The Role of Family and Community Medicine in Quaternary Prevention
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21251580Keywords:
Quaternary Prevention, Family and Community Medicine, Primary Health Care, Overdiagnosis, Patient SafetyAbstract
Introduction: Quaternary prevention is a fundamental strategy to reduce unnecessary medical interventions, minimize iatrogenic harm, and promote person-centered care. Family and Community Medicine plays a key role in implementing this concept through continuity of care, care coordination, and evidence-based practice. Objective: To analyze the scientific evidence regarding the role of Family and Community Medicine in quaternary prevention, emphasizing its contribution to reducing overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and excessive medicalization in Primary Health Care. Methods: This narrative literature review was conducted through searches in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Virtual Health Library, SciELO, and Cochrane Library databases. Original articles, reviews, clinical guidelines, and institutional documents published between 2015 and 2026 addressing quaternary prevention, Family and Community Medicine, Primary Health Care, overdiagnosis, and the rational use of healthcare resources were included. Results: The evidence indicates that quaternary prevention reduces the use of low-value tests, treatments, and procedures, decreasing adverse events, healthcare costs, and iatrogenic harm. Family and Community Medicine provides favorable conditions for implementing this approach through continuity of care, effective communication, shared decision-making, and the appropriate use of scientific evidence. Conclusion: Quaternary prevention is an essential component of Family and Community Medicine, contributing to safer, more ethical, effective, and sustainable healthcare while strengthening the quality of Primary Health Care.
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