Appendix 9: Glossary

Also known as Augmentative and alternative communication devices. A laptop or tablet computer that helps individuals with speech difficulties to communicate.

Activities that we do everyday such as basic hygiene, eating, ambulation, exercise, getting dressed, going to the restroom, bathing, etc.

The severity or intensity of a condition or illness, helping to define the level of care that a patient will receive.

The level of health care that a patient may receive for an injury or illness that is brief but severe.

A chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.

Legally binding instructions or preferences for medical care a patient creates for if they are unable to communicate their wishes.

Abbreviated as AEMT. A healthcare professional who provides basic and limited advanced emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients.

The use of air transportation including helicopters or airplanes to transport patients from accident scenes to healthcare facilities or between two healthcare facilities.

Specialized vehicles equipped for transporting sick or injured patients to and from the hospital.

Care provided by health care professionals in outpatient settings.

Chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart muscle, typically due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.

Also known as auxiliary aids, any device, except for a hearing aid, that amplifies sound or improves communication through alerts, such as vibrating alarm clocks or lights that flash when the doorbell is rung. This includes closed-loop systems that work with hearing aids.

Commonly abbreviated as AED. A portable electronic device that can diagnose cardiac arrhythmias and is able to treat them through defibrillation to re-establish a normal rhythm.

Refers to mental health and substance use disorders, life stressors and crises, and stress-related physical symptoms.

A structured interview technique that focuses on asking candidates about their past experiences and behaviors to predict their future performance in specific job-related situations.

Acronym for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

A manic-depressive illness or manic depression) is a mental illness that causes unusual shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity levels, and concentration.

Microorganisms that are carried in blood and cause disease in people.

Fluids produced by the body such as sweat, tears, urine, blood, etc.

A term for reaching or approaching a physical and/or mental breaking point due to being consistently overwhelmed by stress or work without the ability to recover.

A contract that establish a legally-binding relationship between HIPAA-covered entities and business associates to protect patient health information.

Also known as Tartar. A hardened deposit on the teeth resulting from untreated dental plaque, often leading to oral health issues if not removed through professional cleaning.

Services that are available to students on their college campus.

Sudden loss of cardiac activity due to an irregular rhythm.

A confirmation granted by a professional organization to recognize an individual who has met certain qualifications.

Also known as presenting complaint. Medical term used to describe the primary problem of the patient that led the patient to seek out medical attention.

The Chief Nurse is the head of all the nursing staff in a facility, reporting directly to the CEO.

Refers to a condition that last longer than 1 or more years and impacts an individual's activities of daily living.

A resume that lists work history starting with the most recent position completed or where currently employed at first

A communication process that involves the sender actively seeking feedback from the receiver to ensure accurate message transmission and comprehension.

A resume that blends elements of both the chronological and functional resumes to emphasizing both a candidate's work history and their skills and accomplishments.

A group of people sharing a common location, or one sharing common attitudes or interests. Community can be geographical or can be developed intentionally.

Abbreviated as CHA. The process of determining the health and health care needs of a given population in an given area.

Abbreviated as CHW. Frontline public health workers who facilitate access to health-related services and improve the quality of service delivery.

Also known as CT. A diagnostic imaging procedure that is used to produce images of internal structures of the body.

In a medical context, confidentiality is typically used to describe keeping patient information private, preventing disclosure of such information to anyone unless they have been given prior approval by the patient.

Commonly abbreviated as CME. Continuing education that is required of healthcare professionals to maintain competence and provide education about new and developing areas in their field.

Abbreviated CAD.

A brief, personalized letter submitted with a job application, summarizing the applicant's qualifications, motivations, and suitability for the position.

A document authorizing a person to practice a regulated health care profession.

Immediate emergency response to emotional, mental, behavioral, and/or physical distress.

The institutions, collective beliefs and practices and art of a specific group of people.

The use of excessive diagnostic testing as a way to reduce the risk of malpractice.

Refers to any device or appliance that replaces one or more missing teeth.

A removable dental appliance used to replace teeth. A complete denture will replace all of the upper teeth and / or all the lower teeth.

A disease where an individulas body is unable to control the level of sugar within the bloodstream, which if left untreated can lead to further problems with an individuals health.

Identify or determine the nature and cause of a disease or a problem, typically through the examination of symptoms, medical tests, and other relevant information.

Refers to identifying a condition or disease from signs, symptoms, health history, and medical tests.

