Patient (Px)
What is a patient?
A patient is defined as any individual who is receiving healthcare. This encompasses a range of roles, including someone waiting for healthcare, currently receiving care, or having already received care. In some cases, a patient receives healthcare services, whereas in other cases, the patient is only monitored by a physician for a specific disease or condition.
Patients may be classified as inpatients or outpatients based on if they were admitted to the care facility for an overnight stay or received their care services and then returned home on the same day.
There are certain rights that a patient is guaranteed throughout their care and interactions with healthcare providers, and they include the right to:
- Receive information through up-to-date and easy-to-read educational materials and programs.
- Be treated with respect and feel confident in the ability of the care team to meet their preferences, needs, and values.
- Receive a full explanation of the risks and benefits of treatments and services offered and to give informed consent before starting any treatment.
What role do patients play in healthcare?
Patients are the individuals around which healthcare revolves around. The patients require care services, and physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals exist to help patients and provide these services.
Patients also play a crucial role in preserving their own health by complying with prescribed treatments and recommendations. Patients should also become informed about their condition and treatment options to make the best decision possible given their scenario.