body systems model, a conceptual framework in which illness is studied in relation to the functional systems of the body, such as the circulatory, nervous, GI, and reproductive. In this model, care is directed to manipulating the patient’s environment in such a way that the signs and symptoms of the health problem are alleviated. As the body systems model traditionally focuses on the disease rather than the patient, current educational programs tend to integrate it with other concepts that allow the practitioner to approach the patient in a more holistic framework. Also called medical model.
