Introduction to the Hospital and Its Organization

Vocabulary flashcards covering core definitions, hospital functions, managerial structure, key departments, healthcare personnel, committees, workflow stages, and emerging trends based on the PMY 550 lecture notes.

Hospital (WHO Definition)

An integral part of a social and medical organization, whose function is to provide for the population complete health care, both curative and preventive, and whose outpatient services reach out to the family in its home environment.

Curative Function

A hospital function that encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries, as well as emergency care and surgeries.

Preventive Function

A hospital function focusing on immunization services, health education and promotion, and screening and early detection programs.

Rehabilitative Function

A hospital function offering physical therapy, speech therapy, and support for mental health recovery.

Educational Function

A hospital function providing clinical training for nursing, medical, and pharmacy students, alongside continuing education for staff.

Research Function

A hospital function involving clinical trials, health systems research, and data collection for public health planning.

Hospital Director/CEO

A top-level management role responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership to the hospital.

Medical Superintendent

A top-level management position responsible for the overall clinical supervision of the hospital.

Operational-Level Staff

Hospital employees who execute daily operational duties, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, allied health professionals, and support staff.

Emergency Department (Casualty)

A clinical department dedicated to delivering urgent initial care and managing medical emergencies.

Radiology Services

A diagnostic service area providing X-rays, CT, MRI, and Ultrasound imaging.

Pathology Services

A diagnostic service department specializing in histology and cytology.

Pharmacovigilance

A core service of the pharmacy department involving the monitoring of adverse drug reactions.

Nursing Services

A primary department providing bedside patient care, wound care, injections, and patient education.

Outpatient Services

Hospital services providing clinics for follow-up and specialist care, as well as screening and preventive services.

Paramedical Staff

Healthcare workers including laboratory technicians, radiographers, and physiotherapists.

Auxiliary Staff

Hospital support personnel such as cleaners, porters, and cooks.

Infection Control Committee

A hospital governance body responsible for directing infection prevention and control practices.

Drug and Therapeutics Committee

A hospital committee responsible for overseeing governance regarding medication selection, safety, and therapeutic practice.

Hospital Workflow

The multi-stage operational path of patient care consisting of Registration, Initial Assessment, Admission, Investigation and Diagnosis, Treatment and Care, Discharge and Follow-up, and Documentation and Reporting.

Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)

Digital systems adopted in hospitals for electronic management and storage of patient health information.

Telemedicine

A modern healthcare trend utilizing technology for remote medical consultations and diagnostics.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

A organizational model involving collaboration between public sector healthcare bodies and private organizations.

Patient-Centered Care

A recent approach in hospital management placing strong emphasis on the overall patient experience.