What defines tertiary prevention in medical practice?

Tertiary prevention is focused on managing and mitigating the effects of an established disease to prevent further complications and improve the quality of life for the patient. It is primarily concerned with the treatment and rehabilitation of individuals who are already affected by a disease, with the aim of reducing long-term disability and promoting recovery. This may include strategies such as surgical interventions, physical therapy, and chronic disease management programs, which are critical in helping patients cope with existing health conditions.

The other choices reflect different levels of prevention. Preventing the onset of disease pertains to primary prevention, which seeks to reduce risk factors before the disease occurs, such as through lifestyle changes or public health initiatives. Screening for early detection correlates with secondary prevention, aimed at identifying diseases in their early stages when interventions can be more effective. Finally, providing vaccinations is also a form of primary prevention, as it helps prevent the occurrence of infectious diseases in a population. Each of these approaches serves its purpose within the broader spectrum of healthcare, but tertiary prevention uniquely emphasizes care and rehabilitation for those who have already developed health problems.