A MORE DISCUSSED CONCEPT IN THE FAMILY PRACTICE: QUATERNARY PROTECTION

Introduction and Objective: WONCA defined the type of protection recognizing the individuals at the risk of excessive medical intervention and protecting him against new medical interventions and requiring recommending ethically acceptable interventions as the quaternary protection. In this study, this concept discussed more and more in our country was analyzed in detail. Method: Literature relating to the concept of quaternary protection was reviewed and family practices in the world and our country were evaluated. Results and Conclusions: Preventive health services should be planned by considering individual, family, society and environmental aspects together in general. It is reported that quaternary protection being a new concept for our country and in these services includes health activities to prevent unnecessary and excessive intervention within the health system. The main objective of the quaternary protection is to prevent unnecessary medical intervention. One of the significant ways to achieve this aim is the evidence-based medicine practices. Considering data obtained by the clinical studies, a number of diagnosis methods and treatment may be excluded safely and achieving patient compliance. Another very simple and reliable method is the learning the history well. By learning the history well, listening to the patient efficiently, it will be possible to accommodate to individual desire and requirements. It can ensure a sustainable, reliable and strong patient-physician relationship. Considering basic principles of family practice discipline, the quaternary protection is one of the basic duties of the family physicians.