Reasons Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment

Reasons Adults Seek Orthodontic Treatment

**Desire for Improved Aesthetics**: Many adults seek orthodontic treatment to enhance the appearance of their smile, addressing concerns such as crooked teeth, gaps, or overbites that may have persisted from childhood or developed due to various life factors.

The quest for a perfect smile is a journey deeply woven into the fabric of human desire, one that transcends mere aesthetics to touch upon realms of confidence, self-expression, and even health. For many adults, the decision to embark on orthodontic treatment isn't just about aligning teeth; it's a profound step toward personal transformation and reclaiming a sense of youthful vitality. The desire for improved aesthetics in one's smile is often rooted in a complex tapestry of motivations-each thread representing an aspect of life where a more appealing grin can make a significant difference.


Firstly, there's the undeniable impact on self-confidence. Proper oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment Early orthodontic intervention physician. A crooked tooth or an uneven bite can be a source of self-consciousness, leading individuals to hide their smiles, avoid certain social situations, or feel less than fully present in professional settings. Orthodontic treatment offers not just a cosmetic correction but a pathway to greater comfort in social interactions. When adults regain confidence in their appearance, it ripples outward, influencing how they engage with the world and perceive themselves.


Moreover, this pursuit is deeply connected to the broader narrative of aging gracefully. As we age, our faces change; facial structures shift, and sometimes our teeth don't align as perfectly as they once did. An orthodontically aligned smile can counteract some of these natural changes, offering a refreshed look that many associate with youthfulness.

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This isn't merely vanity; it's about feeling vibrant and relevant in an ever-evolving society that often equates physical appearance with vitality and success.


Additionally, there's the psychological aspect-how our smiles influence our mental well-being. Research has shown links between dental aesthetics and self-esteem. When adults invest in improving their smile through orthodontics, they often experience enhanced mood and reduced anxiety related to their appearance. This emotional uplift can have far-reaching effects on daily life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.


Finally, let's not overlook the role societal expectations play in this desire for aesthetic improvement. In an era heavily influenced by social media where polished images dominate feeds, there's pressure to present an idealized version of oneself online-and that includes having an attractive smile. While this external pressure should never overshadow personal motivations for seeking treatment, it cannot be ignored as one factor influencing adult decisions regarding orthodontic care.


In essence, the desire for improved aesthetics through orthodontic treatment among adults is multifaceted-a blend of personal empowerment, psychological well-being enhancement, societal influences, and a genuine wish to reflect one's best self in both personal and professional spheres. It's about more than just straightening teeth; it's about reclaiming joy in everyday moments through the simple act of smiling freely-an expression universally recognized as one of humanity's most beautiful gestures.

**Boosting Self-Confidence**: Orthodontic treatment can significantly improve an adult's self-esteem and confidence by correcting dental imperfections, leading to a more positive self-image and better social interactions. —

Orthodontic treatment, often perceived primarily through the lens of aesthetic improvements, plays a profoundly transformative role in boosting self-confidence among adults, touching upon deeper psychological and social dimensions. The journey toward a straighter smile is layered with motivations that extend beyond mere dental correction; it's about reclaiming a part of oneself that has long been overlooked or critiqued, leading to profound shifts in self-perception and interaction with the world.


For many adults, the decision to embark on orthodontic treatment stems from a yearning for self-improvement, fueled by the realization that our smiles-often one of the first things people notice-can significantly influence how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us. Dental imperfections, whether they manifest as crooked teeth, gaps, or misalignments, can become silent critics in our minds, whispering doubts about our appearance and contributing to feelings of insecurity. Addressing these concerns through orthodontics isn't merely about achieving physical perfection; it's about correcting an imbalance that has subtly but consistently chipped away at one's self-esteem.


The impact of improved dental aesthetics on self-confidence is undeniable. As adult patients begin to see tangible changes in their smiles, often accompanied by enhanced comfort in eating and speaking, there's a palpable shift in their demeanor. This newfound confidence isn't just superficial; it permeates various facets of life. Social interactions become more engaging as individuals feel freer to smile openly without reservation. The confidence gained from orthodontic treatment can lead to improved professional presence; in meetings and presentations, adults may find themselves projecting more assurance, leveraging their revitalized smile as a subtle yet powerful tool for personal branding and connectivity.


Moreover, this journey towards better oral health often coincides with broader lifestyle changes. Adults seeking orthodontic care are frequently motivated by holistic views of wellness-understanding that oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health.

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This awareness fosters a mindset geared towards improvement across multiple dimensions of life: diet, exercise, mental health practices-a ripple effect emanating from the simple act of taking care of one's teeth and gums.


