Discussion Forum Unit 1 HS 2712
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University of the People *
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2712
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Health Science
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Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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Discussion Forum Unit 1 HS 2712
Health and illness are always said to be the complex phenomena that individuals navigate throughout their lives. Drawing on these intriguing scholarly perspectives, this discussion shall explore and evaluate the experiences in the context of the biomedical system, lay referral system, and the inherent power and knowledge dynamics within the medical arena.
In the biomedical system, the physician-patient interaction often seen to be adopted an object-oriented and bio-chemical approach (Engel, 1977). Physicians are primarily focussed
on by diagnosing and treating illnesses based on biological markers, laboratory tests, and medical imaging. While this approach has proven to be effective in many cases, it tends to prioritize the reductionist aspects of medicine, potentially by neglecting the holistic dimensions of an individual's health, including psychological, social, and environmental factors (Cassell, 1985).
Concurrently, the lay referral system better plays an important role in the individuals' health-
seeking behaviors. Mechanic and Meyer (2000) have noted that people frequently turn to their social networks for advice or referrals related to health matters. While the lay referral system provides emotional support and alternative perspectives, the advice received may not always be incongruent with evidence-based medical practices (Broom, 2005). In this context, there is no denying the fact that balancing culturally relevant advice with scientifically validated treatments becomes vital.
The power and knowledge dynamic within the medical arena is evident in the doctor-patient relationship. Physicians, as holders of in-depth medical knowledge, wield significant power in making decisions about specific diagnoses and treatments (Charles et al., 1997). This dynamic historically positioned patients nevertheless in a more passive role, limiting their autonomy in healthcare decision making. However, there is a growing recognition of the importance of shared decision-making, emphasizing collaboration between healthcare providers and patients in treatment choices for prospective living.
In a nutshell, experiences with health and illness are multifaceted, involving interactions within the biomedical system, reliance on the lay referral system, and negotiations of power and knowledge within the medical realm. As the healthcare landscape evolves and progresses, finding a balance between the reductionist approaches of biomedicine and holistic understandings of health becomes crucial in this modern era. Additionally, fostering collaborative decision-making processes and empowering individuals in their healthcare journeys are integral for patient-centered overall care, respect and judgement.
References:
Cassell, E. J. (1985). The nature of suffering and the goals of medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, 306(11), 639-645.
Charles, C., Gafni, A., & Whelan, T. (1997). Decision-making in the physician-patient encounter: revisiting the shared treatment decision-making model. Social Science & Medicine, 49(5), 651-661.
Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129-136.
Mechanic, D., & Meyer, S. (2000). Concepts of trust among patients with serious illness. Social Science & Medicine, 51(5), 657-668.
Broom, A. (2005). Virtually he@lthy: The impact of internet use on disease experience and the doctor-patient relationship. Qualitative Health Research, 15(3), 325-345.
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