Medical Model |
Population Health Model |
| Geared toward a clinically-oriented system
Studies the effects any given health ailment
| Changes the way society and the individual interact
Individuals engage in guided self-managed care |
| Places the fault with the individual
Assumes that there is something wrong with people who consume too much sodium and does not account for societal influences | Emphasizes public education
Individuals are provided with the information needed to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare |
| Maintains social hierarchy
Medical professionals are assumed to always know what is right and best | Studies a range of influencing factors
The reason(s) why a given health ailment exists are examined |
| Standardized
Care is based on measurable and objective inputs. For example, how much sodium an individual is consuming and what the cure will be for hypertension which discourages “out of the box” thinking. | Prevention-based
Reduces the need for treatments by encouraging proactive health-oriented decision-making, as well as emphasizes long-term planning as a key to lasting success and cost reduction |
| “Mechanically” oriented
Humans are machines that can be fixed if a component is defective | Personalized
Social factors influencing health, such as poverty and education, are incorporated into healthcare |
| A sickness care system
Symptoms continue to be treated, but underlying causes are never addressed | Encourages community participation
Individuals are empowered to make positive health choices |
| Uses public policy to make changes
Encourages regulations for food labeling, distribution and content limits, especially for young children |
sources:
- Barr, V., Robinson, S., Marin-Link, B., Underhill, L., Dotts, A., Ravensdale, D., & Salivaras, S. (2003). The expanded chronic care model. Hosp Q, 7(1), 73-82.
- Government of Canada. (2012). What is the Population Health Approach?
- Zigmond, D. (1976). The medical model—its limitations and alternatives. Hospital Update, 2, 424-427.
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