The psychological boost from orthodontic treatment also touches on deeper emotional needs-acceptance, validation, and the pursuit of personal happiness. For some adults, achieving a straighter smile fulfills a long-held desire for change they've perhaps suppressed due to cost considerations or societal pressures regarding age and beauty standards. It represents not just an alteration of physical appearance but a bold statement: "I value myself enough to make this change."


In essence, while orthodontic treatment undoubtedly enhances physical appearance by correcting dental imperfections, its true magic lies in its power to bolster self-confidence-a cornerstone for personal growth and fulfilling social interactions. Adults who choose this path are not merely fixing their smiles; they're embarking on a transformative journey towards greater self-assurance and authenticity in an often critical world. Through this process, they rediscover parts of themselves previously overshadowed by insecurities-ultimately emerging more vibrant and empowered versions of who they truly are.

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Collaborative care in orthodontics improving patient outcomes

Collaborative care in orthodontics improving patient outcomes

The importance of feedback loops in the realm of collaborative care, particularly within orthodontics, cannot be overstated when considering the eternal pursuit of enhancing patient outcomes.. This discipline, much like many others in healthcare, thrives on the synergy between professionals—orthodontists, dental hygienists, technicians, and increasingly, patients themselves—all working towards a common goal: improved oral health and aesthetics.

Posted by on 2025-02-12

How aesthetic considerations are shaping adult orthodontic choices

How aesthetic considerations are shaping adult orthodontic choices

The realm of orthodontics, particularly as it relates to aesthetics, is undergoing a fascinating transformation, driven by evolving patient expectations and technological innovations.. As we gaze into the near future of aesthetic orthodontics for adults, several key trends emerge that promise to redefine the landscape of straightening teeth while enhancing smile aesthetics in ways that were once the stuff of sci-fi dreams. First on the horizon is the continued proliferation of biocompatible materials.

Posted by on 2025-02-12

Aesthetic orthodontic options designed with adults in mind

Aesthetic orthodontic options designed with adults in mind

When we think about orthodontic treatments, our minds often drift to the bright smiles of teenagers, adorned with traditional metal braces, or perhaps the discreet charm of clear aligners that have become a staple in modern dental aesthetics.. However, as we navigate into the realm of aesthetic orthodontic options tailored specifically for adults, it becomes evident that long-term care and maintenance play crucial roles in preserving those coveted aesthetic outcomes.

Posted by on 2025-02-12

**Enhancing Oral Health**: Proper alignment of teeth through orthodontic treatment can improve oral hygiene by making it easier to clean teeth effectively, thereby reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease that may have been challenging to manage in misaligned dentitions.

The journey to enhancing oral health often intertwines with the pursuit of a confident smile, and for many adults, the decision to seek orthodontic treatment is rooted in a variety of compelling reasons that extend beyond mere aesthetics. While it might seem that orthodontics is primarily about straightening teeth for a picture-perfect grin, the benefits run much deeper, particularly when considering the profound impact on overall oral hygiene and health.


One of the primary motivations for adults to embark on orthodontic journeys is the significant improvement in oral hygiene that proper tooth alignment can bring. When teeth are crowded or misaligned, creating tight spaces and awkward angles, it becomes a challenge to maintain effective cleaning routines. Food particles can easily lodge in these hard-to-reach areas, becoming breeding grounds for bacteria. This scenario not only heightens the risk of cavities but also increases susceptibility to gum disease-a condition that can lead to more serious health issues if left unchecked. By aligning teeth through treatments like braces or clear aligners, individuals make it easier to brush and floss effectively, thus reducing these risks substantially.


Moreover, orthodontic treatment addresses functional concerns that can quietly impact one's quality of life. Misaligned teeth and jaws can lead to improper bites, causing discomfort during eating and speaking. Over time, these issues may contribute to jaw pain and even headaches. Correcting alignment not only enhances comfort but also promotes healthier chewing habits, which are essential for digestion and overall well-being.


Additionally, there's a psychological aspect that cannot be overlooked-the profound effect a straighter smile can have on one's self-esteem and confidence. For many adults, feeling good about their appearance is tied closely to how they perceive themselves in social settings. Orthodontic treatment offers not just a physical transformation but also an emotional boost that encourages individuals to engage more openly and confidently with the world around them.


It's also worth noting that modern orthodontic options cater specifically to adult lifestyles and preferences. From discreet clear aligners that fit comfortably over the teeth without drawing attention to traditional braces suited for those who prefer a more established approach, today's treatments offer flexibility tailored to individual needs and lifestyles. This accessibility broadens the appeal of orthodontic care beyond youthful aspirations into a realm where health, comfort, and confidence intersect for adults at any stage of life.


