Reference no: EM133463158

Question

In Greek literature there are several models for health care practice. Two with significance for our time are the cult of Aesculapius and the cult of Hygeia.

The cult of Aesculapius is strictly a patient-health care practitioner affair aimed at getting the particular individual physically well. In this light, care would be aggressively patient-centered, and the practitioner would not mix social, political, or economic considerations with the care of the patient.

The cult of Hygeia (daughter of Aesculapius) uses the broader social or public health model of prevention as well as therapy as the context for care. The term hygiene means "good for health." This approach is based on the prevention of disease rather than treatment. Hygeia is the public health or public interest way of looking at health care delivery.

Examine the American health care delivery system, and indicate which of the models better fits what we are currently doing in our culture. Back up your decision with examples.