This study aims to analyze literature that reflects on prevention in health, with a focus on humanization and medium-and long-term impacts on the economy of countries and suggest future research that further expands this topic. The use of the SMARTER method to select the articles included in the literature review and choose the best alternatives presents a series of techniques and methods to support decision-making when there is a multiplicity of criteria. Through a systematic review of the literature over the past 41 years, articles were selected using the SCOPUS database, where 96 studies were analyzed after using the SMARTER selection criteria. The results point to the need to review and improve policies, interventions, and public activities that address prevention in health, with less emphasis on the curative approach and without neglecting economic and social facets. A strong argument highlighting the importance of the economic factor lies in the possibility of increasing participation in the labor market and combating social inequalities.