Community health analysis, a holistic approach

• Main Author: Dever, G. E. Alan
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: Germantown, Md. (USA) Aspen Systems Corp 1980
• ISBN: 9780894431616; 0894431617

In order to help communities develop health plans which focus on wellness, a holistic approach to community health care policy is described. This approach depends less on the medical system and physician, and more on self-responsibility, self-care and the concept of positive health. Belief systems and current health policies are first evaluated. An epidemiological model for health policy planning and analysis is then presented. The model accounts for present disease patterns, life style, environment and human biology, as well as the interrelationships between these dimensions of health. The use of statistical techniques, epidemiological methods, community health surveys, health status indicators and indexes, and computer graphics in understanding the community health picture is examined. Health resource analysis may also be performed to help planners evaluate accessibility, location, allocation and costs of hospital and health services