BioLife Health Center utilizes the innovative neurobiopsychosocial model developed by Dr. David L. Priede, PhD, which considers four key factors influencing overall health and well-being.
By Cindy Hamilton BHSc, MPH
I recently had the privilege of sitting with Dr. David L. Priede, PhD, the innovative mind behind the neurobiopsychosocial (NBPS) model used at BioLife Health Center. As we concluded our conversation, Dr. Priede's passion for his work was immediately apparent.
We began by discussing the foundation of his model. Dr. Priede explained, "The neurobiopsychosocial model considers four key factors that influence a person's overall health and well-being: neurological, biological, psychological, and social." He went on to detail each of these components:
Neurological factors: These involve the structure and function of the nervous system, particularly the brain, and their impact on health and behavior. For instance, in Parkinson's disease, the degeneration of neurons in a specific area of the brain leads to symptoms such as tremors and difficulty with movement. This illustrates how neurological changes can profoundly affect a person's physical abilities and quality of life.
Biological factors: These encompass physiological changes and physical health conditions that affect an individual's overall well-being. A prime example is type 2 diabetes, where the body's inability to regulate blood sugar levels properly necessitates careful management through diet, exercise, and medication. This demonstrates how biological factors require ongoing attention and lifestyle adjustments to maintain health.
Psychological factors: This category includes mental and emotional aspects such as mood, personality traits, and behavioral patterns influencing health outcomes. Clinical depression exemplifies this, as individuals may experience persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and changes in sleep patterns. These psychological symptoms can significantly impact physical health and daily functioning, highlighting the strong connection between mental and physical well-being.
Social factors: These involve environmental and societal elements, including culture, socioeconomic status, and social support systems, which play a role in shaping health and wellness. A pertinent example is the impact of social isolation on elderly individuals. Older adults who live alone and have limited social connections are at higher risk for various health problems, including depression, cognitive decline, and even earlier mortality. This situation demonstrates how social factors can directly and significantly affect mental and physical health outcomes.
"By integrating these four factors," Dr. Priede continued, "the NBPS model provides a more holistic and comprehensive understanding of an individual's health. This approach allows for a deeper analysis of how various aspects of a person's life interact and contribute to their overall well-being."
As our discussion deepened, Dr. Priede highlighted the advantages of his model over the traditional biopsychosocial approach. "By explicitly including neurological factors, we offer a more concrete and testable approach," he stated. This addresses criticisms that the traditional model lacked operationalization and was not readily empirically testable.
Dr. Priede then elaborated on several key improvements his model offers:
"The NBPS model addresses several limitations of the traditional biopsychosocial model," he explained. "For instance, it provides a more specific scope and practical application. The inclusion of neurological factors gives practitioners clearer guidance on what aspects to consider, potentially making it more efficient to apply in practice."
The practical application of the model at BioLife Health Center was a fascinating part of our conversation. Dr. Priede explained that they implement the model through clinical neurobiopsychosocial assessments. "These assessments gather valuable information to understand and explain the unique factors affecting each patient's health condition," he noted.
He described how BioLife Health Center uses these assessments: "... based on these evaluations, we develop individualized health plans that utilize the latest methods and technologies, adhering to standards set by the US Department of Health, FDA, and HIPAA."
When I asked about the challenges of implementing such a comprehensive approach, Dr. Priede was candid. He acknowledged that it requires careful consideration and may face practical hurdles. However, he remained optimistic, saying, "Providing a more structured and inclusive framework offers the potential for improved understanding and treatment of complex health conditions."
As our interview drew to a close, Dr. Priede emphasized the model's alignment with modern research. "By incorporating neurological components, the model aligns more closely with current trends in medical research, facilitating better integration of research findings into clinical practice," he explained. "It also allows for more targeted interventions that address both neurological and psychosocial aspects of health. This can lead to more comprehensive and effective treatment strategies."
Walking away from my enlightening conversation with Dr. Priede, I was struck by the potential impact of the neurobiopsychosocial model on the future of healthcare. It's clear that this approach, by bridging the gap between neuroscience and biopsychosocial factors, offers a more holistic and integrated path to understanding and treating complex health conditions. As Dr. Priede succinctly said, "By considering neurological, biological, psychological, and social factors together, we aim to provide a more complete picture of an individual's health and offer tailored solutions for better overall well-being."
About Cindy Hamilton BHSc, MPH
As Director of Environmental Health at BioLife Health Research Center, I lead efforts to educate, train, and regulate environmental practices across private and public sectors. My passion lies in ensuring the quality of essential resources like water, food, and air. I develop and oversee community health programs, working with diverse teams to maximize limited budgets. This dynamic role keeps me constantly learning and deeply engaged in the rewarding work of promoting public health.