A test that helps diagnose what is causing an illness or symptoms, such as an ultrasound to confirm appendicitis

The various approaches used in medical practices to identify with high accuracy the disease of a particular patient.

The act or practice of diagnosis .

The phase during a heart beat where the heart is relaxed and filling with blood.

Health care services provided directly to patients either suspected of having an ailment or being treated for a physical or mental illness.

refers to a patient being released from healthcare services.

Once the statute of limitations ends, the patient has an extension of a period of time to file a malpractice claim if they did not recognize their injury within the statute of limitations.

Involving people from many different ethnic backgrounds, abilities, genders or sexual orientations.

Defines what the employee should wear that is appropriate for the work setting, such as clean scrubs, close toed shoes, coveralls, etc.

Abbreviation of Emotional Intelligence. A persons learned ability to understand and manage emotions

Known as an Electrocardiogram. A device that records the electrical signals from the heart. It is often used to evaluate heart conditions.

Abbreviated as EKG. A device that records the electrical signals from the heart. It is often used to evaluate heart conditions

Also abbreviated as EHR. A digital system for storing and managing a patient's medical information and history, making it easily accessible to healthcare professionals

Abbreviated as EMS. A system that provides emergency medical care.

Abbreviated EMD. A specialist who processes calls from the public requesting immediate medical assistance.

Abbreviated as EMT. A healthcare professional who provides prehospital emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients.

Abbreviated EI. A persons learned ability to understand and manage emotions

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.

A physician who is responsible for all aspects of patient care for an EMS system.

Individuals who study epidimiology, searching for the cause of a disease, identifying people who are most at risk, and determining how to stop the spread or prevent further disease from happening.

The study of distribution and determinants of health-related states among specific populations and the application of that study to the control of health problems.

The ability to physically get to settings where healthcare is offered and appropriate providers are available, regardless of an individual's background or circumstances.

Originally a French word, etiquette describes a code of acceptable behavior and rules that apply both socially and professionally

Painless killing of a patient who is suffering from a severe terminal illness.

Treatment backed by scientific evidence.

When the patient signs a consent document indicating they agree to having a procedure done.

A sticky material that is used to fill cavities or replace a part of a tooth.

A resume format that highlights a candidate's skills, qualifications, and achievements.

Full of gangrene, localized death and decomposition of tissues due to lack of blood flow.

Differences in a population’s genomes determining variations in traits, characteristics, or susceptibility to diseases

State laws that protect an individual who provides life-saving care to another individual from being sued for injuries. Does not apply to healthcare professionals when they are on the job.

Cleaning hands either by hand washing or antiseptic handwash.

A state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.

A social science that promotes health and prevents disease, disability and premature death through education-driven voluntary behavior change.

Health equity means all peoples have the ability to attain their highest level of health regardless of identity or background.

An individual who works within the administration of a healthcare facility.

The digital systems relating to the storage, security, and transferring of patient information including medical records.

The measured impacts of a disease or illness on people's health, covering factors like mortality, morbidity, functional abilities, quality of life, and patient-reported experiences.

A set of decisions and rules made by governments and organizations to improve and regulate healthcare for a population.

The system of trained professionals and their corresponding services that prevent, diagnose, and treat conditions and illnesses affecting an individuals health.

The people who manage and coordinate the operational, financial, and logistical aspects of healthcare organizations to ensure the efficient delivery of medical services and optimal patient care.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA, passed by Congress in 1996, protects patient information from being disclosed without proper consent

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, passed by Congress in 1996, protecting patient information from being disclosed without proper consen.

Part of HIPAA law, the HITECH Act encouraged providers to adopt electronic medical records and improve the privacy of patient information

A portable EKG device that attaches to a patient for long term cardiac monitoring while outside of a clinic.

A condition where the pressure of blood moving through the body is greater than is recomended, and if left untreated, may cause more servere conditions or diseases.

Refers to a medical examination where pictures are generated of internal structures of the body.

When a patient consents to a procedure with body language.

When a provider gives the patient all information about the risks of a procedure, including the risks if they do not have the procedure, and any acceptable alternative treatments available.

A healthcare approach characterized by a high degree of communication and collaboration among health professionals regarding patients’ care.

The process by which the spoken word is used when transferring meaning between two or more languages.

Someone who works to translate verbal/sign communication from one language to another.

An event where employers and job seekers convene to facilitate recruitment, providing an opportunity for companies to showcase job opportunities and for individuals to explore potential career options.

