Using Trevor’s and Dahlia’s Accounts from Activity 2.3 in Learning Guide Essay Example

the absence of illness but also complete physical, mental, and social well-being (K217, Block 1, p.28). Sociologists distinguish between three terms: "illness," which refers to how an individual feels unwell; "sickness," which is determined by a doctor issuing a sick note and represents societal status; and "disease," which is a biological malfunction (Stow AC Social science). To fully address this issue, I will examine factors from both models that contribute to enhancing Trevor's quality of life. By referring to course materials, I will explore how quality of life and well-being are interconnected with Health and Social Care. From a clinical perspective (Biomedical), well-being means the absence of negative conditions; whereas from a psychological standpoint (Social), it means having positive attributes present (Barwais 2011). Assessing quality of life considers various aspects such as life expectancy, overall health and social issues, income levels, social connections, education, and employment participation rates (Doyal and Gough 1991). Holism and the Biomedical Model are closely related concepts in understanding an individual's health and illness.

Holism recognizes the various elements that impact well-being and highlights the significance of viewing individuals as a complete entity in terms of their overall health.

Holistic healthcare covers an individual's physical, mental, and emotional well-being, as well as personal choices and self-identity. This approach enables healthcare professionals to consider all aspects of a person's health (K21, Block 1, and P. 38). It involves acknowledging and dealing with all pertinent factors that impact a person's health or illness. Nevertheless, the term does not specifically identify these factors or their categorization.

The term holistic is also employed to imply a morally superior and sometimes an alternate non-allopathic method

of treating illness. The determination of the appropriate treatment and the most effective way to administer it will depend on various factors, including the individual's medical condition, the roles and responsibilities of different parties involved, and the underlying reasons. In terms of Trevor's care, evidence from the course material suggests that he receives care from both the discussed models. Both Trevor and his daughter Dahlia hold extremely high standards for the level of care that Trevor desires and requires.

Despite being fully aware of his illness, Trevor continues to pursue his daily activities as he desires. Dahlia goes above and beyond to meet her father's needs and desires, while also holding care workers accountable for meeting her expectations. These expectations include ensuring cleanliness in Trevor's home, maintaining a certain standard for the surrounding environment, and ensuring his comfort.

Dahlia and Trevor both have high expectations for Trevor's care and nourishment. Dahlia also expects good food to be provided for Trevor. Trevor shares similar expectations and emphasizes his need for his laptop, which he sees as essential to his well-being. Additionally, Trevor values going to the day center as it allows him to maintain a sense of independence and have his wants and needs fulfilled.

Trevor stresses the significance of getting care from people he knows and trusts, as well as his love for TV. Meeting these needs is essential for Trevor's overall well-being in the Social Model. Failing to meet these needs may cause Trevor's condition to worsen and make him feel more powerless about his health and its impact on his daily life. In my view, both the Biomedical Model and

the Social Model are equally important in this regard.

Trevor's clinician/nursing staff utilize the Biomedical Model to address his medical condition and pain management. However, solely relying on this model is insufficient for providing Trevor with the comprehensive treatment and quality of life he requires. Conversely, the Social Model alone cannot effectively manage Trevor's condition without involvement from Biomedicine. Without proper management, Trevor would be unable to partake in his daily activities and hobbies. Despite each model having its own strengths and weaknesses, I believe that both models can contribute to promoting the well-being of patients dealing with long-term health issues or disabilities.

As I studied more course material, I learned that an increasing number of health professionals are recognizing the benefits of including the Social Model in patients' care plans. Previously, medical professionals believed that only Biomedicine could fully restore a patient's health.

References

1. Barwais, F. (2011) ‘Definitions of Wellbeing,Quality of Life and Wellness’,National Wellness Institute of Australia [Online]. Available at http://nwia. idwellness. org/2011/02/28/definitions-of-wellbeing-quality-of-life-and-wellness/
2. Doyal, L. and Gough, I. (1991) ‘A Theory of Human Need’ in Exploring Health, Social Care and Wellbeing, Chapter 1, Milton Keynes,
3. The Open University Stow College, (1992) ‘Health:Medical and Social Models of Health’, Stow College Management and general Education Department [Online]. Available at http://socialscience. stow. ac. uk/rab/hnc_health/modelsofhealth. htm (Accessed 29 October 2012) The Open University, (2012)
4. ‘Models of health care delivery: TheBiomedical Model’, Learning Space [online]. Available at http://openlearn. open. ac. uk/mod/oucontent/view. php? id=398060&section=1. (Accessed 1 November 2012)
5. The Open University, (2012)

‘Activity 2. 3: Biomedicine and holism’, K217 Learning Guide 2[Online]. Available at http://learn2. open. ac. uk/mod/oucontent/view. php? id=136246&section=2. 3