Healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals
Healthcare professionals (pronunciation: /ˈhelθˌker prəˈfeʃ(ə)n(ə)l/) are individuals who provide preventive, curative, promotional or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to people, families or communities. The term is a broad one, encompassing a variety of health-related roles and specializations.
Etymology
The term "healthcare professional" is derived from the words "health care" and "professional". "Health care" (also spelled healthcare) comes from the Old English "hǣlth" (health) and the Middle English "care", meaning concern or responsibility. "Professional" comes from the Latin "professio", meaning a public declaration with the force of a promise.
Types of Healthcare Professionals
There are many types of healthcare professionals, each with their own roles, responsibilities, and areas of expertise. Some of the most common types include:
- Physicians: Doctors who diagnose and treat diseases and injuries.
- Nurses: Professionals who provide care for patients in a variety of settings.
- Pharmacists: Experts in medications and their use.
- Dentists: Specialists in oral health.
- Physical therapists: Professionals who help patients improve or restore mobility.
- Occupational therapists: Specialists who help patients develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
- Psychologists: Professionals who study and treat mental and emotional disorders.
- Social workers: Professionals who provide a range of services aimed at helping individuals, families, and communities.
Related Terms
- Healthcare system: The organization of people, institutions, and resources to deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.
- Patient: A person who is receiving care or treatment from a healthcare professional.
- Medical ethics: The system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine.
- Healthcare policy: The plans, decisions, and actions undertaken to achieve specific healthcare goals within a society.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Healthcare professionals
- Wikipedia's article - Healthcare professionals
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