ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 describes biomedical, biopsychosocial, holistic, and integrative models of health with respect to whole person care, equitable relationships, coordination of care, and collaborative decision-making using examples that include chronic pain and mental health management by members of marginalized populations. Health communication theories are examined and applied in contexts ranging from individual health behaviors to building broad-based, individual-local-clinical stakeholder health partnerships. Critical, cultural, and narrative approaches to health and medicine are explained, especially about enhancing person-centered healthcare and relationships, and seeking to eliminate health disparities, achieve health equity, and improve the health of all populations. Students are encouraged to consider how relational, humanistic approaches can be designed and implemented to promote the goals of socially just, whole person healthcare from the perspectives of those who, historically, have experienced discrimination based on, for instance, their racial or ethnic identity, religion, socioeconomic status, geographic location, gender, age, mental health, disability, and/or sexual orientation or gender identity.
