1.2. Compare and contrast the medical model and social model of health

This guide will help you answer 1.2. Compare and contrast the medical model and social model of health.

The medical model and social model of health are two approaches used to understand health, illness, and wellbeing. Both play important roles in how professionals view conditions, but their perspectives differ greatly. By comparing these models, you can better understand their impact on health and social care practice. This guide looks at their similarities, differences, strengths, and limitations.

The Medical Model of Health

The medical model of health is a traditional approach used by healthcare professionals. It focuses on diagnosing and treating illnesses or injuries. This model is based on scientific evidence and often relies on medical interventions like surgery, medication, or therapy.

Key features of the medical model:

• It sees the body as a machine that can break down and need repairs.
• Health is defined as the absence of disease or illness.
• Professionals take the lead in identifying and treating problems.
• Tests like scans and bloodwork help pinpoint issues.
• Treatments target symptoms or the root cause of the condition.

The medical model views illness as something caused by physical or biological factors. For example, diabetes is seen as an issue related to insulin production, which needs medication or injections. In mental health, conditions like depression are often linked to brain chemicals, leading to treatments such as antidepressants.

The medical model has its benefits. It has been effective in combating diseases and improving life expectancy. Vaccines, antibiotics, and technological advancements would not have been possible without this model. However, it often ignores wider social, environmental, and cultural factors that influence health. It can also lead to people being treated as a set of symptoms rather than complete individuals.

The Social Model of Health

The social model of health challenges the medical model’s narrow focus. Instead of only looking at biological factors, it considers the social, economic, and environmental conditions that shape health and wellbeing. It believes that health is more than just the absence of disease. It includes an individual’s overall quality of life.

Key features of the social model:

• Health is influenced by multiple factors, including housing, employment, education, and social connections.
• It emphasises prevention by addressing the root causes of poor health, like poverty or discrimination.
• It empowers individuals and communities to take control of their own health.
• It supports changes in policy to create healthier living conditions for everyone.

For example, the social model attributes diabetes not only to biological issues but also to factors like unhealthy diets, lack of access to nutritious food, sedentary lifestyles, and economic difficulties. Improving these external factors can reduce the prevalence of diabetes.

The social model aims to create equality in health by tackling barriers, such as racism or inaccessible services. It encourages collaboration between health professionals, communities, and policymakers. Unlike the medical model, it views people as active participants in their health, rather than passive patients.

This model is often used in public health initiatives. For example, anti-smoking campaigns reduce smoking rates by changing social attitudes, laws, and environments—not just by treating smokers individually.

Key Differences Between the Models

The medical and social models differ in their views on health, illness, and solutions. These differences have shaped how care and support are provided. Some key distinctions include:

Focus:

• The medical model focuses on curing physical or mental issues.
• The social model looks at the bigger picture, addressing social determinants of health.

Definition of Health:

• In the medical model, health is the absence of illness.
• In the social model, health is a state of physical, mental, and social wellbeing.

Causes of Illness:

• The medical model identifies biological or physical causes.
• The social model considers wider issues, like poverty or education.

Role of the Individual:

• Individuals are often passive in the medical model, relying on professionals to fix them.
• In the social model, individuals and communities are active in making decisions about their health.

Type of Intervention:

• The medical model relies on treatment, such as surgery or medication.
• The social model focuses on prevention through lifestyle changes, education, and social policies.

Perspective on Disability:

• The medical model sees disability as a problem within the person needing treatment.
• The social model sees it as a societal issue caused by barriers like inaccessible buildings or discriminatory attitudes.

Strengths of the Medical Model

The medical model brings a range of strengths to health and social care:

• It has led to remarkable medical advancements, such as vaccines and organ transplants.
• It provides clear guidelines for diagnosing and treating conditions.
• It can rapidly address acute illnesses or emergencies.
• Scientific research ensures treatments are evidence-based.
• Patients often see quick relief from symptoms.

The medical model plays a critical role in crisis situations, like infections, accidents, or life-threatening conditions. Its efficiency and structure save lives in these cases.

Strengths of the Social Model

The social model has strengths that complement the medical approach:

• It tackles health inequalities by addressing social issues, like poor housing or unemployment.
• Prevention saves money and improves long-term outcomes for individuals and communities.
• It promotes a more inclusive society by removing barriers for people with disabilities or disadvantages.
• It empowers people, giving them control over their own health decisions.

Campaigns to encourage exercise or healthier diets show how the social model helps create lasting community changes, promoting wellbeing for a wider group of people.

Limitations of the Medical Model

Despite its successes, the medical model is not without flaws:

• It focuses too heavily on treating symptoms rather than root causes.
• It often ignores social, emotional, and environmental factors.
• It sees people as patients instead of considering their holistic needs.
• Long-term conditions, like obesity or mental health issues, may not be addressed effectively.

Sometimes the medical model can leave patients feeling disempowered and dependent on professionals, as it does not encourage personal or community responsibility for health.

Limitations of the Social Model

Although the social model benefits public health, it has its own set of limitations:

• It does not focus enough on the biological or medical aspects of health.
• It relies heavily on social changes, which take time and resources.
• Measuring its success can be more difficult than the medical model’s clear scientific outcomes.

For instance, tackling obesity through education or policies may not deliver rapid results compared to immediate medical interventions.

Where the Models Overlap

While these models are different, they interact in health and social care. Combining the medical and social models can deliver more holistic care. For example:

• Treating cancer requires medical approaches, like chemotherapy, but recovery is supported by addressing emotional needs and removing workplace barriers.
• Managing asthma involves medication, but reducing air pollution (a social factor) can prevent attacks.

Both models have valuable roles in improving health. Using elements of both provides the best outcomes for individuals and communities.

The Relevance of Both Models in Practice

In practice, professionals may draw on the medical and social models depending on the situation. A balanced approach is often most effective.

• Medical model in emergencies: Immediate intervention is vital for life-threatening conditions, like heart attacks or strokes. There may not be time to consider wider social factors.
• Social model in prevention: To reduce chronic diseases, public health campaigns focusing on social changes, like banning smoking indoors or promoting cycling, are key.

Health and social care professionals should understand when to apply each model and how to integrate them.

Summary of the Medical and Social Models

The medical and social models of health provide two different methods for understanding and managing health. Their approaches may contrast, but they are most effective when used together. While the medical model offers rapid solutions to acute problems, the social model addresses the underlying factors that influence long-term health.

By knowing the strengths and limitations of both models, workers in health and social care can provide more comprehensive and effective care. Use these insights to approach health thoughtfully and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.