What does tertiary prevention focus on?

Tertiary prevention is primarily concerned with minimizing the impact and progression of an established disease or condition. This type of prevention aims to manage and improve the quality of life for individuals who have already experienced serious health issues, such as chronic diseases, disabilities, or injuries. Its strategies may include rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and support systems that help patients cope with the long-term effects of their health challenges.

This focus on reducing the severity and complications associated with illnesses is different from the other types of prevention. While preventing diseases is the emphasis of primary prevention, and early detection is the aim of secondary prevention, tertiary prevention steps in to address the needs of individuals already affected by disease. Health education and promotion also play a role in informing individuals about health practices; however, their context is generally aligned with the earlier stages of health intervention, rather than the direct management of existing health issues that tertiary prevention deals with.