Health as a clinic-epidemiological concept

Area of Science:

• Philosophy of Medicine
• Clinical Epidemiology
• Health Concepts

Background:

• Christopher Boorse's biostatistical theory is the prevailing philosophical approach to health.
• Boorse's theory defines health as 'species normal functional ability', a perspective criticized as overly theoretical and focused on normal physiology.
• Physicians' practical understanding of health in clinical settings requires a distinct conceptual framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a clinic-epidemiological concept of health as a practical alternative to theoretical models.
• To critique Christopher Boorse's biostatistical theory of health.
• To define health based on clinical and epidemiological criteria relevant to medical practice.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the definition of health.
• Critique of existing theoretical frameworks, specifically Boorse's biostatistical theory.
• Development of a clinic-epidemiological definition of health based on morbimortality and disability indexes.

Main Results:

• Health is proposed as a practical clinical concept, not merely a theoretical one.
• Boorse's view is reinterpreted as a concept of normal physiology rather than health.
• Health is defined as the absence of chronic diseases or disabilities associated with increased morbimortality risk.

Conclusions:

• The clinic-epidemiological concept provides a more accurate description of health as understood in clinical practice.
• Health is compatible with certain diseases or conditions if they do not significantly increase morbimortality or disability.
• This framework emphasizes the practical, patient-centered aspects of health and disease management.