Unit 1: Lesson 3: Health Science Systems

Lesson 3: Health Science Systems

Lesson 3: Health Science Systems

When we look at the health science or healthcare system, we find that it comprises many different services, including diagnostic, therapeutic, informatics, supportive, and technological. Each of these services contributes to the healthcare system we see today. Let's take a closer look at what these services include and what they contribute to the overall system.

Diagnostics covers identifying diseases, illnesses, and other conditions and the process of identification. When you are sick and visit the doctor, you may receive a diagnosis of your disease through tests and descriptions of your symptoms. The doctor's knowledge of diseases and health sciences is involved in all areas of diagnostics. Doctors and nurses are involved in diagnosing or identifying a person's condition or illness, including questioning each patient to get the most precise picture of any symptoms or related information. Other health science professionals create and carry out tests that help diagnose particular illnesses. For example, some health science professionals may conduct blood tests or tissue tests for the presence of abnormalities. Some health science professionals work in laboratories, studying diseases to understand how to identify them. In contrast, others work to create equipment and other devices that can be used to test for diseases and illnesses. For example, health science professionals have created medical testing equipment such as CT scanners, ultrasound, and x-ray machines.

The health science field seeks to help make ill people well and care for the sick. The therapeutic area of the field is concerned with treating disease and healing individuals. This area includes doctors and nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, chemists who create new medications, and medical engineers who develop devices to help heal people.

Health science informatics is another area within the field of health science. It involves the acquisition, organization, and storage of information. This area of the health sciences is tightly linked to computers and related technology. It includes the recording and maintenance of health records for patients, statistics kept on health-related information, and clinical guidelines.

Some professionals in the health science area fall into supportive roles. This may include hospice workers who support and care for terminally ill individuals. Some therapies are supportive because they help individuals regain skills or learn to do things differently. Health science professionals may fill supportive roles through educating patients, assisting with daily tasks, and helping individuals with other aspects of their health and wellness.

Finally, technology and biomedical research fill the area of health sciences. This involves scientists and technicians working in laboratories, universities, and other medical research sites. This includes researchers who develop medical technology and those who use this technology in medical settings. The researchers work on various aspects related to health and wellness so that healthcare providers can find new ways of helping individuals.