Pros And Cons Of The Biomedical Model

For over three decades, the biomedical model was used in healthcare to affects its policies and practices. This model is described best as a purely biological in its approach. According to the biomedical model, when the body is absent of disease, this is what we call a state of health. Consequently, you will find that the model focuses on pathology and does not place emphasis on on understanding the illness. The biomedical model ideal originate from Rudolf Virchochow, considered the “Father of Pathology”, concluded that all disease is a result of cellular abnormality or disturbance. In order to further understand pathology, this model adopted a factor analysis approach, which helps to reduce large sums of data to remove replica data. This …show more content…
The BSP model called for attention to other factors that may be in effect, taking into consideration psychological, social and biological components. The BSP model developed from disputes regarding the reductionist ways of the biomedical model. Two prominent figures in the development of this model were George Engel and John Romano. Following the death of Engel’s brother, he began to examine correlations between loss and disease. These studies began to shed light on the possibilities of social and psychological influences on the progression of an illness (Engel 1977). Despite the fact that this model is now being used within the North American healthcare system, there are still many questions regarding its validity. With these disparities in practice still occurring, it is imperative that further examination be conducted regarding validity and reliability. When exploring aspects of these models we can see the benefits and disadvantages in both theories. Furthermore, deliberation of implementing new models may provide improvements to the current healthcare practices and …show more content…
One model that is recognized but often neglected is the medical humanist model, established by William Osler. Osler claimed that attention should be drawn to both the treatment of disease and the individual as a whole. This new model addressed treatment of a disease when present but also takes into account risk factors that may perpetuate disease. In essence, the medical humanist model would be eliminating biomedical reductionism and eradicating the flaws in the biopsychosocial model. Humanities and science should be “two berries on one stem” according to Osler. This merger of models denoted a holistic approach. The qualities of the medical humanist model served as a buffer between polarizing characteristics of the biomedical and biopsychosocial models. Osler, places immense emphasis on teaching a humane approach to medicine and stressed that both function