Medical model
Medical model
The Medical model (pronunciation: /ˈmɛdɪkəl ˈmɒdəl/) is a set of assumptions that is used to understand and explain phenomena in the field of medicine.
Etymology
The term "medical model" is derived from the Latin word "medicus", meaning "physician", and the Latin word "modulus", meaning "measure". It was first used in the 20th century to describe the approach of using scientific knowledge to understand and treat diseases.
Definition
The medical model is a way of viewing the human body and disease that is heavily influenced by biological factors. It is a model that views health as the absence of disease and focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of diseases. The medical model is often contrasted with the social model of health, which considers social and environmental factors in health and disease.
Related Terms
- Biomedical model: A narrower focus within the medical model that strictly looks at biological factors and excludes psychological, environmental, and social influences.
- Social model of health: An approach that considers social, environmental, and personal factors as important aspects of health and illness.
- Holistic health: An approach to health that considers the whole person and how they interact with their environment.
- Healthcare system: The organization of people, institutions, and resources to deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.
Criticisms
While the medical model has been instrumental in the development of modern medicine, it has also been criticized for its focus on disease rather than health, and for its tendency to ignore the social and psychological aspects of illness. Critics argue that a more holistic approach, which considers the whole person and their environment, is needed.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Medical model
- Wikipedia's article - Medical model
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