Genealogical analysis of Quaternary Prevention: between the use of Evidence-Based Medicine and care reformulation in Primary Health Care

Abstract

We conducted a genealogical analysis of quaternary prevention, an instrument of primary health care to address overmedicalization and iatrogenesis, based on related statements and interviews with the creators of this concept. This tool has been used in the reformulation of care and the doctor-patient relationship, but limited to the risk-benefit assessment by using current scientific evidence. In this study, we analyze the paradoxes of evidence-based medicine (EBM) and discuss the relationship of EBM and quaternary prevention and primary health care (PHC). Finally, we suggest questioning the truth of the evidence for the development of other health paradigms.