What is Health? Flashcards
How does the medical model of health define health?
The absence of disease
What does the medical model of health say disease is caused by?
Biological / pathological changes
What does the medical model of health state is the role of medicine?
To diagnose illness and ‘cure’ or ‘treat’ to return to health
State 3 limitations of the medical model of health.
Reductionist (very biologically based - ignores evidence of social and psychological causes)
Ignores patient autonomy
Chronic / degenerative conditions can’t always be cured and often there is no single cause
State a positive of the medical model of health.
It focuses on the individual - the patient is the target of intervention
How does the social model of health define health?
A social construct, not just scientific fact
What does the social model of health say disease is caused by?
Social influences such as income, place, living conditions, ethnicity, access to services
State a limitation of the social model of health.
Can overemphasise social factors at the expense of the biomedical - both are important
State a positive of the social model of health.
Places people at the centre, recognising lay knowledge, beliefs, autonomy, and rights
Which model of health is currently used in practice?
Biopsychosocial model of health
Define disease.
A pathological process confirmed by diagnosis using reported symptoms, signs, and/or investigations - objective
Define illness.
A subjective experience or feeling of being unwell
Define sickness.
A social role adopted or assigned to people perceived to be ill
