Quaternary
Quaternary (medicine)
Quaternary (pronounced: kwuh-tur-nuh-ree) is a term used in the field of medicine to describe a type of care that is highly specialized and not widely used. It is considered an extension of tertiary care. The term is derived from the Latin quaternarius, meaning "consisting of four".
Etymology
The term quaternary comes from the Latin quaternarius, which means "consisting of four". This is in reference to the four levels of care in the medical field: primary care, secondary care, tertiary care, and quaternary care.
Definition
Quaternary care is defined as the extension of tertiary care in reference to advanced levels of medicine which are highly specialized and not widely accessed. Experimental medicine and some types of uncommon diagnostic or surgical procedures are considered quaternary care. These services are usually only offered in a limited number of regional or national health care centers.
Related Terms
- Primary Care: The first level of care where the patient first comes into contact with the health care system.
- Secondary Care: The second level of care, often provided by specialists after a referral from primary care.
- Tertiary Care: The third level of care, usually provided in hospitals, for patients with severe or life-threatening conditions.
- Health Care System: The organization of people, institutions, and resources to deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Quaternary
- Wikipedia's article - Quaternary
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