Quaternary prevention: first, do not harm - Editorial

Clinical prevention, under the influence of public health, has been organised in a chronological
manner since the middle of the 20th century. A paradigm shift from a chronological to a constructivist relationship-based preventive pattern of care offers new insights into the practice of doctors.
This paradigm shift brings to light the concept of quaternary prevention, a critical look at medical
activities with an emphasis on the need not to harm. Quaternary prevention addresses the fundamental
question of what constitutes too much or too little medicine. It is the fourth form of disease prevention,
but also the fourth frame of action for family doctors