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| A '''healthcare worker''' (HCW) is an individual, often professionally trained, who delivers care and services to the sick and ailing directly or indirectly. HCWs include a broad spectrum of roles and professions within the healthcare sector. These individuals work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and community health organizations. They are crucial in preventing, treating diseases, and caring for individuals and communities, ensuring the health and well-being of populations at large.
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| [[File:Healthcare workers wearing PPE 03.jpg|thumb|Healthcare workers|500px]] [[File:Oncology doctor consults with patient.jpg|Oncology_doctor_consults_with_patient|thumb|500px]] [[File:Radiologist examines chest x-rays.jpg|Radiologist_examines_chest_x-rays|thumb|500px]] | |
| == Roles and Responsibilities ==
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| Healthcare workers are responsible for a wide range of duties, from clinical care to support services that facilitate health care delivery. These responsibilities may include:
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| * Direct patient care (diagnosis, treatment, and surgery)
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| * Patient support services (nursing, therapy, and rehabilitation)
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| * Diagnostic services (lab tests, radiology)
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| * Preventative healthcare services (immunizations, health education)
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| * Technical support (equipment operation, data management)
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| == Types of Healthcare Workers ==
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| The term encompasses various professions, including but not limited to:
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| * '''[[Physicians]]''' - Medical doctors who diagnose and treat diseases, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries.
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| * '''[[Nurses]]''' - Licensed professionals who provide patient care and support, including administering medications, monitoring patient health, and offering emotional support.
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| * '''[[Allied health professionals]]''' - A group of healthcare workers that provides services related to identifying, evaluating, and preventing diseases and disorders. This group includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and more.
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| * '''[[Technicians]] and [[Technologists]]''' - Specialists who operate and maintain the equipment used for diagnosis and treatment, such as radiology technicians and clinical laboratory technicians.
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| * '''[[Support staff]]''' - Individuals who provide essential services in healthcare settings but are not directly involved in patient care, such as housekeeping, administrative personnel, and logistics support.
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| == Education and Training ==
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| Healthcare workers undergo rigorous and specialized training, which varies significantly by profession. Education can range from certificates and diplomas to advanced degrees like Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in healthcare-related fields. Continuous education is also a critical aspect of healthcare professions to ensure the workforce stays updated on the latest in medical research, technology, and best practices.
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| == Challenges ==
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| Healthcare workers face various challenges, including long hours, high stress, exposure to diseases, and the emotional toll of patient care. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted these challenges, especially the risks of exposure to infectious diseases and the importance of protective measures in healthcare settings.
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| == Glossary of Terms and Professions ==
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| * '''[[Physician]]''' - A qualified practitioner of medicine; a medical doctor.
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| * '''[[Nurse]]''' - A person trained to care for the sick or infirm, especially in a hospital.
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| * '''[[Allied Health Professional]]''' - Health professionals distinct from nursing, medicine, and pharmacy. They provide a range of diagnostic, technical, therapeutic, and direct patient care and support services.
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| * '''[[Technician]]''' - A person skilled in the technical aspects of a field, particularly in relation to healthcare, such as laboratory or radiology technicians.
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| * '''[[Support staff]]''' - Workers who provide support services in healthcare settings but do not engage in direct patient care.
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| * '''[[Occupational therapist]]''' - Allied health professionals who help people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of daily activities (occupations).
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| * '''[[Physical therapist]]''' - Healthcare professionals who help individuals maintain, recover, or improve physical ability and quality of life through physical intervention.
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| * '''[[Speech therapist]]''' - Professionals specialized in diagnosing and treating communication and swallowing disorders.
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| * '''[[Clinical laboratory technician]]''' - Healthcare workers who perform tests on patient samples to provide data for diagnosing and treating diseases.
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| * '''[[Radiology technician]]''' - Healthcare workers who perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays.
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| == See also ==
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| *[[List of healthcare occupations]]
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| *[[Community health center]]
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| *[[Chronic care management]]
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| *[[Electronic superbill]]
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| *[[Geriatric care management]]
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| *[[Health Human Resources|Health human resources]]
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| == External links ==
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| *[https://www.who.int/hrh/en/ World Health Organization: Health workers]
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| {{Health care}}
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| [[Category:Health care occupations]]
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| [[Category:Health care]]
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| [[Category:Health care quality]]
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