What is the primary goal of preventive care in health services?

The primary goal of preventive care in health services is to prevent illness or catch health issues early. This approach emphasizes the importance of proactive measures such as vaccinations, screenings, and health education to minimize the risk of diseases and promote overall wellness. By focusing on prevention, healthcare systems aim to reduce the incidence of illness, thus decreasing the need for more extensive treatment later on. This proactive stance not only benefits individuals by maintaining their health but also reduces the burden on healthcare resources by minimizing the prevalence of chronic diseases and associated complications.

In contrast, providing treatment for chronic illnesses is a reactive approach that deals with health problems after they have developed. Conducting research on healthcare outcomes, while important, does not directly relate to the immediate goals of preventive care. Training healthcare professionals is essential for maintaining quality in the health system, but it does not define the specific aim of preventive care, which is centered on avoiding health issues in the first place.