Please Complete An APA 6th Edition Formatted Paper, 4 Pages

Please Complete An APA 6th edition Formatted Paper 4 Pages Not Includi

Please complete an APA 6th Edition formatted paper (4 pages not including cover sheet) addressing the three questions below. Please remember to cite your sources. 1). Outline the differences between the medical model, public health model and human services model? 2). Identify two challenges those using the medical model in the helping professions face today? 3). Select a problem that you know is currently receiving the attention of the helping professions (i.e. teen pregnancy, unemployment, homelessness, mental illness, etc.). Discuss how each of the models discussed above might approach the selected problem. What seems to be the strengths and weaknesses of each model in addressing the problem you chose?

Please Complete An APA 6th edition Formatted Paper 4 Pages Not Includi

The field of helping professions encompasses various models that guide practitioners in addressing health and social issues. Among the most prominent are the medical model, the public health model, and the human services model. Each offers unique perspectives, approaches, and challenges, shaping how professionals understand and intervene in complex societal problems.

Differences Between the Medical, Public Health, and Human Services Models

The medical model primarily views health issues as biological or physiological problems within the individual. It emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and cure, often focusing on symptom management and biomedical interventions. This model operates under the assumption that health problems are rooted in biological factors, and that medical professionals are best equipped to address these issues through clinical expertise and pharmacological treatments (Kirkwood & Price, 2019). For example, mental illnesses are often approached through psychiatric diagnoses and medication management within this framework.

In contrast, the public health model emphasizes prevention, community engagement, and social determinants of health. It recognizes that health issues result from a complex interplay of environmental, social, economic, and behavioral factors. Public health efforts are aimed at reducing risk factors and promoting health at a population level through policy changes, education, and community interventions (Leavell & Clark, 2018). For instance, addressing childhood obesity might involve policy initiatives to improve school nutrition programs alongside community-based physical activity programs.

The human services model adopts a holistic, client-centered approach that considers individual, social, and environmental factors influencing well-being. Practitioners focus on empowering clients through advocacy, counseling, and resource coordination. This model operates on the principle that social and psychological support are essential for addressing complex human problems, emphasizing empathy, social justice, and person-in-environment perspectives (Salvatore et al., 2018). For example, assisting a homeless individual might involve not only providing shelter but also addressing underlying issues like mental health, employment, and social integration.

Two Challenges Faced by the Medical Model in Today’s Helping Professions

Firstly, the medical model tends to be reductionist, often reducing complex human experiences and social issues to biological or psychological symptoms. This focus can overlook broader social determinants of health such as poverty, discrimination, and social marginalization, leading to incomplete or ineffective interventions (Marmot, 2015). For example, prescribing medication for depression without addressing underlying social stressors may result in symptom relief but not long-term recovery.

Secondly, the medical model's emphasis on diagnosis and treatment can perpetuate a reliance on pharmacological solutions, potentially neglecting alternative or complementary approaches such as counseling, community support, and preventive health measures. This reliance can also contribute to over-medicalization of normal human experiences and insufficient acknowledgment of the patient's social context, which are essential for holistic care (Compton et al., 2014). For instance, over-prescription of psychiatric medication may lead to side effects and medication dependency rather than sustainable recovery strategies.

Addressing a Current Social Problem: Approach of the Different Models

Let us consider the issue of homelessness, which is a significant concern addressed by multiple helping professions. Each model offers a distinct approach to tackling this complex problem.

Medical Model: In the context of homelessness, the medical model might focus on diagnosing and treating mental health issues or substance abuse problems prevalent among homeless populations. It would emphasize providing psychiatric care and medical treatment to stabilize individuals physically and psychologically. While this approach can address health crises and improve individual functioning, it may fall short in tackling the root causes, such as lack of affordable housing or unemployment.

Public Health Model: This model would approach homelessness by emphasizing prevention and addressing social determinants. It could involve policy initiatives aimed at affordable housing, employment programs, and community-based outreach. The public health approach values population-level interventions, such as reducing systemic barriers and improving access to healthcare and social services. Its strength lies in preventive strategies, but it might lack the capacity for immediate individual mental health or medical needs.

Human Services Model: The human services approach would focus on comprehensive case management, direct support, and advocacy. Practitioners would assist individuals in navigating social services, securing housing, accessing healthcare, and developing life skills. This model’s strength is its personalized, holistic support; however, it may be resource-intensive and limited by funding constraints.

Strengths and Weaknesses: The medical model’s greatest strength is its ability to treat urgent health issues, but it may neglect social factors; the public health model excels at prevention but may lack immediate impact on individual crises; the human services model provides tailored support but can be resource-demanding. An integrated approach combining these models might be most effective in addressing homelessness comprehensively (Fitzpatrick et al., 2014).

Conclusion

Understanding the distinctions among the medical, public health, and human services models is essential for effectively addressing complex societal issues. Each has unique strengths and limitations, and synergistic efforts that integrate these approaches can create more holistic and sustainable solutions addressing health and social problems, such as homelessness. Appreciating the context and scope of each model enhances the capacity of helping professionals to serve diverse populations effectively.

References

• Compton, W. M., Cottler, L., Dorsey, E. R., et al. (2014). The public health model of addiction care: Implementation challenges. Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 9(1), 11-21.
• Fitzpatrick, S., Johnsen, S., & White, M. (2014). Combating homelessness: The importance of integrated approaches. Social Policy & Administration, 48(1), 89-109.
• Kirkwood, G., & Price, J. (2019). Biomedical models of health and their implications. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(7-8), 1251-1259.
• Leavell, H. R., & Clark, E. G. (2018). Preventive Medicine for the American Public. University of Chicago Press.
• Marmot, M. (2015). The health gap: The challenge of an unequal world. The Lancet, 386(10011), 2442-2444.
• Salvatore, C., Mann, S., & Wilson, J. (2018). Person-in-environment approach in social work practice. Social Work, 63(2), 159-165.