[Interaction between disease concepts and the organisation of health care]

Abstract

The biomedical model of disease which is codified in the medical diagnosis is closely tied to and dependent on the organizational system typically seen in hospitals, with centralization, specialization and standardized work procedures being the primary traits. In contrast, primary health care and general practice allow ways of dealing with disease which are inherently bio-psycho-social in nature. They do this, among others, by way of their organizational foundation, which favours small, local practices, doctors with generalist competencies, patients' free choice of doctor and a list system.