Patient care

Patient care refers to the services rendered by health care professionals, or non-professionals under their supervision, for the benefit of patients. It encompasses a wide range of services, from preventive care to treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, and palliative care.

Definition

Patient care is defined as the services provided by a health care provider, or a team of health care providers, to patients who are ill or injured. The goal of patient care is to improve the health and well-being of the patient, and to prevent or treat illness.

Types of Patient Care

There are several types of patient care, including:

• Primary Care: This is the first point of contact for patients with the health care system. It includes general health promotion, disease prevention, treatment of common illnesses, and management of chronic conditions.

• Secondary Care: This is care provided by medical specialists who generally do not have first contact with patients. It includes hospital care, specialist consultation and outpatient surgeries.

• Tertiary Care: This is specialized consultative care, usually for inpatients and on referral from a primary or secondary health professional. It includes advanced medical investigation and treatment such as complex surgeries and procedures.

• Quaternary Care: This is an extension of tertiary care in reference to advanced levels of medicine which are highly specialized and not widely accessed.

• Home Health Care: This is health care or supportive care provided in the patient's home by healthcare professionals.

Principles of Patient Care

The principles of patient care are based on the idea that patients should receive care that is patient-centered, safe, effective, timely, efficient, and equitable. These principles are often referred to as the Six Aims for Improvement.

See Also

• Health care
• Nursing
• Medicine
• Public health

References

Patient care Resources
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