Ch 1: The professional medical assistant, and the healthcare team

Allopathic

A system of medical practice that treats disease by using remedies, such as medications and surgery, to produce effects different from those caused by the disease; practiced by MDs and DOs, and also known as conventional medicine.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)

A group of diverse medical and healthcare systems, practices, and products not generally considered part of conventional medicine, used either alongside or in place of conventional treatments.

Conscientious

Meticulous, careful, and guided by a sense of duty.

Contamination

The process by which something becomes harmful or unusable through contact with something unclean.

Critical thinking

The constant practice of considering all aspects of a situation when deciding what to believe or what to do.

Demeanor

Behavior toward others; outward manner.

Detrimental

Harmful or damaging.

Holistic

A form of healing that considers the whole person (including body, mind, spirit, and emotions) in individual treatment plans.

Hospice

A concept of care involving health professionals and volunteers who provide medical, psychological, and spiritual support to terminally ill patients and their loved ones.

Indicator

An important point or group of statistical values that, when evaluated, reflects the quality of care provided in a healthcare facility.

Initiative

The ability to determine what needs to be done and to take action independently.

Integrity

Adherence to ethical standards or right conduct standards.

Learning style

The specific way an individual perceives and processes information to master new material.

Mnemonic

A memory device (such as an image, rhyme, or figure of speech) used to help recall information.

Morale

Emotional or mental condition with respect to cheerfulness or confidence.

Negligence

Failure to act as a reasonably prudent person would under similar circumstances, falling below legal standards designed to protect others from unreasonable risk of harm.

Overlearn

To study or practice material beyond the point of initial proficiency or immediate recall.

Patient navigator

A professional who identifies a patient's needs and barriers, assisting by coordinating care and connecting them to community and healthcare resources; also called a care coordinator.

Perceiving

How an individual looks at information and interprets it as real.

Processing

How an individual internalizes new information and makes it their own.

Reflection

The process of thinking about new information to create new ways of learning.

Reliable

Dependable; able to be trusted.

Triage

The process of sorting patients to determine medical needs and the priority of care.