Models of health and health promotion The language

Models of health and health promotion

The language of health: some key words • Diagnosis: identification of a disease or illness through medical observation of signs and symptoms, the patient’s history and tests • Intervention: any action to improve health or cure illness including the use of medication, hospitalisation or surgery • Prevention: any action to reduce or eliminate the onset, causes, complications or recurrence of disease or illness

What is a health model? • Models of health are ‘conceptual frameworks’ or ways of thinking about health • Three such models are: – The Biomedical Model of Health – The Social Model of Health – The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion

The biomedical model of health Key principles of this model: • Focuses on ‘ill health’ • Healthcare is a response to a ‘breakdown’ of the body • The absence of disease is synonymous with health • Each disease has a specific cause that acts upon the body

More key principles of this model: • Body is seen in isolation from social and environmental factors • This approach includes the use of medical technologies, pathology, laboratory testing, medication, surgery and hospitalisation

The social model of health Key principles of this model: • Addresses the social and environmental determinants of health, not just the biomedical • Differences in health status are linked to gender, culture, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, working conditions, unemployment, housing end environment

More key principles of this model: • Health is not just the responsibility of the health sector – change requires collaboration • Aims to reduce inequality • Empowers individuals and communities to act for themselves • All people have the basic right to access affordable health care

The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion Key principles of this model: • Eight key prerequisites for health – Peace – Shelter – Education – Food – Income – Stable ecosystem – Sustainable resources – Social justice and equity

More key principles of this model: • The Charter identifies 3 basic strategies for health promotion – Advocate – Enable – Mediate

More key principles of this model: • The Charter identifies 5 key action areas – Build healthy public policy – Create supportive environments – Strengthen community action – Develop personal skills – Reorient health service