ACE Health Coach Certification Practice Test

A healthcare approach that considers treatment as cumulative or incremental is known as what?

1. Stepped-care model

2. Holistic care

3. Integrated care

4. Patient-centered care

The correct answer is: Stepped-care model

The stepped-care model is a healthcare approach designed to provide treatment in a manner that is both efficient and responsive to the needs of the patient. It operates on the principle of starting with the least intensive intervention and progressively stepping up to more intensive treatment if necessary. This model is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions or mental health issues, where treatment can be tailored based on the patient’s response to care. By beginning with less intrusive options, it allows for resources to be allocated effectively while ensuring that the patient receives appropriate levels of intervention. This gradation of care not only focuses on efficacy but also takes into consideration the patient’s unique circumstances, making it a strategic approach for ongoing management and support. Holistic care, integrated care, and patient-centered care, while vital in their own rights, do not encapsulate the idea of incremental treatment specificity as clearly as the stepped-care model does. Holistic care emphasizes the whole person, integrated care focuses on coordinated services, and patient-centered care highlights the importance of incorporating the patient's preferences and needs into the care process, but none of these specifically articulate a structured method for escalating treatment based on cumulative need.