U3AOS2 Flashcards
why are death rates declining
Decline in death rates can be attributed to: - Control of infectious disease - Better hygiene - Improved nutrition - Better understanding about dehydration Improved sanitation
old public health
- Focus on biomedical system and cure
- Management of infectious diseases- production of vaccination
- Focus on infrastructure- hospitals, water quality, sanitation & hygiene
Biomedical approach to health
Focusses on the physical aspects of disease and illness. It is a model practiced by doctors and health professionals and is associated with the diagnosis , treatment, and cure of disease.
Referred to as the “band-aid’ approach, as it treats the illness but does not look at the causes of it.
Aim: to return the patient to their ‘pre-illness’ health
Strengths of biomedical approach
LE extended and quality of life improved
Leads to significant advances in medical technology and research
Most people and conditions are cured
Limitations of the biomedical approach to health
The ‘fix-it’ approach does not promote good health
Costly
Not all conditions can be treated or cured.
The new public health system
Distinguished by its extensive understanding of the ways in which lifestyles and living conditions determine health status, and a recognition of the need to have equity in access to resources.
The world health organisation has played a leading role in the promotion of new public health and current public health practice in Australia.
It is all about health promotion and prevention of disease
Social model of health
An approach to health care that recognises that improvements in health and wellbeing can only be achieved by directing effort towards addressing the physical, socio-cultural, and environmental factors of health that have an impact on individuals and population groups.
Principles of the social model of health
- Addresses the broader determinants of health
- Acts to reduce social inequities
- Empowers individuals and communities
- Acts to enable access to healthcare
- Involves intersectional collaboration
Strengths of the social model
Aimed at a population level, therefore more cost effective
Encourages good health through disease prevention
Health messages can be passed down to future generations
Can be targeted to vulnerable population groups
Limitations of the social model
May be ignored
Not all conditions can be prevented (eg genetic conditions)
Doesn’t assist those who are already sick
Priority action areas for the ottawa charter
Build healthy public policy
Create supportive environments
Strengthen community action
Develop personal skills
Reorient health services
Define medicare
A universal healthcare system which aims to provide free or little cost for healthcare in Australia and other eligible countries.
Objectives of medicare
- To make healthcare more affordable for all Australians
- To give all Australians access to healthcare services with priority according to clinical need
To provide a quality of care
- To give all Australians access to healthcare services with priority according to clinical need
How is medicare funded?
Through the Australian government
Medicare levy: 2% tax on taxpayers- low income people are exempt
Define out of pocket costs
Practitioners may elect to charge more than the schedule fee which means the patient will have to pay out of pocket costs