Influenced by a background in hospital administration, my initial inclination was toward hospital care as the primary facet of health provision. However, the Critical Foundations in Health Disciplines course has challenged this assumption and fundamentally reshaped my perspective. The course content provided an enhanced understanding of the multidimensional nature of health. Through newfound knowledge and reflection, it is evident that hospitals represent only a fraction of the comprehensive understanding that significantly influences overall health.
This blog includes reflections on the population-based health concepts explored in the course and the benefits of conducting systematic reviews and leveraging models and frameworks to advance one's understanding of health. The blog will conclude with reflections on the importance of connectivity in comprehending and propelling the concept of health forward.
Defining Health: Embracing a Comprehensive Outlook
A progressive understanding of health goes beyond the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition, including physical, mental, and social well-being (Schramme, 2023). To grasp health broadly, we must recognize the profound impact of social determinants, understand the unique challenges of vulnerable and marginalized populations, and navigate the intricate complexities of chronic illness. This broader viewpoint is essential for cultivating an enlightened understanding of human well-being's current and evolving nature.
At the core of health's foundation lies the intricate network of social determinants—the factors shaping individuals' overall well-being. In his 2015 book "The Health Gap," Michael Marmot explains how the conditions surrounding our lives can profoundly influence health disparities across our lifetime, emphasizing that it is not merely poverty but far-reaching inequities that truly drive ill health.
Subsequently, course content evoked the contemplation of implementing preventive strategies tailored to counterbalance the determinants. Public health policy assumes a pivotal role here. In a previously posted blog, I advocated for an improved healthcare access strategy, asserting that policymakers must contemplate the broader context in which health unfolds. Specifically, Canada should shift its focus from mere cost-cutting to thoughtful investments in the health and well-being of its citizens, charting a path toward a healthier, more sustainable future for all Canadians (LaForce, 2023a). The delicate interplay between health and its social determinants emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging these factors for a holistic understanding. Overlooking social determinants limits our comprehension, hindering our ability to enact meaningful and enduring improvements in population health.
Also, critical to understanding the impact on the health of entire populations is to hold an understanding of vulnerable and marginalized peoples. The systemic exclusion faced by marginalized communities, based on factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability, results in enduring forms of disadvantage. Recognizing and addressing the specific needs of these groups is vital for constructing an equitable healthcare system. It is crucial to acknowledge that they encounter barriers to healthcare access and contend with significant disparities in health outcomes.
While dismantling barriers to access and enhancing diagnostic and treatment capacities is essential, inclusivity is essential in finding solutions. Sensitivity to cultural and ethnic preferences is vital to the success of any initiative. Ensuring that the affected population is actively involved in developing solutions is equally crucial, fostering a sense of empowerment and acknowledging the unique cultural context in implementing healthcare solutions. This inclusive approach addresses immediate healthcare needs and preserves the diverse cultural identities within the population.
Chronic illness, characterized by long-lasting and often progressive health conditions, also poses a formidable challenge to the current and future healthcare landscape. The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases necessitates a shift from traditional acute care models to more comprehensive, patient-centred, and preventive approaches (Saraglous, 2007). Effectively managing chronic conditions requires a shift from episodic interventions to a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnected nature of physical, social and mental well-being.
Successful management of chronic conditions extends beyond medical interventions to encompass lifestyle adjustments and community engagement (Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, 2010). Central to this approach is the empowerment of patients through ongoing education about their conditions. Informed patients are better prepared to participate actively in their care, make informed decisions, and adopt healthier lifestyles. Additionally, community support plays a pivotal role in managing chronic illnesses. By integrating community support into the healthcare framework, individuals with chronic conditions are better positioned to navigate their challenges, fostering resilience and a sense of belonging.
Advancing Health Knowledge: The Role of Systematic Reviews and Frameworks
Advancing one's comprehension of health involves more than adopting a broader definition; it requires investment in systematic reviews and the meticulous analysis of interventions and outcomes. The course content provided insights into the critical role of methodological inquiry facilitated by theoretical models and frameworks in healthcare research. A structured approach is an indispensable tool guiding researchers to enhance the credibility and utility of their studies.
