The biopsychosocial model and its importance
This approach that we name the biopsychosocial model, pertains to biological, psychological and social factors and their relationship with illness, health and other human interactions.
This model was first described by Dr George Engel, a Cardiologist. Nowadays the BPS model’s accepted widely by all healthcare professionals worldwide. This model of human psychology suggests that mind and body are not separate things but connected in many aspects. What affects our mind also affects our body and what influences our body also affects our mind. So they are not independent entities as previously thought. Illness or wellness is not just a matter of someone’s physical being but also social and psychological status as well.
BPS model in Health care
The biopsychosocial model ensures that doctors explain medical conditions, for example, depression by examining all the factors. These include mind, body, social factors and all others that could be contributing to a person’s condition.
The biopsychosocial model is the most ideal representation of science in the medical field. Although many practitioners believe that this model is difficult to implement in real life. Mind, body and social factors are difficult to implement in everyday patient care.
Each patient’s experience is unique; hence, integrating the biopsychosocial model for every patient is a formidable task. So, one that cannot be achieved seamlessly in all healthcare institutes because of the abundant patient load.
The purpose of the biopsychosocial model was to change a clinician’s approach toward a patient. It is targeted to increase the quality of patient care, a better understanding of the disease process and improve clinical outcomes. The biopsychosocial model needs an approach that involves multiple disciplines. The relationship between a patient and doctor requires better interactive skills that help increase empathy and understanding not only in the medical department but also in psychology and social.
These small changes in the biopsychosocial model, when implemented in clinical care, cause significant differences in biopsychological outcomes.
BPS model and mental health
We can also talk about the BPS model and mental health for example depression. The biopsychosocial model suggests and modern science confirms that these seemingly independent factors (social, biological, psychological) all end up influencing each other.
We know that depression can be caused by a number of factors that appear independent but in reality related to each other. As one factor tends to influence others, it is possible that the body reacts to them and has significant symptoms of depression. The opposite is also true when the body is physically ill and there is a mental or social reaction to it.
This is why it is now absolutely important to not only take the medical aspects of a disease or phenomenon. But also social factors that influence it and psychological factors that may govern it.
