Category: Biomedicine

As professionals that actively participate in health promotion activities, nurses are anticipated to have a profound understanding of the various models of health, including the biomedical one. This model supports nursing practice by establishing effective research frameworks and improving the comprehension of patients’ physical needs and risk factors. This paper contributes to the discussion of biomedical theories in nursing by exploring the uses of the web of causation and gene theory.

Biomedical Theories in Healthcare: The Web of Causation

Being aimed at providing complex and logically sound explanations for diverse unfavorable medical conditions, the web of causation is among the most frequently applied biomedical theories. The theory is broad in terms of the level of abstraction, which allows applying its central claims to a wide variety of disorders and making causal inferences that would translate into holistic care plans. The concept of the web of causation has been formulated in the 1970s to solidify the idea of multidimensional causes of diseases and establish the model for explaining chronic conditions that are not fully attributable to a limited number of factors (Șerban et al., 2018; Van der Zande et al., 2020). Instead of presenting disease development as linear cause-effect relationships, the web of causation theory posits that health issues can result from complex interactions between a number of causative agents, including medical history, lifestyle, the lack of awareness, harmful exposures, and so on. Thus, the selected theory promotes a departure from the oversimplification of disease causality.

Regarding improvements in patient outcomes, the theory’s universal nature and flexibility can maximize disease prevention strategies’ effectiveness by facilitating the detection of risk factors to be minimized. For instance, in Șerban et al. (2018), the theory is applied to explore the multifactorial nature of childhood obesity and review some evidence regarding high-risk nutritional patterns, such as the intake of liquid calories and high-fat simple carbohydrates and their links to the accretion of excessive adipose tissue and weight abnormalities. In the case of pediatric obesity, the identified “web” of causative agents can pave the way for improved dietary recommendations or even inform modern approaches to food policy, thus decreasing exposure to unhealthy alimentary products.

To continue, the theory can promote better health outcomes in patients by shedding light on the complex barriers to care and supporting the development of strategies to promote the timely utilization of medical resources. Van der Zande et al. (2020) use the web of causation to explore the contributors to insufficient dental healthcare use, ranging from poorly controlled dental anxiety and a lack of trust to unfavorable socioeconomic conditions. The identified cause-effects relationships and inter-agent interactions point to need for co-payment, local dental services, and oral health awareness strategies (Van der Zande et al., 2020). These large-scale measures can minimize these barriers, thus reducing the burden of oral disease by promoting its early detection.

Biomedical Theories in Mental Healthcare: Gene Theory

Aside from the environmental models of mental health, gene theory finds use in adult and geriatric mental healthcare to improve the early detection of hereditary diseases and improve risk assessment strategies. Basically, gene theory conceptualizes genes as the units of heredity and posits that they might be related to predispositions to diverse physical conditions. In severe mental disorders, for instance, schizophrenia, the precise patterns of inheritance remain relatively unexplored since the disease is believed to be overly complex to be caused by changes to one particular gene (Gentile & Fusco, 2019; Wu et al., 2017). As of now, multiple potential candidate genes involved in schizophrenia development have been proposed, but inherited genetic variants that involve the highest risks of this disorder are yet to be established by means of new large-scale studies (Wu et al., 2017). Despite these persistent knowledge gaps, the role of family mental health history in schizophrenia is not subject to question.

Considering examples, in my practice area, gene theory can be utilized in conjunction with other theoretical approaches to mental health to include the family history of psychiatric disease in assessments and provide female patients diagnosed with serious mental disorders with pregnancy planning advice. Firstly, current research, including studies in twin populations, suggests that the heritability of schizophrenia can be up to 0,80, and this estimate is relatively high compared to other psychiatric disorders (Wu et al., 2017). Such evidence related to schizophrenia and other life-changing diagnoses justifies the need for diverse family history screening tools for individuals with mental health complaints. Secondly, updated information on the heritability of schizophrenia and the developmental outcomes of schizophrenic women’s children is made available to psychiatric patients that consider pregnancy. For instance, patients should take into account that poorly controlled symptoms or having a partner with the same diagnosis make health risks for their potential children tremendously high, including the chances of developing schizophrenia or other conditions, such as attention deficits (Gentile & Fusco, 2019). Therefore, an understanding of genetic components in the pathophysiology of mental disease can improve risk assessment interventions.

Conclusion

Finally, the web of causation and gene theory can support health promotion and patient education by incorporating the concepts of heredity and multiple interconnected risk factors into care activities. The web of causation is a model that facilitates the identification of strategies to minimize the burden of complex non-communicable diseases, such as obesity, and barriers to care utilization. As for gene theory, it supplements the biopsychosocial model of mental disease by supporting the recognition of family history in patient assessment and counseling.

