Which option best characterizes downstream interventions in the care model?

• A. Rehabilitation after an acute event
• B. Policy changes
• C. Community education
• D. Screening in annual checkups

Answer: (A)

Downstream interventions are actions taken after a health issue has already occurred, aimed at treatment, rehabilitation, and reducing ongoing harm. Rehabilitation after an acute event fits this because it starts after the illness or injury and focuses on restoring function and minimizing disability. In contrast, policy changes modify the environment to prevent problems before they start, so they’re upstream. Community education likewise promotes healthy behaviors and awareness to prevent issues, which is upstream in focus. Screening in annual checkups seeks to detect disease early, which is preventive and also considered upstream rather than treatment after onset.