Family Medicine Exam Summary PDF

**Family Medicine (Concepts & Principles) - Exam Summary** **Objectives** 1. Levels of the health care system (primary, secondary, tertiary). 2. Elements of primary health care (PHC). 3. Definition of family medicine. 4. Role of the family in health and illness. 5. Basic principles of med...

**Family Medicine (Concepts & Principles) - Exam Summary** **Objectives** 1. Levels of the health care system (primary, secondary, tertiary). 2. Elements of primary health care (PHC). 3. Definition of family medicine. 4. Role of the family in health and illness. 5. Basic principles of medical ethics. 6. Ethics and behaviors in primary health care visits. 7. Components of family assessment. 8. Impact of illness on the family and family influence on the course of illness. **Levels of Health Care** 1. **Primary Health Care**: First contact, focuses on prevention and basic care. 2. **Secondary Health Care**: General and central hospitals. 3. **Tertiary Health Care**: Specialized and university hospitals. **Definition of Family Medicine** - A medical specialty providing comprehensive and continuous health care 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 with family medicine 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 Health Care (PHC)** 1. Health promotion: Education, nutrition, maternal and child health. 2. Disease prevention: Immunization, control of endemic diseases. 3. Curative services: Treatment of common diseases and injuries. 4. Safe water and sanitation. **The Family in Family Medicine** 1. Defined as a structural and functional unit of society. 2. Types of families: - **Nuclear Family**: Couple and their children. - **Extended Family**: Includes relatives beyond immediate family. 3. Characteristics: Shared values, responsibilities, and social activities. 4. 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** 1. Equity and wide service coverage. 2. Community involvement and intersectoral collaboration. 3. Cost-effectiveness and appropriate technology. 4. Accessibility, efficiency, and sustainability of services. **Principles of Family Medicine** 1. Skilled clinician using evidence-based practices. 2. Holistic approach addressing biopsychosocial aspects. 3. Problem-solving skills for early-stage illnesses. 4. Continuity of care and strong doctor-patient relationships. 5. Community-oriented care with preventive measures. **Competencies of a Family Physician** 1. Manage acute and chronic health problems. 2. Provide preventive, promotive, curative, and palliative care. 3. Deliver health promotion, emergency services, and counseling. 4. Act as a care coordinator within the healthcare system. **Medical Ethics in Family Medicine** 1. **Core Principles**: - Beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy. 2. **Informed Consent**: Patients must make decisions based on clear, relevant information. 3. **Confidentiality**: Protect patient data and privacy. **Family Assessment Components** 1. Family structure: Use of genograms for illness and relationship mapping. 2. Family function: Measured using APGAR score. - Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, Resolve. 3. Family development: Understanding life cycles and transitions.