When you break it down, the biopsychosocial approach refers to three systems that could impact one’s recovery: biological, psychological, and social. This approach, sometimes referred to as the biopsychosocial model, provides care providers with a framework to look beyond a patient’s diagnosis, creating more holistic treatment plans. By adopting an understanding of how each of these systems overlap and interact, care plans can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
As we know, healthcare providers can only be physically present for so much of their patient’s recovery and care plan. Fortunately, innovations in the HealthTech space are bridging the gap between at-home and in-clinic care, and our very own Recovery+ program is among the best. Recovery+ is a health coaching platform that embraces the biopsychosocial framework, designed to expedite recovery and enhance the return-to-work process for injured workers. Learning more about the biopsychosocial framework, and how it benefits employee recovery, may seem a bit daunting at first. However, as you dive into the basics of this approach, we think you’ll find there’s a strong correlation between its systems and your desire to provide the best care for your employees. Let’s dig in.
What Are the Three Systems of the Biopsychosocial Model?
As individuals, we are complex and have rich internal lives that influence our recovery from injuries. Viewing physical health through the lens of the biopsychosocial model allows care providers to identify the overlapping biological, psychological, and social factors at play. These three aspects can be broken down as follows:
- Biological: Pain, movement dysfunction, etc.
- Psychological: Avoidance behaviors, anxiety, etc.
- Social: Financial concerns, isolation, etc.
The Recovery+ program uses PRO (patient-reported outcomes) assessments to gather feedback on how patients are feeling emotionally and physically. This information informs Coaches as they assign relevant activities and provides treating therapists with critical case insight to ensure milestones are met.
What are the 5 P’s of Biopsychosocial?
While not originally part of the biopsychosocial model, the 5 P’s offer a way to further categorize within the three systems listed above, Widely used to help clinicians and researchers consider the multiple factors that impact health and well-being, the 5 P’s are a useful tool in narrowing down a patient’s needs.
1. Presenting problem
The presenting problem refers to the primary health issue or condition that an individual is facing, and finds difficult to manage. It could be a physical ailment, a mental health concern, or a social challenge.
2. Predisposing factors
Predisposing factors are characteristics that make an individual more susceptible to developing a particular health condition. These factors can include genetic predispositions, early life experiences, and personality traits.
3. Precipitating factors
Precipitating factors are events or circumstances that trigger the onset of a health condition or exacerbate existing symptoms, such as life stressors, traumatic events, or changes in health status.
4. Perpetuating factors
Perpetuating factors maintain or prolong a health condition once it has developed, and often fall in the psychological or social category. This could include anything from ongoing stressors and maladaptive coping mechanisms to environmental factors.
5. Protective factors
Protective factors promote resilience and improvements in health. These factors can include social support, positive coping skills, and access to resources.
What are the benefits of the Biopsychosocial model?
Overall, this model of care provides a more comprehensive understanding of health and illness than the traditional biomedical model, which focuses solely on biological factors. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, incorporates preventative care, and promotes overall well-being.
Who benefits from using Bardavon’s Recovery+ program?
Recovery+ benefits anyone looking for a non-invasive yet effective way to track, manage, and improve patient recovery outcomes. Injured workers receive guidance from our Recovery Coaches, who are all hold licensure as a Physical Therapist (PT), Physical Therapis Assistant (PTA), or Occupational Therapist (OT). Coaches monitor the entire case from start to finish, communicating directly with adjusters, nurse case managers, and therapists to synchronize clinical feedback and guidance across care plans.
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References
- Case Formulation and Intervention: Application of the Five Ps Framework in Substance Use
- Counseling
- Formulation and the Biopsychosocial Model: Introduction for Psychiatry Residents
- The Biopsychosocial Approach
- Three Aspects of Health and Healing: The Biopsychosocial Model in Medicine
- Understanding the Biopsychosocial Model of Health and Wellness