Curated Resources on Understanding Health Definitions
Introduction
Understanding how health is defined is essential for healthcare professionals, including Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs), because it informs patient care, public health strategies, and professional decision-making. The following resources explore the evolution of health definitions—from the historical perspective of the World Health Organization (WHO) to modern, adaptive interpretations that incorporate resilience, functionality, and social determinants. Engaging with these materials helps me apply a more nuanced understanding of health in both clinical and population-level contexts.
Scholarly Reference:
1. Original WHO Definition of Health
World Health Organization (WHO). (1948). Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization. WHO. https://www.who.int
Annotation:
This foundational document introduces health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease.” It highlights a holistic approach, emphasizing more than just the absence of illness. Understanding this historical perspective helps me appreciate the evolution of health thinking and the basis for modern public health frameworks.
2. Adaptability and Self-Management
Huber, M., Knottnerus, J. A., Green, L., van der Horst, H., Jadad, A. R., Kromhout, D., … & Smid, H. (2011). How should we define health? BMJ, 343, d4163. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.d4163
Annotation:
Huber et al. redefine health as the ability to adapt and self-manage, emphasizing resilience in daily life, including for individuals with chronic conditions. This perspective is practical for MLTs, reinforcing that supporting patients involves more than diagnosing disease—it includes understanding patients’ capacity to manage their health.
3. Scholarly Reference: Functional Health within Environmental Constraints
Larson, J. S. (1999). The conceptualization of health. Medical Care Research and Review, 56(2), 123–136. https://doi.org/10.1177/107755879905600201
Annotation:
Larson frames health as the functional capacity of individuals within environmental limits. This perspective aligns with laboratory practice, as MLTs must consider patient context, limitations, and social determinants when interpreting diagnostic results and contributing to care planning.
4. Scholarly Reference: Dynamic and Multidimensional Health
Krahn, G. L., Walker, D. K., & Correa-De-Araujo, R. (2021). It’s time to reconsider how we define health: Perspective from disability and chronic condition. Disability and Health Journal, 14(4), 101129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101129
Annotation:
Krahn et al. present health as a dynamic, multidimensional state, including physical, mental, social, and existential well-being. For MLTs, this comprehensive perspective underscores the importance of considering patient resilience, adaptability, and social context alongside lab results in clinical decision-making.
Professional Resources:
1. Policy Reference: Social Determinants of Health
Government of Canada. (2023). Social determinants of health and health inequalities. Public Health Agency of Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/population-health/what-determines-health.html
Annotation:
This resource highlights the influence of social, economic, and environmental factors on health. Understanding these determinants helps me as an MLT interpret patient data in a broader context and consider population-level implications for health interventions.
Summary
These resources collectively illustrate the progression of health definitions, from the WHO’s holistic ideal to modern perspectives emphasizing adaptability, resilience, and social context. For MLTs, these frameworks inform how we interpret patient results, support clinical decisions, and engage in population health initiatives. By integrating insights from these sources, I am better equipped to consider both individual and environmental factors that shape health, contributing to patient-centered and evidence-based care.