SLOs

 SLOs  

• To be able to define hospital sociology and  describe hospital as social Institution 

• To be able to enumerate at least 2 social  problem in India with their impact on health.  

• To be able to define social security along with  at least 2 challenges and its impact on at least  1 health outcome  

Hospital Sociology  

• Definition: Hospital sociology is the study of social  behavior, relationships, and structures within the  context of hospitals and healthcare institutions. It  examines how social factors influence the functioning  of hospitals and the interaction between healthcare  providers, patients, and the broader community.  

• Importance:  

- Helps in understanding patient behavior and healthcare  disparities.  

⁃ Aids in managing doctor-patient relationships.  

- Enhances teamwork and collaboration within healthcare  teams  

Hospital as Social Institution  

◦ Social Structure of Hospitals: 

 - Hierarchical Organization: Physicians, nurses, administrative staff, and other healthcare workers function within a defined hierarchy. 

 - Roles and Responsibilities: Understanding various roles within a hospital (doctors, nurses, technicians) is crucial for smooth operation. 

 - Workplace Culture: Norms, behaviors, and expectations shape the working environment and influence patient care  

Doctor Patient relationship  

• Nature of the Doctor-Patient Relationship: 

 - Power Dynamics: Doctors hold authoritative knowledge, while patients are in a vulnerable position. 

 - Trust and Communication: Building trust is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment. Clear communication helps in better patient outcomes 

 • Cultural and Social Influences: Cultural beliefs and social backgrounds affect patient expectations and treatment adherence 

 - Understanding patient perspectives can improve care, especially in India's diverse population. 

 • Empathy and Ethical Considerations: Empathy in patient care and respecting patient autonomy are fundamental to medical professionalism.  

Sociological Issues in Hospitals  

• Health Inequities: ⁃ Disparities in access to healthcare based on socioeconomic status, caste, gender, and rural-urban divides. - Influence of social determinants of health (education, income, living conditions) on patient outcomes 

 • Patient-Doctor Conflicts: Reasons: Misinformation, lack of communication, long waiting times, or perceived negligence. - Strategies for Conflict Resolution: Effective communication, patient education, and transparent healthcare processes 

 • Hospital as a Healing Environment: ⁃ Importance of providing not just physical care but addressing emotional, psychological, and social well-being,  

Social Problems  

• Definition: Social problems are conditions that negatively impact individuals and society, often arising from cultural, economic, or political factors. These problems hinder social cohesion and affect health and well-being, 

 • Relevance to Medicine: Social problems such as poverty, malnutrition, and illiteracy directly impact health outcomes - Understanding these issues helps medical professionals provide holistic care and address the root causes of health problems 

 • Key Social Problems in India: - Poverty Gender inequality - Substance abuse - Unemployment  

Poverty and its impact on Health  

• Definition of Poverty: A state where individuals lack financial resources to meet basic needs, including food, healthcare, education, and housing, 

 • Healthcare Impact: 

 -Access to Care: People in poverty often face barriers to accessing healthcare due to financial constraints. 

 ⁃ Malnutrition: Poor nutrition leads to weakened immunity, stunted growth, and higher susceptibility to disease. 

 - Preventable Diseases: Higher incidence of preventable diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, and diarrheal diseases in impoverished areas. 

 • Role of Medical Professionals: 

 ⁃ Screening for social determinants of health. 

 - Educating patients on affordable healthcare options and government schemes.

Gender Inequality  

• Gender Disparities in Healthcare: 

 Access to Care: Women in India, particularly in rural areas, often have limited access to healthcare due to social norms, economic dependence, and lack of decision-making power. 

 ⁃ Maternal Health: High maternal mortality rates due to lack of prenatal and postnatal care. 

 ⁃ Sex Ratio and Female Infanticide: The preference for male children leads to female infanticide, skewing the sex ratio. 

• Impact on Health: ⁃ Women and girls are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, mental health issues, and domestic violence, ⁃ Women's Health Issues: Limited access to reproductive and sexual health services. 

• Role of Medical Professionals:  Promoting gender-sensitive healthcare practices, 

• Advocating for women's health rights and equality in access to services.  

Substance Abuse  

• Prevalence of Substance Abuse in India: 

 ⁃ Common substances include alcohol, tobacco, opioids, and cannabis. 

 ⁃ Substance abuse is rising among youth, contributing to health problems and social issues. 

 • Health Impact: 

 ⁃ Physical Health: Increased risk of liver disease, lung cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. 

 ⁃ Mental Health: Substance abuse is closely linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. 

 ⁃ Social Impact: Substance abuse contributes to domestic violence, unemployment, and accidents. 

 • Role of Medical Professionals: 

 - Early identification and intervention for substance abuse. 

 ⁃ Counseling patients and providing referrals to rehabilitation centers. 

 ⁃ Engaging in public health campaigns on the risks of substance abuse.  

Unemployment  

• Definition of Unemployment: The inability of individuals to secure a job despite actively seeking employment 

 • Health Impact: 

 - Mental Health: Unemployment is linked to stress, depression, and anxiety, impacting mental well-being 

 - Physical Health: Job insecurity and financial stress can lead to chronic health conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. 

 - Healthcare Access: Lack of income limits access to quality healthcare, leading to poor health outcomes 

 • Role of Medical Professionals: Offering mental health support to unemployed individuals. ⁃ Promoting community-based health interventions that are affordable and accessible. 

 • Advocating for public health policies that support employment and social security. 

 

Social Security  

• Definition: Social security refers to a system of government- provided support that protects individuals from financial hardship caused by life events such as unemployment, illness, disability, or old age 

 • Relevance to Healthcare: Social security systems play a crucial role in ensuring access to healthcare services, especially for marginalized and vulnerable populations. 

 • Importance for Medical Students: ⁃ Understanding the link between social security and health outcomes helps future doctors recognize the socio-economic factors affecting patient care. 

 • Knowledge of available social security schemes enables doctors to guide patients toward essential health and financial support  

  Schemes of social security  

• Healthcare Coverage: 

 - Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM- JAY): 

 • Provides health insurance to economically vulnerable populations, covering hospital expenses up to ₹5 lakh per family per year. 

 • Aims to provide equitable healthcare services to 40% of India's population. 

 ⁃ Employee State Insurance Scheme (ESI): • Provides merlical benefits and financial assistance to workers in case of sickness, maternity, disability, or occupational hazards. 

 • Pension and Disability Schemes: - National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): 

 • Provides pensions to the elderly, widows, and people with disabilities from low-income households.  

Social security and health outcome  

• Improving Access to Healthcare: ⁃ Social security programs, such as Ayushman Bharat, reduce financial barriers to healthcare, allowing underserved populations to access quality medical treatment. ⁃ Insurance schemes mitigate the risk of catastrophic health expenses, preventing families from falling deeper into poverty. 

 • Reducing Health Inequality: ⁃ By ensuring healthcare access for marginalized populations (e.g., rural communities, the elderly, people with disabilities), social security schemes address health disparities and promote health equity 

 • Social security programs that cover preventive healthcare services (immunization, maternal care) contribute to better long-term public health outcomes