References

Gentile, S., & Fusco, M. L. (2019). Schizophrenia and motherhood. Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 73(7), 376-385. Web.

Șerban, C. L., Șerban, D. M., Butica, Ș. I., & Lungeanu, D. (2018). Web of causation between dietary patterns and childhood obesity: Applying Hill’s criteria. Romanian Journal of Diabetes Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, 25(4), 431-438.

Van der Zande, M. M., Exley, C., Wilson, S. A., & Harris, R. V. (2020). Disentangling a web of causation: An ethnographic study of interlinked patient barriers to planned dental visiting, and strategies to overcome them. Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 1-14.

Wu, Y., Yao, Y. G., & Luo, X. J. (2017). SZDB: A database for schizophrenia genetic research.Schizophrenia Bulletin, 43(2), 459-471. Web.

Role theory is helpful to the nursing profession because it explains how society affects the nursing profession and how a nurse contributes to an organization from a sociological perspective. Role theory is also helpful because it reduces role stress in the nursing profession. Role categories like role ambiguity, role overload, and role conflict contribute to role stress (McEwen & Wills, 2019). The first is role ambiguity, which refers to unclear roles and authority.

The change from nurse-to-nurse practitioner is an illustration of role ambiguity. The nurse practitioner profession is undergoing a shift, and new nurse practitioners are attempting to establish their clinical authority and expertise in a new role, according to research by Kerr and Macaskill (2020). Role overload, where stress is generated as a person completes several responsibilities at once, is the second cause causing role stress. Managing an excessive number of inpatient tasks throughout a shift illustrates how role overload affects nurses. Role conflict occurs when a person’s position is subjected to inconsistent expectations (McEwen & Wills, 2019).

The first is role ambiguity, which refers to unclear roles and authority. The change from nurse-to-nurse practitioner is an illustration of role ambiguity. The nurse practitioner profession is undergoing a shift, and new nurse practitioners are attempting to establish their clinical authority and expertise in a new role, according to research by Kerr and Macaskill (2020). Role overload, where stress is generated as a person completes several responsibilities at once, is the second cause causing role stress. Managing an excessive number of inpatient tasks throughout a shift illustrates how role overload affects nurses. Role conflict occurs when an individual’s position is subjected to incompatible demands. When a nurse manager must simultaneously serve as the client advocate, floor administrator, and medical nurse, there is a conflict of roles.

In conclusion, as part of the role theory, it is advantageous to compartmentalize and identify role stresses since, without doing so, it will be impossible for nurses to improve, which will impact their department. The ability to assess and identify role stresses concerning role theory may contribute to lower employee turnover, stronger colleague relationships, and perhaps even departmental advancement in developing more precise job descriptions and requirements. From the perspective of society, role theory is helpful since it can clarify common misconceptions about roles and point out areas where they might be improved.

References

Kendall, K., Collett, T., de Iongh, A., Forrest, S., & Kelly, M. (2018). Teaching sociology to undergraduate medical students. Medical Teacher, 40(12), 1201-1207. Web.

Kerr, L. & Macaskill, A. (2020). The journey from nurse to advanced nurse practitioner: applying concepts of role transitioning. British Journal of Nursing. 29 (10). 561–565. Web.

McEwen, M., & Wills, E.M., (2019). Theoretical Basis for Nursing (5th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. Web.

Sekowski, M. (2020). Attitude towards death from the perspective of Erik Erikson theory of psychosocial ego development: An unused potential. OMEGA Journal of Deathy and Dying 0(0). 1–23. Web.

Tucci, G., Romanin, E., Zanoli., G., Pavan, L., Fantoni., M., Venditti, M. (2020). Prevention of surgical site infections in orthopaedic surgery: A synthesis of current recommendation. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 23(2). 224–239. Web.

Biomedicine is a branch of medicine; its main task is to study the human body from different theoretical positions in norm and pathology. Using this method, nurses and specialists can analyze the patient’s condition from a broader perspective (Whitehead, 2018). That allows people to study the problem more deeply and quickly identify the proper treatment. It helps to increase the speed of response to the problem and prevent negative consequences for patients.

By studying a model of the natural history of the disease, the primary function is to identify the stages of prepathogenesis, pathogenesis, and prevention methods. The methods of prevention have three stages aimed at improving the condition of patients. They aim to improve the environment to reduce morbidity and care for the sick and patients who need additional care (Whitehead, 2018). The third stage of prevention is aimed at reducing the factors that negatively affect the patient’s recovery.

Depending on how quickly the doctor recognizes the deviation from the body’s norm, he may have time to use the stage of prevention that will be most appropriate for this patient. Thus, the first stage is often those actions that are aimed at improving the patient’s condition. For example, starting from more activity for the body, ending with a ban on implementing negative habits that threaten the body.