A career exploration activity in which an individual observes and learns about a specific job or profession by spending time with a professional in that field.

The distinct sounds heard through a stethescope while taking blood pressure signifying different phses of a heart beat.

An individual who translates between languages for medical providers and their patients

A formal document written by someone who can attest to an individual's qualifications, skills, and character, typically for the purpose of supporting their application for employment or admission to an educational program.

A method of regulation by which a state grants permission to persons who meet predetermined qualifications to engage in a health profession.

The average number of years on average people can expect to live due to their location or background.

Abbreviated as LEP's. Patients who do not speak English as his or her primary language, and/or have a limited ability to speak, read, write or understand English

The length of a person’s life.

Abbreviated as MRI. A diagnostic imaging tool that produces 3D images of internal structures of the body.

A disorder that consists of symptoms of depressed mood or loss of interest for at least 2 weeks, that interfere with daily activities.

When a healthcare provider injures a patient in the course of providing care.

An x-ray image of the breast tissue.

Screening x-rays of breast tissue, looking for densities that suggest cancerous tumors

Individuals that are legally bound to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect relating to children, elders, or dependent adults.

Enrollment or acceptance into a college’s degree program.

A career that encompasses submitting insurance claims and bills to insurance providers and patients, following up on rejected claims and payment balances and processing payments.

Converting diagnosis and treatment information into billing codes to submit claims.

Provides prehospital care to patients in emergency settings.

Someone who works to convert medical language into the preferred language of a patient.

A system using abbreviations and symbols to take written or typed notes more rapidly.

Someone who works to convert medical language into the preferred language of a patient.

Program that allows EMS providers to provide medical assessment and preventative healthcare education in the community within their current scope of practice.

The state of being ill, diseased, or injured, or the rate of illness within a specific population or group over a particular period.

The state of being dead, or the rate of deaths within a specific population or group over a particular period.

The number of individuals of a specific population who die in a given year.

A style of communication focused on respectful guidance and empowerment to produce behavior change.

Abbreviated as MI and also known as a heart attack. A serious medical condition where there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle, leading to tissue damage or death.

Also know as Naloxolone. A medication used to reverse an overdose from opioids.

When a healthcare provider injures a patient in the course of providing care.

A doctor who specializes in the health and treatment of the kidneys.

The process of making connections and building relationships.

A medical procedure or technique that does not require the insertion of instruments or devices into the body.

Communication that involves anything but speech; sign language, written language and body language cues can all be components of nonverbal communication.

Use of radioactive materials to visualize how organs and / or tissues are functioning. Often times this is used in the treatment and monitoring of a patient and their condition.

Also known as a practice manager. An individual who acts to ensure all business operations and administrative aspects of a clinical practice are completed appropriately. This person may be responsible for hiring and firing, training and supervising other administrative employees.

An official within an organization who investigates consumer/patient complaints against that organization’s administration, a neutral party who helps mediate conflicts between a patient and the healthcare organization.

An allied health professional whose primary focus is to provide advanced emergency medical care for critical and emergent patients.

A user of healthcare services whether they are healthy or sick.

An individual who serves as a liaison between a patient and their family and the healthcare providers who are a part of the patient’s team, working as an independent professional and hired by the patient and their family.

An individual who is hired by a medical institution to serve patients in accessing services and understanding diagnoses and treatment options.

A customer service agent in the medical office or hospital whose duties may include scheduling appointments and collecting patient information, checking patients in or out for appointments, collecting balances at the time of service (co-pays, deductibles, etc) and showing patients to treatment rooms.

An individual’s specific health needs and desired health outcomes are the driving force behind all health care decisions and quality measurements.

Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause workplace injuries or illnesses.

The process of collecting blood from a patient by puncturing a vein with a needle.

A branch of medicine that provides advanced evaluation and management of patients who are acutely or chronically ill with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and other varying disorders.

A sticky, film that contains saliva, food, and bacteria that adheres to the tooth surface above and below the gum line. When this material is left on the tooth it can result in gum disease and decay.

Policies in healthcare are developed by experts and guide employees on proper steps for how to do things, what to look for, what to avoid.

Shorthand for personal protective equipment. This equipment is worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause workplace injuries or illnesses.

Courses that must be completed prior to applying for enrollment in a specific program.

Also known as chief complaint. Medical term used to describe the primary problem of the patient that led the patient to seek out medical attention.

