Tertiary prevention can help to prevent hospital stays for individuals with illnesses.
Medical professionals and health insurance companies are looking toward preventative care as a route to manage patients, rather than waiting until illness strikes. If illness is prevented, it not only saves money, but also prevents patient disability, emotional distress and possible deterioration into long-term medical crises. Prevention is split into three types: primary, secondary and tertiary. All three types of prevention are used in the medical field, with tertiary prevention being important for individuals who have already been diagnosed with an illness.
What is Tertiary Prevention?
Tertiary prevention focuses on assisting people in managing long-term, complex health problems. Examples of illnesses in which tertiary prevention is used are diabetes, heart disease, cancer, chronic pain and mental illness. The goals of tertiary prevention include prevention of further deterioration, negative consequences or anything that prevents maximizing the quality of life for the individual. Social workers are vital members of tertiary prevention teams because they can provide psychosocial activities that enhance prevention of further negative issues associated with the illness or disability.
Health Management Programs
Social workers may lead health management programs while working in conjunction with other health care professionals. The aim of health management programs is to reduce disability and restore functioning in individuals affected by disability or illness. Examples of health management programs are cardiac care management, diabetes management and chronic pain management. These programs usually involve a doctor, a nurse, social worker and physical or occupational therapist. The purpose is get the patient stronger, prevent further injury and learn to maximize their lives, even with their chronic conditions.
Support Groups
As trained helping professionals, social workers can lead support groups for those who are dealing with chronic illness. Social workers are able to provide psychosocial support, assist patients to learn about their disease, provide education and maximize the potential of social and group support. If an individual feels he is not alone and others are going through a similar situation, he may feel more supported and likely to feel more positively about changing his behaviors or actions to increase his health and well-being.
One-on-One Assistance
Social workers work with patients to understand their disease by providing education, conducting biopsychosocial assessments and formulating interventions appropriate to patients' needs. Interventions may include referring patients to classes, setting up patient in psychotherapy, helping to formulate daily schedules and activities, or signing up patient for groups or management programs. Social workers may also work as a case manager for some patients, meaning they meet with patients on a regular basis to discuss medical condition, housing, nutrition and other needs that the patient may have.
Tags: health management, health management programs, management programs, Social workers, chronic pain
