Biomedical Approach (AOS2A)

Question 1

What is the biomedical approach to health?

Answer 1

A model of health focused on the biological and physical aspects of disease and illness, that is practiced by doctors and health professionals and is associated with the diagnosis, treatment and cure of disease and illness.

Question 2

Provide examples of the biomedical approach.

Answer 2

• medications like antibiotics, chemotherapy and antihypertensives (blood pressure medication)
• medical technology such as blood tests, x-rays and MRI to diagnose
• medical technology like radiation therapy, nebulisers and defibs to treat

Question 3

Provide a strength and limitation of the biomedical approach.

Answer 3

Strengths
- increase life expectancy
- easily and effectively treat illness
- medical research and technology are improved
- more years spent in good health

Limitations
- not all conditions can be cured and treated
- it can be expensive
- it doesn’t promote good health as they just know they can rely on treatment
- contributes to differences in health status between population groups