Natural History of Disease Flashcards
Define Natural History of Disease
The natural history of disease refers to the progression of the disease over time from pathological onset or inception in the absence of treatment
Define clinical course of disease
The clinical course of disease refers to the evolution of a disease with medical intervention over time
What are the four stages in the natural history of disease
Stage of susceptibility
Stage of subclinical disease
Stage of clinical disease
Stage of recovery, disability or death
What are three main reasons that the natural history of disease is important
To determine prognosis
To plan management
To contribute to screening policy
What are Leavell’s three levels of prevention?
Primary
Secondary
Tertiary
Describe Leavell’s Primary level of prevention
Before person gets disease
Describe Leavell’s Secondary level of prevention
Disease process started but person a symptomatic
Describe Leavell’s tertiary level of prevention
Person has symptoms of disease
What is the goal of the primordial prevention level
Prevent emergence of risk factors
What is the goal of the primary prevention level
Lower incidence and prevalence of disease
What is the goal of the secondary prevention level
Find then treat disease early, reduce morbidity, maybe even cure
What is the goal of tertiary prevention level
Cure disease, slow disease, prevent complications, treat disability,, rehabilitate, prevent death
What are the two main types of strategies for primary prevention
Population approach and high-risk approach
Describe what the population approach for primary prevention entails
It aims to reduce average risk of the entire population the general public health measures applied to the whole population
Describe the aim of the high-risk approach for primary prevention
Targets persons at high risk for the disease
