Medical Models Of Health Care Professionals - 1750 Words

Given the diversity of health care professionals, it is no surprise that a number of very different models of health have been developed and that each represents a fairly unique perspective on health, disability, and disease. Biomedical model: Advantages and Disadvantages One of the traditional medical models of care which has dominated healthcare for the past century is the biomedical model. It is an approach which defines health as the absence of disease1, portraying the human organism as either functioning ‘normally’ or else dysfunctional and therefore diseased2. It also believed that all symptoms and signs arise from an underlying abnormality within the body (usually in the functioning or structure of†¦show more content†¦Our society still places great value on science. Since this model uses very scientific way of looking at problems i.e. using laboratory testing and technology to see what is happening in a patient s body, this approach is seen as rational, objective and unbiased. It also encourages further researches to advance the medical technology. While it is effective at treating common problems and returning people to a healthy state, not all health conditions can be cured. It also does not contain any concrete explanation for diseases that are caused without any apparent physiological reason, i.e., psychosomatic disorders. This model of health is too simplistic, over emphasizes impairment and incorrectly assumes a direct causal link between impairment and disability. The patient has little or no responsibility for the presence or cause of the illness1 and its prevention. It generally ignores the psychosocial and environmental dimensions of illness. It also did not take into account how the presence of a disease or disorder an accurate predictor of receipt of disability benefits, work performance, return to work potential or likelihood of social integration. Biopsychosocial model of care Thus, the biopsychosocial (BPS) model was developed as a consequence of inadequacy of the biomedical approach. It is a â€Å"patient-centred† approach to medical care where the style of practice is oriented to the patient’s needs rather than to the doctor’s