History of Healthcare

Study Notes

Human beings have practiced medicine in various forms throughout history, attributing health and illness to divine moods or rational explanations.
Ancient healers utilized natural remedies, including diet, rest, and herbal medications; surgical practices were also employed.
Religion played a significant role in healthcare practices during ancient times.

The Caduceus, a symbol representing physicians, is rooted in Greek mythology, linked to Asclepius, the Greek God of healing.
The symbol is represented by a staff entwined with a snake.

Regarded as the father of Western medicine, Hippocrates practiced around 400 B.C.
Emphasized fresh air, exercise, and healthy food for health maintenance and illness prevention.
Introduced the Hippocratic Oath, establishing ethical standards for medical practitioners.

A Greek physician trained in Egypt, known for treating gladiators and advancing surgical knowledge.
Documented the significance of the spinal cord in limb movements and developed surgical techniques like tracheotomy to address breathing difficulties.

Practiced surgical procedures including cataract surgery and bloodletting, also served military roles treating combat injuries.
Recognizable by the striped pole outside barber shops, symbolizing their dual role.

Edward Jenner pioneered vaccination in 1796 by using cowpox fluid to inoculate against smallpox, stemming from observations about milkmaids.

Refers to the presence of disease-causing microorganisms; emphasized by Joseph Lister's insistence on disinfection procedures in surgery.

Robert Koch's discoveries established a foundation for modern bacteriology, focusing on disease-producing microorganisms.

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, leading to mass production beginning in 1943, marking the dawn of antibiotics.
Concerns arise regarding antibiotic effectiveness due to overuse and bacterial evolution.

Therapeutic Service: Focus on direct patient care, treatment, counseling, or health education.
Diagnostic Service: Aims to identify health issues in a secure environment, providing timely and cost-effective care.
Health Informatics: Involves IT to organize health records, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes.
Support Services: Encompasses adaptations and partnerships in health settings such as occupational and physical therapy.
Biotechnology Research and Development: Relies on science and engineering to innovate treatments and ultimately enhance patient care.

Long-Term Care: Facilities providing extended care for residents needing constant support.
Practitioners’ Office: Primary care locations for consultations and routine health check-ups.
Clinic: Basic health service sites for minor illnesses and preventative care.
Laboratories: Testing and analysis centers for medical conditions.
EMS (Emergency Medical Services): Provides urgent medical care and transportation.
Home Health Care: In-home services giving patients personalized medical assistance.
Rehabilitation: Facilities dedicated to help regain skills or functionalities post-injury or illness.
Hospice: Specialized care focusing on improving quality of life for terminal patients and their families.