Determinants of Health and Wellbeing
It has been recognised that there are a wide range of factors that have an important influence on people's health: these are collectively known as the 'determinants of health'. Dahlgren and Whitehead's Rainbow Model below illustrates that these determinants can be social, economic or lifestyle-related in nature and move from the individual to the wider society. It is also important to note that many factors lie beyond the direct influence of health care (e.g. housing, education and the living environment) and, whilst health services have a part to play, any improvements in health and reductions in related inequalities can only be achieved by taking a holistic view with key organisations working together in partnership.