A physician, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist or physician assistant, as allowed under state law, who provides, coordinates or helps a patient access a range of health care services.

Actions to prevent a disease or injury before it occurs.

Groups of people with similar job titles who often produce materials about the work they do, hold conferences, offer continuing education, and set the standards for that occupation.

New skills and updating current knowledge about the field you practice in such as research findings or use of a new product. Career advancement is often tied to professional development.

A group of individuals in a specific industry or field working together to promote collaboration, networking, and professional development.

The adherence to a set of behavioral standards characterized by elements such as attitude, accountability, and respect in one's work or interactions.

Commonly abbreviated as PHI. the material in a patient record that is sensitive or identifying and requires special care in storage, release and transmittal. Examples include name, date of birth and death, social security number, phone number or address, and hospital admission and release dates.

Organizations and processes focused on protecting the health of a community

A call center where emergency/non-emergency calls are screened.

A factor or constant number in an equation that changes based on race.

The belief that one group of people is superior or inferior to another based upon perceived physical and cultural characteristics.

A letter to a new provider or specialist explaining a patients history, labs and exams undertaken and their results and any previous treatments to allow for further evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment of specific medical conditions.

Small droplets produced by exhalation such as coughing or sneezing consisting of saliva and mucous derived from the respiratory tract.

Branch of medicine that focuses on respiratory disorders and breathing difficulties.

A document that provides information about employment history, educational background, skills, and accomplishments.

Abbreviation for prescription, from the Latin for “recipe”, meaning “to take”.

Is a procedure that is used to remove plaque, calculus, and stains from the surfaces of the teeth.

A serious mental illness that affects how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. People with schizophrenia may seem like they have lost touch with reality.

Each state lists the duties that a healthcare professional may legally perform.

When a provider diagnoses and treats a disease as early as possible to prevent more serious complications.

A customer service strategy that places a strong emphasis on patient experience, ensuring patients needs are the central priority of the work being done.

Additional pay earned by an individual for working at times that fall outside a standard work week to incentivize the impact of working at those unusual times and days.

Abbreviation for “signetur” on a prescription, meaning the directions for how to take the medication (amount, frequency, duration, special instructions, etc).

A form of medical charting that includes the following components:

Factors that influence an individual's health beyond the pathogens, injuries and other physical causes that affect our physical, mental, and emotional health.

Beliefs about what is morally right or wrong.

A healthcare system where medical and hospital care is funded through public resources, typically collected through taxes.

Typical behavior or belief within a culture or society.

A group of people living together under the same set of laws or government.

The use of sound waves to produce images of internal structures.

Minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status of the patient in any and all healthcare settings.

The amount of time after the date of the malpractice injury that a patient can file a malpractice suit.

A written order that compels an individual to come to court, or compels an individual to provide documents.

Abbreviated as SAMHSA. agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation.

A neuropsychiatric disorder that is characterized by a habitual desire to take drugs despite their harmful consequences.

A subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance that indicates the presence of a disease or condition.

The phase during a heart beat where the heart is contracted, pushing blood out of the heart.

Also known as Calculus. A hardened deposit on the teeth resulting from untreated dental plaque, often leading to oral health issues if not removed through professional cleaning.

Also known as Telehealth. The distribution of healthcare services to patients through electronic information and telecommunication technologies.

When healthcare providers attempt to manage chronic illnesses in such a way as to enhance quality of life and improve longevity.

Communication between the provider and patient that seeks to establish and build trust and sense of safety.

the ability to perform needed tasks in a timely manner

Laws that pertain to acts that lead to the injury or harm of another.

Hospitals that are designated as being able to deliver the care and stabilization to patients who have experienced a serious trauma related event.

An organized, coordinated effort in a defined geographic area that delivers the full range of care to all injured patients and is integrated with the local public health system.

Decision trees or pathways used to determine the treatment of an illness.

Refers to a list of work that the dentist has identified as necessary to maintain good dental health. The plan is created as a result of the various diagnostics that were performed as part of the patient evaluation or assessment.

Refers to the sorting of individuals based on their need for immediate medical care.

A specialized type of imaging that uses high-frequency sound waves to view internal structures of the body.

Procedure involving the puncturing of a vein with a needle.

Oral communication through spoken words and sounds that convey meaning.

Measurements of the body’s most basic functions including body temperature, respirations, blood pressure, and pulse rate.

A medical technique that uses electromagnetic radiation to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body, aiding in the diagnosis of various health conditions.