Towards a bio-psycho-social model of reasoning in health and welfare
Worldwide there is an evolution in welfare and healthcare from a purely biomedical reasoning to a bio-psycho-social reasoning. This paradigm shift is based on concepts from medical sociology in which disease is not framed in a cause-and-effect way of thinking, but in a circular process in which participation in social life or participation is central. We also recognize this evolution in Flanders.
The idea of starting from a bio-psycho-social and action-oriented model in clinical practice and incorporating it into the clinical reasoning process is a major step forward in the participation-promoting process of people with disabilities. Research regarding the clinical reasoning process of the health and rehabilitation worker (medicine, physiotherapy, occupational therapy,…) shows that this paradigm shift has not yet been completed.
Occupational therapists can be seen as a possible catalyst to guide the paradigm shift in a multidisciplinary team, because the basic paradigm of this profession is very similar to the bio-psycho-social paradigm. After all, the basic paradigm states that being able to carry out meaningful activities has a positive influence on people's well-being and health. Occupational therapy is a unique discipline that focuses on meaningful human action and where participation is always the ultimate outcome of a successful intervention program.
Unfortunately, there are no concrete handles and levers to make this paradigm shift in reality. This lack often leads to an inefficient and ineffective process of clinical reasoning in the welfare and health professional. Various research groups have now developed measuring instruments, strategies and process models that include bio-psycho-social and action-oriented decision strategies that are based on an action profile of the person. The knowledge is ready for use and further implementation. However, a well-organised, widely supported platform is indispensable for a successful implementation and valorisation.
The final goal of this project was to develop a concrete proposal for the implementation of a bio-psycho-social and action-oriented reasoning process in the welfare and health sector. This project was financed by TETRA/IWT.
The results of this project were disseminated at the study day 'Health care and welfare at a tipping point, towards a bio-psycho-social model of reasoning'.
For questions about this project: contact Patricia.Devriendt@arteveldehs.be
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