White (2020) reports that “secondary prevention aims to reduce disease prevalence by shortening its duration” (p. 15). The leading initiatives in the second stage are maintaining a distance between individuals or constantly checking the tests on patients. It is associated with the control of the situation and the prevention of its unfortunate outcomes. The third stage of prevention is the mitigation of the consequences of the disease. Moreover, this prevention technique can be used in the COVID-19 situation.

To sum up, biomedicine plays a vital role in improving the condition of patients during critical or persistent unstable situations. Thus, through its methods, it serves to mitigate and improve the condition of patients. If used correctly, this approach can prevent the high incidence of COVID-19 and be applied in future cases of a pandemic. Moreover, this practice can be applied in other cases of a medical nature.

Speaking about biomedicine, that is important to note that this science was developed by including the biological foundations associated with the natural world. By using different approaches from non-medical subjects, it is possible to achieve completely new treatment methods and counseling, as well as patient care. This essay will discuss the topic of the epidemiological triangle when the relationship between the pathogen, the susceptible host organism, and the external environment is considered.

Talking about the epidemiological triangle, that is important to note that this is a traditional model of the occurrence of an infectious disease. The external environment affects the pathogen, the host, and the pathway of pathogen transmission from source to host. Recently, different methods of studying epidemiology are used not only for non-communicable diseases. The causative agents of such diseases include physical and chemical factors affecting a person from the external and internal environment (Smith, 2019). Due to the interaction of three agents – the pathogen, the host organism, and the external environment, a causal relationship can be detected (Stanhope and Lancaster, 2018).

That helps determine what caused the infection, who was the first to get sick, and what antibodies should stop the infection. This theory can also be used to find an antidote and understand the cause of infection. Therefore, it can be used to break the chain of infections and improve the epidemiological situation. For example, this theory is highly relevant to the fight against COVID-19.

To sum up, many theories aim to identify the causal relationship that is so important for stopping the increase in morbidity. Thus, this theory of the epidemiological triangle is one of the most influential theories of reducing morbidity, as it has been repeatedly tested and its effectiveness confirmed. COVID-19 and other diseases can be investigated and studied by scientists to stop future epidemics and gain experience in predicting disease incidence.

References

Smith, E. (2019). The effect of potential climate change on infectious disease presentation. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 15(6), 405–409. Web.

Stanhope, M., & Lancaster, J. (2018). Foundations for population health in community/public health nursing (5th ed.). Elsevier.

White, F. (2020). Application of disease etiology and natural history principles to prevention in primary health care – a discourse. Medical Principles and Practice. Web.

Whitehead, D. (2018). Exploring health promotion and health education in nursing. Nursing Standard, 33(8), 38–44. Web.

ABD’s product readiness to export

Evidently, ABD’s products are in a state of readiness to begin exporting to Europe. The success of the company in the United States suggests that the speedheals could hit the European market. The major reason is that consumer behaviors within the two regions are almost similar.

Besides, the economic state, legal requirements, and technological advances in many European countries reflect the United States. It can be argued that the consumption rate of and demand for healthcare products in Europe are relatively high. Additionally, the innovative nature of ABD products suggests substantial success in the European market. According to the case, none of the competitors has achieved the level of innovation associated with the speedheals.

The competitive advantage is likely to move European consumers especially because the products apply to the critical issue of healthcare. Moreover, the cost of the speedheals is quite acceptable in Europe and refining the cost as expected would be a great attraction to cost-sensitive consumers.

Likewise, the ABD’s products are ready to export to the emerging markets such as China, India, and Brazil. These markets are characterized by rapid economic growths and high consumer expectations.

Triggered by technological advances, the economic growth is compelling consumers to change their preferences towards the technology world. They are looking for chances to orient, adapt, and use new technologies as a way of improving lifestyles. Health is the priority for these markets and technological advances within this area are embraced.

The key factor that triggers demand for ABD’s products in foreign markets is innovation. Despite being superior to other competitors, the innovation increases convenience in transportation, use, and disposal. Cost and after-sales service are other factors that influence demand for speedheals in foreign markets.

Consumers out there expect to be given value for their spending. The value is reflected in the applicability of ABD products since speedheals satisfy a fundamental need that cannot be assumed by anybody despite the cost or complexity.

ABD’s management readiness to export

ABD’s management possesses the appropriate knowledge, skills, and capabilities to start exporting. Besides Richard Bentley exhibiting tremendous leadership skills and knowledge in management, the management team consists of individuals with diverse experiences. Some of them have worked extensively in foreign markets.

