Discuss how the biomedical model of health has influenced health promotion approaches in Australia. (6 marks)
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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.
- The biomedical model focuses on physical and biological aspects of disease, emphasising diagnosis, treatment, and cure rather than prevention
- On one hand, this approach offers investment in advanced screening technologies like MRIs and mammography programs, enabling earlier disease detection. A key advantage is identifying breast cancer before symptoms appear, saving lives through early intervention.
- From one perspective, technological advances guided by this model have improved medical interventions through less invasive techniques like keyhole surgery. Supporters argue these innovations reduce recovery times and improve patient outcomes significantly.
- However, this must be weighed against the model’s “band-aid” approach that treats symptoms without addressing underlying causes. Critics of this model contend this encourages reliance on ongoing medical “fixes” rather than preventative lifestyle changes.
- Further to this, high costs to individuals (medical bills, time off work) and society (strain on public health systems) create significant challenges. These limitations have prompted Australia’s shift toward holistic, preventative approaches like the Ottawa Charter.
- Despite the benefits of advanced medical technology, the key argument against the biomedical model is its narrow focus. Nevertheless, it remains valuable when integrated with broader health promotion strategies.
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*Recommended phrases for balanced “for/against” language are bolded in the answer below.
- The biomedical model focuses on physical and biological aspects of disease, emphasising diagnosis, treatment, and cure rather than prevention
- On one hand, this approach offers investment in advanced screening technologies like MRIs and mammography programs, enabling earlier disease detection. A key advantage is identifying breast cancer before symptoms appear, saving lives through early intervention.
- From one perspective, technological advances guided by this model have improved medical interventions through less invasive techniques like keyhole surgery. Supporters argue these innovations reduce recovery times and improve patient outcomes significantly.
- However, this must be weighed against the model’s “band-aid” approach that treats symptoms without addressing underlying causes. Critics of this model contend this encourages reliance on ongoing medical “fixes” rather than preventative lifestyle changes.
- Further to this, high costs to individuals (medical bills, time off work) and society (strain on public health systems) create significant challenges. These limitations have prompted Australia’s shift toward holistic, preventative approaches like the Ottawa Charter.
- Despite the benefits of advanced medical technology, the key argument against the biomedical model is its narrow focus. Nevertheless, it remains valuable when integrated with broader health promotion strategies.