What type of prevention aims to reduce the impacts of an already established disease?

Tertiary prevention is focused on minimizing the impact of an already established disease. This level of prevention aims to manage and reduce the long-term effects of a chronic illness or disability, thus improving the quality of life for affected individuals. It involves interventions designed to help people manage complex health problems, reduce the severity of the disease, prevent complications, and promote recovery.

For instance, in the case of diabetes, tertiary prevention efforts may include regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, management of complications, and education on lifestyle adaptations to improve health outcomes. This approach is essential in healthcare systems since it addresses the needs of individuals who are already suffering from diseases, ensuring better patient outcomes and enhancing their ability to enjoy a fulfilling life despite their condition.

The other types of prevention serve different purposes: primary prevention focuses on preventing diseases before they occur, secondary prevention aims to detect and address diseases at an early stage to prevent progression, and quaternary prevention seeks to avoid unnecessary interventions in patients who may already be exposed to overdiagnosis or overtreatment.