Family Medicine and Healthcare Levels

Objectives

• Levels of the healthcare system (primary, secondary, tertiary)
• Elements of primary healthcare (PHC)
• Definition of family medicine
• Role of the family in health and illness
• Basic principles of medical ethics
• Ethics and behaviors in primary healthcare visits
• Components of family assessment
• Impact of illness on the family and family influence on the course of illness

Levels of Health Care

• Primary Healthcare: First contact, focuses on prevention and basic care.
• Secondary Healthcare: General and central hospitals
• Tertiary Healthcare: Specialized and university hospitals

Definition of Family Medicine

• A medical specialty providing comprehensive and continuous healthcare for individuals and families.
• Integrates biological, clinical, and behavioral sciences.

History of Family Medicine

• First mentioned as "general practitioner" in 1823.
• Officially recognized in the U.S. in 1960 as a specialty.
• Key milestones:
  • 1947: American Academy of General Practice established.
  • 1969: Recognized as the 20th American medical specialty.
  • 1972: WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors) founded.

Elements of Primary Healthcare (PHC)

• Health promotion: Education, nutrition, maternal and child health
• Disease prevention: Immunization, control of endemic diseases
• Curative services: Treatment of common diseases and injuries.
• Safe water and sanitation

The Family in Family Medicine

• Defined as a structural and functional unit of society.
• Types of families:
  • Nuclear Family: Couple and their children.
  • Extended Family: Includes relatives beyond the immediate family.
• Characteristics: Shared values, responsibilities, and social activities.
• Functions:
  • Socialization, care, affection, and providing status.
  • Reproduction and psychological support.

Role of the Family in Health and Illness

• Maintains health by providing:
  • Adequate housing, healthy food, and clean water
  • Immunizations and regular health checkups
• Assists during sickness through treatment compliance and psychological support.
• May contribute to health issues:
  • Genetic disorders, communicable diseases, and bad habits (e.g., smoking).

Principles of Primary Health Care

• Equity and wide service coverage
• Community involvement and intersectoral collaboration
• Cost-effectiveness and appropriate technology
• Accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability of services

Principles of Family Medicine

• Skilled clinician using evidence-based practices
• Holistic approach addressing biopsychosocial aspects
• Problem-solving skills for early-stage illnesses
• Continuity of care and strong doctor-patient relationships
• Community-oriented care with preventive measures

Competencies of a Family Physician

• Manage acute and chronic health problems
• Provide preventive, promotive, curative, and palliative care
• Deliver health promotion, emergency services, and counseling
• Act as a care coordinator within the healthcare system

Medical Ethics in Family Medicine

• Core Principles:
  • Beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy
• Informed Consent: Patients must make decisions based on clear, relevant information
• Confidentiality: Protect patient data and privacy

Family Assessment Components

• Family structure: Use of genograms for illness and relationship mapping
• Family function: Measured using APGAR score (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve)
• Family development: Understanding life cycles and transitions

Explore the essential aspects of family medicine, including the levels of healthcare: primary, secondary, and tertiary. This quiz covers the definition of family medicine, its history, and ethical considerations in primary healthcare. Test your understanding of how family dynamics influence health and illness.