“Whole-Person Health”: Understanding Its Practical Application
Whole-person health represents a practical approach to care that views individuals as interconnected beings instead of a set of separate symptoms, combining clinical treatment with consideration for mental, social, economic, behavioral and environmental influences on health, and in practice moves systems away from sporadic, disease-centered visits toward ongoing, tailored collaborations that ease suffering, enhance outcomes and reduce unnecessary costs.Core components of whole-person healthPhysical health: evidence-based prevention, chronic disease management, function and mobility, and attention to sleep, nutrition and exercise.Mental and behavioral health: routine screening and accessible treatment for depression, anxiety, substance use, trauma and stress-related conditions.Social determinants of health: food…
