Timeline Of Health Definitions by Daniela Zacatelco González

Ancient Medicine

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 19:50:16 UTC

In this period, health was mainly influenced by religious beliefs.

People believed that in order to have good health, they needed to please the gods through prayers and sacrifices.

Ancient Egypt: They thought that headaches were caused by demons or supernatural forces that needed to be appeased.
Ancient Greece: People would make pilgrimages to temples, especially those dedicated to the healing god Asclepius.

The rod of Asclepius is a popular a symbol of medicine that reflects the historical belief that health was governed by divine forces.

The Hippocratic concept of health (5th century BCE)

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 21:50:14 UTC

Hippocrates was known as "The Father of modern Medicine". He was the first to distinguish Greek medicine from magical and religious influences, focusing on the impact of environmental and personal cleanliness on health.

He also believed that diseases happened because of imbalances among four bodily fluids (black bile, yellow bile, phlegm, and blood).

Health was seen as a state of balance within the body that could be restored through changes in lifestyle and medical treatments.

While some Eastern medical practices still have spiritual elements, most modern health practices worldwide (including those in Eastern medicine) are based on the Hippocratic belief that health is influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors.

Roman Empire (1st century BCE to 5th century CE)

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 22:16:01 UTC

During the Roman Empire scientific advancements deepened the understanding of health.

Galen (a leading physician of the time) expanded on Hippocrates' ideas by linking bodily fluid balance to temperament and personality. He advocated for a comprehensive approach to medicine, considering both physical and mental health.

The Roman innovations, such as aqueducts, sewer systems, and public baths, marked the first organised efforts to promote public health, shifting the focus from individual care to the well-being of entire communities.

Pre-WHO Era

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 22:26:21 UTC

The discovery of cells (1665), microorganisms (1676), and genes (1866) as well as discoveries about the chemicals and processes that maintain human body and mind in equilibrium, reinforced what Hippocrates and Galen stated before.

New health definitions were created to address broader societal needs.

The WHO definition of health (1948)

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 22:41:18 UTC

The definition of health according to the World Health Organization is "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of infirmity or disease." And for nearly 70 years, many healthcare professionals have adhered to this definition.

This definition was revolutionary, because it broadened the concept of health from simply the absence of disease to include social factors that influence health outcomes and quality of life. It emphasised overall well-being, incorporating psychosocial, behavioural, and environmental aspects beyond disease.

This definition has also faced criticism, because it is considered ambiguous by some and some say: "is actually a closer description of happiness rather than health."

René Dubos (1959)

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 23:06:03 UTC

He said in his book "The Mirage of Health" that health cannot be achieved only through technology. He defined it as the condition that allows individuals to meet their personal and social goals.

Abraham Maslow (1968)

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 23:09:40 UTC

He said in his book that health is the fulfilment of needs in a specific order: physical needs, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

PI Ahmed (1977)

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 23:12:56 UTC

He said in his book that health is relative and should consider individual and societal circumstances. He saw health as a means to fulfill role obligations instead of a desirable state in itself.

J Bircher

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 23:19:50 UTC

He said that health should be viewed as "a dynamic state of well-being," reflecting an individual’s ability to meet life’s demands based on age, culture, and personal responsibility.

Value Based

a01657866_1 — 2024-08-25 23:31:29 UTC

Michael Porter says that the current volume-based healthcare system, which focuses on quantity over quality, does not provide value to patients. He proposes a shift to value-based healthcare, where value is measured by health outcomes relative to costs.

The principles for a value-based system are:

Organize Medical Services into Integrated Practice Units (IPUs): Different specialists work together in teams to improve patient care efficiently.
Measure Costs and Outcomes: Tracking costs and results helps see how good the care is and shows where improvements can be made.
Move to Bundled Payments: Pay for the entire care process for a condition, rather than paying for each individual service separately, to reduce extra costs.
Integrate Healthcare Between Facilities: Combine services across different locations to avoid duplication and improve care quality.
Expand Geographically with Satellite Facilities and Community Affiliations: Provide high-quality care in local areas through additional facilities and community ties.
Build a Suitable IT Platform: Use a good IT system to help healthcare teams work together, track care quality and costs, and connect all parts of the care system.

Health is described as a comprehensive state of physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. This definition highlights the importance of a well-integrated and technologically advanced healthcare system that meets all aspects of a patient's needs.