The biopsychosocial and biomedical models are both useful towards the treatment of diseases, more specifically for purposes of analysis of the probable cause of the same. However, either one of them approaches medical analysis from a perspective that’s distinct to it. The biopsychosocial model takes into account the historical, emotional, and biological elements of personal well-being in the course of its medical considerations. It considers the environment which the patient is in alongside their habits, and the effects of these two on mental as well as physical wellbeing. The biomedical model, on the other hand, in providing health care , simply takes into account biological factors, which it asserts have a positive correlation to general physical and mental wellbeing.
Assumptions of the Models
The biopsychosocial model assumes that the human body is not complete without the elements of society, psychology, and family. It views disease and the process of their treatment thereof, as being contributed to by a multiplicity of other factors, not just by simple biological pathology. On the other hand, the biomedical model, in its assumptions, only consider the biological causes of disease and finds mentality as well as other social factors irrelevant in the process of treatment.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
The Impact of Leading cause of Deaths on Model
The leading causes of death do affect the models that are used for treatment, seeing as most of them revolve around lifestyles. The incidence of heart diseases requires a change in the lifestyle of a patient and of those around him or her. As much as cellular biology is involved, it is might not entirely be responsible for the complications in such a case as this. However, in cases of injuries and infections, patients are likely to get well without necessarily requiring a multifactorial approach to their care. However, in cases where disorders and conditions such as heart disease or even illnesses such as cancer are concerned, application of the latter is extremely crucial.
Research and the Biomedical versus Biopsychosocial Models
The psychosocial model lends itself more readily to research since it covers a wider scope of factors in as far as the determination of the causes of diseases and consequently, of the process of their treatment, is concerned. Furthermore, its application is possible within extensive parameters, seeing as it includes the biomedical model in its structure. The psychosocial model is seen as an improvement of the biomedical one. It includes the biomedical model in its process. To this end, it fundamentally considers the biological causes of a disease before following up with all other factors that may be involved. The biopsychosocial model engages a lot of patients in personal conversations and interactions that reveal a lot of areas in need of further research (Havelka, Lucanin &Lucanin, 2009).
Focus of Physician/Psychologist during Treatment
Physicians and psychologists, during the process of diagnosis and treatment, focus on the severity of affliction of the patient and also, on the environment from which they come. They also focus on the possible influences of society on pathology, basing their assessment on arising trends in statistics and reports from individuals.
Strengths and Drawbacks of the Models
The biopsychosocial model is strong in the sense that it’s patient-centered and is as well comprehensive. Notably, it engages patients in the healing process. Unfortunately, sometimes this model ends up consuming a great deal of time with no impact on the patient. The biomedical model, on the other hand, provides a direct approach that is less time and resource consuming and favorable for specific conditions. However, this model is ill-suited for the treatment of mental ailments.
Conclusion
Clearly, the two models do not contribute in the same way to healthcare. Despite this, they cannot entirely be disregarded, seeing as one provides a foundation for the other. The biomedical model is to be appreciated for having pioneered structured healthcare provision. It does provide relevant care and ought to be considered where situations are not dire or do not require comprehensive treatment. Nonetheless, such treatment has become necessary, and the approaches of the biopsychosocial model are considerably more useful towards the prevention of disease. Its contribution is, therefore, more rewarding than that of biomedical models, due to the fact that its approach to medication is conclusive and holistic as well.
References
Domenech, J., Sánchez-Zuriaga, D., Segura-Ortí, E., Espejo-Tort, B., & Lisón, J. F. (2011). Impact of biomedical and biopsychosocial training sessions on the attitudes, beliefs, and recommendations of health care providers about low back pain: a randomised clinical trial. Pain , 152 (11), 2557-2563.
Engel, G. L. (1997). From biomedical to biopsychosocial: Being scientific in the human domain. Psychosomatics , 38 (6), 521-528.
Havelka, M, Lucanin J.D. and Lucanin, D. (2009). Biopsychosocial model--the integrated approach to health and disease. Coll Antropol, 33 (1):303-10.
