Answer 3 for NRS 429 Compare and contrast the three different levels of health promotion (primary, secondary, tertiary)

Answer 3 for NRS 429 Compare and contrast the three different levels of health promotion (primary, secondary, tertiary)

Compare and contrast the three different levels of health promotion (primary, secondary, tertiary). Discuss how the levels of prevention help determine educational needs for a patient.

In health promotion there are three levels of prevention to help determine educational needs for the patient. After assessing and concluding what level of health the individual is currently within a primary, secondary or tertiary strategy for health promotion can occur.

Primary prevention focuses on health promotion or interventions an individual can make to avoid or protect against the development of disease or prevent contraction of illness. This level of prevention is actively or passively engaged, and participation aids in the avoidance of disease. Some examples would be flu vaccinations or by promoting public health strategies to enable individuals to make informed choices regarding a healthier lifestyle (Faulkner et al, 2022).

Secondary prevention refers to early detection and treatment of disease process to deter progression of irreversible damage or to stop the onset of more serious symptoms from occurring (Faulkner et al, 2022). Health screenings, early diagnosis and treatment enable the prevention of further complications to occur. A “pap smear is a form of secondary prevention aimed to diagnosis cervical cancer in its subclinical state before progression” (Kisling et al, 2022). The goal in secondary prevention is to prevent progression or comorbidities from occurring.

Tertiary prevention strategies are used when the presence of disease is current and permanent aiming to provide a better quality of life (Faulkner et al, 2022). This level of prevention is done by managing long-term, often complex health problems or injuries to improve functioning abilities or life expectancy. Some examples of this would be cardiac or stroke rehabilitation programs, chronic disease management or support groups.

Overall, the main difference between primary, secondary, and tertiary is the existence or non-existence of disease or illness. Primary protects, while secondary interventions prevent progression and lastly tertiary aims to reduce, manage or support present lasting damage due to illness or injury. Each play an important role and are crucial for the healthcare professional to identify in order to properly educate and intervene allowing for optimal client care outcomes.

Faulkner, A. (2018). Health Promotion in Nursing Care. Grand Canyon University. Retrieved May 12, 2023, from https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000585/epub/Chapter2.html#pp35-37

Kisling, L. A., & M Das, J. (2022). Prevention Strategies. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30725907/