2.5 Tertiary Prevention

Tertiary prevention helps clients reduce the severity of disease and/or altered functioning and is also referred to as “rehabilitation.” These interventions may include things such as cardiac rehabilitation following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, physical and occupational therapy following a stroke, or teaching about administration of insulin following a diagnosis of diabetes. The goal of tertiary prevention is to reduce further disability, to maintain and optimize function, and to improve one’s quality of life.