QUARTENARY PREVENTION ACTING IN THE REDUCTION OF OVERDIAGNOSIS AND OVERTREATMENT: A CASE REPORT

Introduction S.M., 42 years. Anxious, complaining of pain in the rib on the right, during one year. Previously, she has been Consulted by a focal especialist doctor, that requested many tests. She feared to have breast cancer, like her mother. After 3 appointments with a general practitioner, it was revealed improvement of the symptoms reported. The study aims to illustrate, through the case report, the application of quaternary prevention on population health promoting self-care and reduce harm to the patient. The use of technology applied to medicine without criterion weakens the patient-physician relationship, and distorts the concepts of health and disease, promoting overdiagnosis, overtreatment and emotional disorders for the patient. The implementation of an integral approach, free from unnecessary invasive tests and procedures excess, has become a challenge in current medical practice. Methodology Through the case report of the patient, part of the health team Itacuruçá, studied the effect of quaternary prevention on patient health. The analysis of your medical records of three doctor visits identified signals of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. After the change of approach strategy, it was realized improvement of symptoms over three months. conclusion The person-centered approach promoted the strengthening of the bond between the healthcare team and the patient. There was a deconstruction of the idea of organic patient‘s disease, combined with reduction of their symptoms The quaternary prevention applied in the population, exemplified in this case, not only promotes the reduction of overdiagnosis and overtreatment, as well as self-care and reducing damage to the patient.