Similarities and Differences to the Nursing Process: Models of Prevention Theory

Leavell and Clark's Levels Of Prevention Model:

Similarities and differences to the nursing process

Although technically not a nursing theory, Leavell and Clark's 1975 levels of prevention model has been extremely influential within the healthcare field. "This model suggests that the natural history of any disease exists on a continuum, with health at one end and advanced disease at the other" (Models of prevention, 2013, Current Nursing). There are four distinct levels of application to prevent disease. On the level of primordial prevention, before the disease has appeared, children and adults are encouraged to avoid developing unhealthy lifestyles that promote diseases that may occur in the future (preventative actions include eating well and exercising and engaging in proper sanitation practices like hand-washing as well as getting regular vaccines). On a primary prevention level when the potential for a specific disease is known, the population is also encouraged to take positive steps to preserve health such as engaging in positive self-care, not engaging in destructive habits like smoking, exercising appropriate sanitation, and getting vaccinations for preventable illnesses.

On a level of secondary prevention, the disease is only just beginning to manifest itself in the population and steps must be taken on a clinical level to prevent its spread. This is less effective than primary prevention. It is much easier, cheaper, and more effective, for example, to not become overweight in the first place than it is to treat obesity after the fact with a highly structured low-calorie diet regime and exercise program which can be difficult for many people to adhere to regularly or to develop a new influenza vaccine. Preventing the spread of disease might include improving existing sanitation facilities, passing anti-smoking in public laws, and more widespread vaccines for unaffected members of the population (such as the influenza vaccine).

Tertiary prevention is even more costly and less effective than secondary prevention. "All measures available to reduce or limit impairment and disabilities, minimize suffering caused by existing departures from good health and to promote the patient's adjustment to irremediable conditions" (Models of prevention, 2013, Current Nursing). For obesity, this might include the treatment of type II diabetes and other chronic lifestyle conditions or active treatment of the negative consequences of disease while for a disease like influenza this might involve treatment with drugs and quarantining infected patients from school and the workplace.

Unlike the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, the Leavell and Clark model focuses on treating society, not the patient (Nursing process, 2014, ANA). Every level of the model involves social actions that take place on a widespread level. The patient-focused nature of nursing would focus specifically on how to prevent disease and minimize suffering for the patient. Leavell and Clark are interested in reducing the societal costs, both financial and physical, that occur when disease within a society is allowed to spread unchecked. However, both the nursing process and Leavell and Clark stress the importance of preventive care and early assessment and the fact that it is less stressful and painful to prevent illness and promote wellness than to treat sickness.