UNIT 3 AOS 2 Flashcards
Old public health
It is concerned with the collective effort to improve the health status of the entire population. It refers to the particular ways that governments monitor, regulate and promote health status and prevent disease.
When first public health measures were introduced it was understood that bacteria was a major cause of disease. The poor living conditions that much of the population lived in resulted on pressure on governments to address it
Old public health measures
Focused on the establishment of:
- Government funded water and sewage systems so people had clean water to drink and better sanitation
- Improved nutrition
- Improved housing conditions
- Better work conditions
These focused on the physical environment
Old public health measures affect
- Reduction in deaths from infectious diseases
- Improved housing = reduction in respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and influenza
- Improved nutrition = better established immune systems, enabling them to fight infectious diseases or recover more quickly from them
- Improvements in life expectancy and infant mortality rates
Biomedical model of health
Responsible for much of the improvements in life expectancy in Australia since 1990. It receives majority of health care funding.
It treats symptoms once they’re present and deals with treatment and diagnosis rather than prevention. It is a costly approach as it relies heavily on medical technology and medical professionals.
Biomedical model characteristics
- Focuses on individuals with disease or injury
- Attempts to return person to pre-illness state
- Involved medical professionals and technology
- Treats and diagnoses conditions once they’re present
- It is a quick fix or ‘bandaid’ approach
Examples of biomedical model
- Stitches to assist in healing of cut
- Surgery to remove appendix
- Chemotherapy to treat cancer
- Medication to lower blood pressure
- X-rays to diagnose fractured bones
Biomedical model advantages
- Creates advances in medical technology and research (responsible for x-rays, antibiotics and anesthetics)
- Enables many common problems to be effectively treated which could otherwise cause death
- Extends life expectancy as many causes of death that were common in the past can now be effectively treated
- It improves quality of life as many chronic conditions can be managed with medication, therapy or surgery
Biomedical model disadvantages
- Relies on professionals and technology and so is costly
- Doesn’t always promote good health as it encourages a reliance on quick fix solutions and does not encourage people to be responsible for their own health
- Not every condition can be treated/cured.
- Affordability. Not all individuals can afford the medical technologies and resources
The social model of health
As medical technologies and knowledge developed, there was an expectation that it would solve health problems being faced at the time. However, lifestyle diseases become a main contributor of mortality and morbidity.
It was thought that by being exposed to appropriate health information, people would change their behaviours. It became obvious that even though people were aware of the consequences, the knowledge on its own was not enough to change behaviour.
Became evident that there were many factors which can affect health and wellbeing; physical, sociocultural and political environments
Social model of health characteristics
- Addresses the broader determinants of health
- Focuses on health promotion and preventing disease and injury
- Targets whole communities, not just individuals who are sick
Social model advantages
- Promotes good health and assists with preventing disease
- Promotes overall wellbeing, not focused on disease that is already present
- Can be cost effective, health promotion investment is often significantly cheaper than treating diseases
- Focuses on vulnerable populations
- Sustainable as education can be passed from one generation to the next
- Responsibility of health is shared
Social model disadvantages
- Not every condition can be prevented as some are genetic
- Does not promote advances in medical technology or knowledge
- Does not address health concerns of individuals
- Health promotion messages may be ignored
Social model principles
- Involves intersectorial collaboration
- Addresses the broader determinants of health
- Acts to reduce social inequities
- Acts to enable access to healthcare
- Empowers individuals and communities
Involves intersectorial collaboration
Collaboration between government and non-government organisations and stakeholders who have influence over the social and environmental factors of health.
- Eg. Vic government working with Lilydale Council and local principals to organise fun runs to help prevent lifestyle diseases such as CVD
Addresses the broader determinants of health
Behavioral factors, such as reducing tobacco smoking and food intake, are key to improving health and wellbeing. These factors are influenced by broader factors such as culture, gender, SES, physical environment and geographic location.
- Eg. implementing smoking-free zones around restaurants to reduce second hand exposure. Focuses on preventing diseases such as lung cancer rather than treating them when they occur.
Acts to reduce social inequities
To achieve this, the sociocultural factors that contribute to inequities in health status must be addressed. Many individuals are influenced by sociocultural and environmental factors.
- Eg. government funded sporting programs implemented in schools which allows those with low SES to have equal opportunities
Acts to enable access to healthcare
Healthcare has a significant influence on health and wellbeing and is a contributing factor in the health status experienced by most people.
- Eg. establishing bulk-bill medical centres so individuals who are financially struggling can also have access to healthcare.
Empowers individuals and communities
Means people can participate in decision making about their health and wellbeing. Empowering them with health knowledge and skills means they are more able to make positive changes to their health and wellbeing.
- Eg. governments creating programs for girls providing free basic sports coaching courses. This empowers girls to get more involved in physical activity.
