social model

what is the social model?

it recognises that improvements in health and wellbeing can only be achieved by directing effort towards addressing the broader determinants of health such as behaviours, income, education and access to healthcare, which have impacts on individuals and population groups. when these are addressed, many illnesses and diseases can be prevented

what are the 5 action areas of the ottawa charter?

build healthy public policy, create supportive environments, strengthen community action, develop personal skills, reorient health services

what is build healthy public policy?

laws and policies that make it difficult for people to undertake unhealthy behaviours and seek to make the healthier choices the easier ones

examples of build healthy public policy

removing GST on unprocessed foods, increasing tax on alcohol, banning smoking in public areas, compulsory seat belt wearing

what is create supportive environments?

aims to make both physical and sociocultural environments safe, stimulating, satisfying and enjoyable

examples of create supportive environments

providing shaded areas in playgrounds having smoke free environments

what is strengthen community action?

giving the community a sense of ownership over their health strategies and building links between the individuals and the community so they can work together to achieve a common goal

examples of strengthen community action

immunisation strategies involving doctors, schools and parents, health services for indigenous people run by indigenous people

what is develop personal skills?

educating individuals so they can make informed decisions about their health

examples of develop personal skills

community cooking classes, educational campaigns/programs - quit campaign

what is reorient health services?

changing health systems so that they promote health and wellbeing rather than just focusing on treating and diagnosing illness

examples of reorient health services

ambulance workers providing road safety to school kids, doctors discussing lifestyle factors such as healthy eating rather than medication adn surgery to reduce impact of diseases such as cardiovascular disease

strengths of the social model

prevention focused, cost effective, promotes equity, promotes sustainability, shares responsibility

limitations of the social model

not every disease can be prevented, doesn’t promote development in technology, health promotion messages may be ignored