Models and frameworks assist in identifying knowledge gaps within existing studies, thus enriching one's current understanding of healthcare. Moreover, they act as catalysts for further research initiatives. As discussed in my blog post, the various models explored throughout the course allow for a comprehensive understanding that extends beyond individual choices to include a broader spectrum of social, cultural, and environmental factors (LaForce, 2023b). The impact of credible healthcare research on public health policies directly enhances patient care. The intrinsic power of public policy lies in its capacity to shape and influence the health of entire populations on a large scale. Informed policy decisions, backed by rigorous analysis, promise to yield positive and lasting impacts on the overall health of a population.
Therefore, integrating systematic reviews, models, and frameworks goes beyond advancing our understanding; it becomes a cornerstone for informed and impactful public health policies. By leveraging these tools, we not only fortify the foundation of our knowledge but also pave the way for policies that can bring about positive transformations in healthcare on a societal level.
Health and the Exponential Force of Connectivity
The recurring theme woven through my learning journey is the compelling influence of connectivity. In my initial blog, I underscored the significance of digital platforms for professional development, granting direct connection to key thought leaders worldwide. Open digital platforms build a virtual bridge to experts, exposing the latest trends and innovations at unprecedented speeds. The digital era has proven to be a dynamic conduit that surpasses geographical boundaries, fostering instantaneous global connections. This connectivity facilitates the exploration of challenges and opportunities with diverse peers and has expanded my thinking beyond the familiar. By the end of the course, I recognized the exponential power of digital connectivity as an enhancement to accessibility at remarkable speeds to produce an unprecedented level of global connectivity.
Health is on the brink of radical change, where high-speed digital networks serve as catalysts for accessible and personalized healthcare. From telemedicine and wearables to artificial intelligence, these groundbreaking innovations represent the future of healthcare. The integration of digital technology, coupled with the collaborative power of people, promises that we can navigate toward a state of health that transcends conventional boundaries, paving the way for a future where innovation and well-being are interconnected globally.
In conclusion, the course has proven to be an enlightening experience, significantly deepening my understanding of health. Exploring the complexities of social determinants, population health, and chronic illness, I can see the interconnected nature of human well-being. Furthermore, the significance of academic research, including theoretical models and frameworks, has emerged as a guiding force, enriching my understanding of its influence on public health policy. However, a common thread for me, weaving through the course content, was connectivity. By embracing the power of connectivity, we have the potential to propel healthcare beyond conventional boundaries. I envision a future marked by global interconnectedness, where the fabric of well-being is a seamless integration of knowledge, innovation, and connectivity.
References
Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. (2010). Transforming Care for Canadians with Chronic Health Conditions. https://www.cahs-acss.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cdm-final-English.pdf
Churchill, E., et al. (2021). Effectiveness of Narrative Messaging Styles about the Social Determinants of Health and Health Inequities in Ontario, Canada. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, 1-13. https://www.zotero.org/dlaforce1d/items/J526VHCW/attachment/7D6CI7JW/reader
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LaForce, D. (2023a, October 5). Penny Wise, but Pound Foolish: Time to Modernize the Canada Health Act. Wix. https://dlaforce1.wixsite.com/my-site-1/post/penny-wise-but-pound-foolish-time-to-modernize-the-canada-health-act
LaForce, D. (2023b, November 8). Unpacking Health on Multiple Levels: Applying the Social Ecological Model to Type 2 diabetes. Wix. https://dlaforce1.wixsite.com/my-site-1/post/unpacking-health-on-multiple-levels-applying-the-social-ecological-model-to-type-2-diabetes
Leonardi, F. (2018). The Definition of Health: Towards New Perspectives. International Journal of Health Services, 48(4), 735-748. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0020731418782653
Let’s Learn Public Health. (2017, June 25). What Makes Us Healthy? Understanding the Social Determinant of Health. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PH4JYfF4Ns
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NCCID. (2023, April 27). Social Determinants and the Tuberculosis (TB) Journey in Northern First Nations Communities. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LPssR4jCy8
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Richmond, C., Cook, C. (2016). Creating conditions for Canadian aboriginal health equity: the promise of health public policy. Public Health Reviews. Retrieved November 10, 2023, from https://publichealthreviews.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40985-016-0016-5
Saraglous, P. (2007). Chronic Disease Prevention and Management. Health Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/reports-publications/primary-health-care/chronic-disease-prevention-management.html
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