In conclusion, while societal pressures might suggest orthodontic treatment is primarily about achieving an ideal smile, its benefits are deeply rooted in practical dental health improvements-especially concerning oral hygiene-and holistic wellness for adults. The decision to pursue orthodontics reflects a commitment not just to aesthetics but also to ensuring long-term oral health and enhancing quality of life through improved function and confidence. As we navigate our lives with smiles that are both healthier and more radiant thanks to proper alignment, we uncover yet another layer of why enhancing oral health through orthodontic treatment resonates so profoundly among adults today.

**Addressing Chronic Dental Issues**: Adults may seek orthodontics to resolve long-standing dental problems such as bite issues (overbites, underbites, crossbites) that can lead to jaw pain, headaches, and digestive difficulties if left untreated.

Addressing Chronic Dental Issues: The Imperative for Adult Orthodontic Treatments


In the bustling rhythm of adult life, where responsibilities and stressors often take center stage, the importance of dental health can easily slip into the background. Yet, for many adults, the journey towards a healthier smile isn't just about aesthetics; it's a crucial step in resolving long-standing dental issues that have silently impacted their quality of life. Among these issues, chronic dental problems like bite discrepancies-overbites, underbites, and crossbites-stand out as particularly significant reasons why adults increasingly turn to orthodontic treatment. These conditions, often overlooked or dismissed in youth, can evolve into sources of discomfort and broader health concerns if not addressed timely and effectively.


The repercussions of untreated bite issues extend far beyond mere cosmetic concerns. Imagine biting into your favorite meal only to wince with pain or finding yourself frequently plagued by headaches that seem to originate from your jaw. These are common realities for those grappling with misaligned bites. Over time, such conditions can strain the jaw muscles and lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), causing discomfort not only while eating but also during speaking and even resting. The cascading effects might surprise many: chronic headaches, neck aches, and even digestive difficulties can be linked back to unresolved orthodontic issues. Chewing inefficiency due to poor bite alignment can disrupt digestion, leading to further health implications that ripple through overall wellness.


Moreover, the psychological impact should not be understated. A misaligned bite can affect one's self-esteem and social interactions. Smiling wide or laughing openly might become something avoided due to discomfort or self-consciousness about one's teeth appearance. This emotional toll adds another layer of urgency for seeking orthodontic solutions-a path not just toward physical relief but also toward reclaiming confidence in personal interactions.


Thankfully, advancements in orthodontic technology and methodologies have made it easier than ever for adults to seek treatment tailored to their unique situations and lifestyles. From inconspicuous aligners that fit comfortably over teeth without the bulky wires of traditional braces to accelerated treatment options designed with busy adults in mind, the toolkit for addressing these chronic dental issues is more diverse and patient-friendly than ever before. Furthermore, the professional expertise available today ensures treatments are not only effective but also considerate of an adult's specific needs-balancing efficiency with comfort to minimize disruption to daily routines.


In conclusion, the decision for adults to pursue orthodontic treatment isn't merely about achieving a straighter smile; it's a holistic approach toward resolving chronic dental issues that intrude on daily life and overall health. By tackling problems like overbites, underbites, and crossbites head-on through modern orthodontics, adults pave the way for improved functionality-eating comfortably without pain-and enhanced well-being-free from persistent headaches and digestive troubles. More importantly, they reclaim their smiles with renewed confidence-a reminder that it's never too late to prioritize one's health and happiness through addressing these often-overlooked yet profoundly impactful dental challenges.

**Correcting Speech Impediments**: Misaligned teeth or jaw structures can contribute to speech difficulties; orthodontic treatment can correct these issues, improving articulation and overall communication skills.

The journey toward a confident smile and clearer speech isn't exclusive to the youth; adults, too, embark on this transformative path for numerous compelling reasons, one of which is the correction of speech impediments. As we navigate through life, the dynamics of our oral health and its impact on our communication can evolve in ways that sometimes necessitate a second look at orthodontic care. Misaligned teeth or irregularities in jaw structure aren't just concerns for aesthetic reasons; they can significantly hinder articulation, affecting how we express ourselves and how we are perceived by others.


For many adults, the realization that misaligned teeth or jaw issues are contributing to their speech difficulties can be a pivotal moment. The subtle clicks, whistles, or even complete distortions of certain sounds can erode confidence during conversations, professional presentations, or social interactions. This realization often propels individuals to seek orthodontic treatment not merely for cosmetic enhancement but as a means to achieve clearer communication-a fundamental aspect of human connection.


Orthodontic interventions in adulthood offer more than just straighter teeth; they provide an opportunity to refine speech patterns that may have been compromised since childhood or even adolescence. By correcting misalignments, adults can experience a remarkable improvement in their ability to articulate complex thoughts and emotions with greater clarity and ease. This transformation doesn't only boost self-esteem but also enhances professional interactions and personal relationships by facilitating better understanding and engagement.


