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The biopsychosocial model has been widely advocated for and used in the physiotherapy profession1 but does not properly address social and broader aspects of care2, 3. The model over-emphasizes the ‘bio’ and ‘psycho’ dimensions of health and under-explores or underappreciates aspects of care such as interpersonal and institutional power dynamics, social stigma, and culture2-4. Such under-appreciation may prevent physiotherapists from offering equitable practices for all patients, which can unintentionally perpetuate health inequities.
Health inequities are the unfair and avoidable systematic differences in health status between groups and greatly impact health outcomes5. Healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists play a pivotal role in addressing health inequities and ensuring that healthcare benefits everyone. Education, research, practice and policy in health are certainly beginning to address factors contributing to inequities6, 7. Equity-focused strategies are not straightforward tasks, and most clinicians, business owners and leaders find it difficult to work out how to enact changes in their day-to-day work. However, there are multiple strategies that individuals can take to reduce social inequities in their context8.
This eTalk will briefly introduce how attending to social inequities goes beyond a biopsychosocial approach and how social inequities are created, sustained and – most importantly - changed. Key actions will be explored that physiotherapists can take to help reduce health inequities either individually or as institutions. The discussion includes very practical and applied ways that physiotherapists, whether in practice-focused roles, leadership roles, education, or policy, can drive social change towards more equitable societies and better outcomes. Three strategies for addressing inequities as health professionals are discussed:
Regardless of their role within physiotherapy, audience members should leave this presentation feeling better equipped and inspired to contribute to reducing inequities.
Dr Karime Mescouto is a physiotherapist and a postdoctoral research fellow at RECOVER Injury Research Centre, The University of Queensland. Karime completed her PhD at The University of Queensland, where she was interested in enhancing low back pain care by looking critically at the biopsychosocial model of health. In her thesis, she used a variety of qualitative methodologies and engaged with social theories to explore the sociocultural dimensions of pain care. Her research interests involve using qualitative methodologies in exploring sociocultural aspects of pain experiences and health and using sociological and philosophical theories in health sciences to foster equitable research, clinical and educational practices.
September 2022
0.5 hours
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