What is the primary goal of preventive care in healthcare?

The primary goal of preventive care in healthcare is to prevent diseases and promote overall health. Preventive care encompasses a range of services aimed at identifying risk factors and preventing illness before it occurs. Examples include vaccinations, regular screenings, and lifestyle counseling, which are all designed to catch potential health issues early and encourage healthy habits. By focusing on prevention, healthcare providers aim to maintain the well-being of patients and reduce the incidence of serious diseases, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes.

In contrast to this focus on prevention, treatments for existing conditions and managing symptoms are reactive strategies. Although they are essential components of healthcare, they do not align with the core aim of preventive care. Additionally, while increasing patient satisfaction ratings and reducing healthcare costs are important objectives in the broader healthcare system, they are not the primary aim of preventive care. The focus on preventing disease through proactive measures is what fundamentally differentiates preventive care from other healthcare practices.