The team understands and acknowledges the important aspects surrounding internationalization such as competition, legal responsibilities, customer needs, and appropriate markets. They have ample knowledge about the foreign markets and the competitive advantage that can be capitalized. Therefore, they are strategy-oriented and risk takers. The management has the capacity to develop and implement strategic plans such as training and cost estimation that ensure a strong position in the international market.

Their strategies are targeted and benchmarks for achievement put in place indicating critical understanding of organizational goals. ABD’s management understands the operations relevant to internationalization such as inventory management, logistics, and marketing. The team is able to align company resources with strategy demands in a manner that reduces cost significantly.

However, ABD’s management should be systematic when preparing the firm, managers, and employees to internationalize. The first step is to assess the international environment and specify the markets to target. The evaluation will enable the management to identify the best entry strategy and the specific areas that require improvements.

Another critical step is to create an organizational culture such that the export initiative can be embraced. The step can be achieved through initiatives like training on foreign operations. Expatriation will be part of the strategy hence issues like cultural shocks must be addressed at this stage. Internal communication is essential as it reveals the strong and weak areas. For this step, it would also be important to expand the workforce and accommodate the new tasks arising from the initiative.

Secondly, the management should focus on expanding production capability and establishing new partnerships and acquaintances in order to meet the demand out there. It is also essential to set up new channels of distribution and communication to shore up the processes within. Prior to implementation, it is important to allocate responsibilities according to the capability of each employee.

ABD’s task accomplishment

According to “Key Tasks in Global Marketing Opportunity Assessment”, ABD has accomplished most of the tasks manifested in the self. For task one, the organization has analyzed its readiness to internationalize in terms of both the products and management.

The evaluation has considered the financial and resource capability, skills and competences, and the commitment of the senior management in the best way possible. For task two, the management has assessed the products readiness to export. However, the assessment lacks comprehensive analysis of the competitors’ products especially the characteristics that attract customers in foreign markets.

Apart from the weaknesses of the products, the management knows little about the positive side of these products. For task three, ABD management’s understanding of the target markets is vague. The firm understands these markets only in terms of consumer characteristics. There is little understanding of the impacts of politics, economy, infrastructure, market size and growth, and international relations.

Task three is well accomplished by ABD management particularly on the area of international standards and regulations. The company has assessed the degree of competition appropriately as well as consumer behaviors in the foreign markets. ABD does not accomplish the selection of qualified business partners properly.

The company only highlights the need to establish new business acquaintances with emphasis on inventory management and distribution. Indeed, the firm lacks a clear selection of the partners that might satisfy the demands associated with internationalization such as outsourcing services. Task six is accomplished especially on the area relating to competition and distribution accessibility.

However, little is estimated on pricing and financing in regard to target markets. The company needs to identify the sources of funds and resources as well as the pricing strategies for the different markets. Undoubtedly, each market exhibits different characteristics in terms of customers, business policies, and competitors. Generally, the initial stages of internationalization intent for ABD are in the right direction towards achieving the key tasks in Global Marketing Opportunity Assessment.

Recommendations for target markets

ABD’s products are relevant to a universal issue – healthcare. Likewise, all people are motivated to satisfy the fundamental need in any way that proves to be better than the existing solutions.

Therefore, all markets qualify the company’s intent to internationalize. The application of the products is also highly customized and requires little technological knowhow. Technological solutions are becoming the norm in healthcare settings even in developing nations. However, among the major goals for the initiative is to learn from global competitors and markets.

The learning can only occur if the products are offered in markets that exhibit substantial competition and growth in regard to technology. Such a market consists of consumers with the financial capability to purchase the product hence targeted by many manufacturers. As much as healthcare is concerned, consumer expectation is significant and people look for new and better solutions. For these reasons, ABD should target Western Europe countries such as Germany, France, UK, and Switzerland.

The Western Europe countries are evidently advanced in technology as much as the United States. They do not only host many manufacturing companies, but are the target markets for foreign manufacturers. These countries have the resources and infrastructures that can drive sales.

Thus, competition within them is intense and ABD has the opportunity to learn global competition. The Western Europe countries are close to the United States such that logistic operations can be facilitated appropriately and at a lower cost than other regions of the world. Transportation and communication channels between US and Western Europe countries are well established adding to lower costs during the exportation process.

At the same time, European consumers are insatiable because they have the financial capability to purchase healthcare products. If ABD Company targets these markets, it would not only meet the learning objective, but also capitalize on its competitive advantage. Consumers in these markets are used to hi-tech products therefore the innovative products from ABD will attract customers greatly.

The firm will certainly preempt the products offered by competitors. In addition, ABD’s management team consists of individuals with great experiences from these countries. They play a vital role in the implementation of the initiative hence can be considered as great determinants of success.