Clinical preventive services for older adults: the interface between personal health care and public health services

Am J Public Health. 2012 Mar;102(3):419-25. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300353. Epub 2012 Jan 19.

Abstract

Healthy aging must become a priority objective for both population and personal health services, and will require innovative prevention programming to span those systems. Uptake of essential clinical preventive services is currently suboptimal among adults, owing to a number of system- and office-based care barriers. To achieve maximum health results, prevention must be integrated across community and clinical settings. Many preventive services are portable, deliverable in either clinical or community settings. Capitalizing on that flexibility can improve uptake and health outcomes. Significant reductions in health disparities, mortality, and morbidity, along with decreases in health spending, are achievable through improved collaboration and synergy between population health and personal health systems.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Delivery of Health Care, Integrated
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Preventive Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Preventive Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Public Health Practice*
  • United States