 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)

Question 3

involves Intersectoral collaboration

Answer 3

Coordinated action between different groups from many sectors working together to achieve a common goal as determinants cannot be addressed by the health sector alone.

Question 4

addresses the broader Determinants of health

Answer 4

Addressing the sociocultural, economic and environmental factors that impact on the body and human behaviour in order for health outcomes to improve.

Question 5

Empowers individuals and communities

Answer 5

Involve individuals and communities in decision making by educating them with health related knowledge and skills allowing them to make healthier choices.

Question 6

acts to enable Access to healthcare

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

acts to Reduce social inequities

Answer 7

Removing or reducing the sociocultural and/or environmental barriers that influence health to achieve equity in the health care system.

Question 8

DISADVANTAGES/LIMITATIONS of the SMoH

Answer 8

• Not every condition can be prevented THEREFORE limited impact on health status
• Does not promote development of technology and medical knowledge THEREFORE not contributing to the discovery of new treatments.
• Health promotion messages may be ignored THEREFORE health and wellbeing may not improve
• Does not address individual health concerns THEREFORE limited improvement on the health status for those already suffering diseases.

Question 9

ADVANTAGES/STRENGTHS of the SMoH

Answer 9

• 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 THEREFORE increasing access to good health and wellbeing for disadvantaged groups (equitable).
• Education can be passed on from generation to generation THEREFORE able to achieve sustainable improvements in health.
• Shared responsibility; more than just the health sector THEREFORE increasing effectiveness of health promotion campaigns.

Question 10

SMoH Principle I

Answer 10

involves Intersectoral collaboration

Question 11

SMoH Principle D

Answer 11

addresses the broader Determinants of health

Question 12

SMoH Principle E

Answer 12

Empowers individuals and communities

Question 13

SMoH Principle A

Answer 13

acts to enable Access to healthcare

Question 14

SMoH Principle R

Answer 14

acts to Reduce social inequities

Question 15

What acronym do we use to help us remember the Principles of the Social Model of Health?

Answer 15

IDEAR

(“The Principle has an IDEAR”)