Quaternary prevention, as defined by Marc Jamoulle, refers to:

• A Rehabilitation after disease has produced disability
• B Specific protection through immunization before disease occurs
• C Action taken to protect individuals from over-medicalization and iatrogenic harm, preventing unnecessary medical interventions ✓
• D Early detection of preclinical disease through screening

Explanation

Quaternary prevention (Jamoulle, 1986) refers to actions to identify at-risk patients, protect them from over-medicalization, and suggest ethically acceptable interventions — essentially preventing iatrogenesis and unnecessary medicalization. It is especially relevant in the context of overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and medically unexplained symptoms. The four levels: primary (before disease), secondary (early detection), tertiary (limiting disability), quaternary (preventing iatrogenic harm).

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.