Basic Principles of Healthcare

Primary Health Care (PHC)

The first contact a person has with the health system when they have a health problem, involving a broad range of health services.

Health workforce

Healthcare professionals including physicians, midwives, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and other providers.

Inpatient

Patients who are formally admitted to a healthcare facility.

Outpatient

Patients who visit a healthcare facility for consultation but are not formally admitted.

Ambulatory care

Patients who are not confined to an institutional bed and receive services while not being inpatients.

Long-term care

A broad range of assistance for chronic conditions that individuals need over extended periods.

Education (in PHC)

Health education on prevailing health problems and prevention methods.

Geographic Access

Bringing healthcare services closer to remote communities to overcome geographical barriers.

Financial Access

Efforts to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses through insurance and subsidies.

Service Availability

Ensuring essential health services are consistently available and adequately staffed.

Community Mobilizers

Health workers who engage communities in health programs and promote participation.

Health Promotion Campaigns

Mass media initiatives aimed at raising awareness about health issues.

Challenges in PHC

Inadequate funding, health worker shortages, and limited community participation.

Opportunities in PHC

Increased government commitment, demand for quality healthcare, and technological advancements.

Essential Drugs

Provision of necessary medications for treating common diseases and injuries.

Maternal Health

Health care focusing on maternal and child health, including family planning.

Preventive Care

Health care aimed at preventing diseases and maintaining health.

Acute Care

Immediate care for severe or sudden medical conditions.

Chronic Disease

Long-lasting conditions that generally can be controlled but not cured.

Primary Care Provider

A healthcare professional who acts as a patient's main source of care.

Telemedicine

The use of technology to provide medical care remotely.

Healthcare Disparities

Differences in access to or availability of healthcare services based on socioeconomic status or demographics.

Patient-Centered Care

Care that respects and responds to individual patient preferences, needs, and values.

Integrated Care

Coordination of healthcare services across various providers and settings.

Public Health

The science of protecting and improving the health of populations.

Health Policy

Decisions and laws made to promote overall health and ensure access to care.

Health Equity

The principle of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health.

Health Outcomes

The changes in health status resulting from healthcare services, interventions, or health policies.

Clinical Guidelines

Systematically developed statements to assist practitioner and patient decisions about appropriate health care.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases affect the health and illness of populations.

Health Systems Strengthening

Efforts aimed at improving the capacity of health systems in delivering quality health care.

Community Health Needs Assessment

A systematic process to identify and analyze community health needs.

Social Determinants of Health

Conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age that affect health.

Behavioral Health

A broad range of mental health and substance use concerns.

Prevention Strategies

Methods used to prevent disease and promote health.

Chronic Care Management

A system of care designed to manage chronic illnesses and improve coordination of care.