Moreover, the advent of modern orthodontic technologies has made this journey more accessible and comfortable for adults than ever before. Clear aligners, discreet braces, and tailored treatment plans cater specifically to the needs and lifestyles of grown-ups seeking these improvements. These advancements ensure that addressing speech impediments through orthodontics is not only effective but also seamlessly integrated into one's life without significant disruption.


In essence, adults seeking orthodontic treatment for correcting speech impediments are taking proactive steps toward enhancing their quality of life. It's about reclaiming the fluidity of communication that allows them to connect deeply with others without the shadow of self-consciousness hanging over their words. This pursuit underscores a broader truth: it's never too late to address physical imperfections that affect our well-being and self-expression-an affirmation that resonates profoundly within those who dare to take this empowering step forward.

**Preventive Measures Against Tooth Wear**: Properly aligned teeth are less prone to excessive wear and tear; adults may pursue orthodontic treatment to prevent premature tooth degradation and associated costs of restorative dentistry.

Tooth wear, often an unseen yet significant concern for many adults, unfolds gradually over the years, influenced by a myriad of factors ranging from daily habits to underlying dental issues. The quest to maintain a healthy, functional smile well into one's later years has propelled an increasing number of adults towards orthodontic treatment, not merely as a cosmetic choice but as a proactive strategy against tooth wear and its associated complications. Let's delve into why properly aligned teeth are pivotal in this preventive measure and how orthodontic interventions can serve as a shield against premature tooth degradation.


Firstly, the alignment of our teeth plays a crucial role in how we chew and distribute the forces exerted during eating. Misaligned teeth can lead to uneven pressure distribution across the dental arch. Picture this: when your teeth aren't aligned correctly, some might bear more than their fair share of the biting and grinding load during meals. This disproportionate stress accelerates enamel erosion-the protective outer layer of our teeth-making them more susceptible to wear over time. By correcting these alignments through orthodontics, individuals not only enhance their smile aesthetics but also ensure that their teeth endure the daily rigors of chewing more evenly and efficiently, thereby mitigating excessive wear.


Moreover, orthodontic treatment addresses bite issues that can exacerbate tooth wear. Overbites, underbites, crossbites-each misalignment can cause certain teeth to contact each other in ways they shouldn't during normal function. This abnormal interaction leads to increased friction and pressure on specific tooth surfaces, hastening the degradation process. Orthodontics aims to harmonize these interactions, promoting healthier occlusion-a term dentists use for the way upper and lower teeth fit together when biting or chewing-and significantly reducing undue stress on individual teeth.


Beyond just preventing wear, orthodontic treatments contribute to overall oral health by making cleaning easier and more effective. When teeth are crowded or misaligned, it creates nooks and crannies where food particles can become trapped, fostering bacterial growth and increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease-additional enemies of tooth longevity. Straighter teeth mean less hiding space for plaque and debris, facilitating better hygiene practices that further safeguard against tooth decay and periodontal issues contributing to premature tooth loss or degradation.


Additionally, let's consider the psychological aspect tied to smiling confidently without fear of revealing signs of aging or neglect in one's dental health. Orthodontic treatments offer not just functional benefits but also boost self-esteem by enhancing facial aesthetics and providing a youthful appearance that many adults seek as they age gracefully. A confident smile is often linked with better mental health outcomes-a valuable asset indeed in today's fast-paced world where first impressions matter significantly.


In conclusion, adults pursue orthodontic treatment not just for aesthetic reasons but primarily as a preventive measure against tooth wear-a silent yet relentless process influenced by various factors including improper alignment of teeth. By opting for braces or invisible aligners among other options available today, adults invest in long-term dental health strategies that promise not only robust function but also enduring beauty in their smiles. In doing so, they take proactive steps toward preserving their natural dentition against premature degradation while enhancing their overall quality of life-a testament to how integrating oral health with holistic wellness is increasingly becoming a hallmark of mature living.

**Facilitating Better Chewing Efficiency**: Orthodontic treatment can improve bite function and alignment, allowing for more efficient chewing which is crucial for digestion and overall nutritional health in adulthood.

Orthodontic treatment, often associated with the teenage years and the quest for a perfect smile, plays a surprisingly pivotal role in the lives of adults, particularly when we delve into its impact on chewing efficiency. For many adults, the decision to embark on orthodontic treatment isn't primarily driven by aesthetics-it's about functionality, health, and the everyday realities of adult life. Let's unpack why improving chewing efficiency through orthodontics becomes a significant consideration for many as they navigate adulthood.


Firstly, let's consider the fundamental role of efficient chewing in our daily lives. Chewing is more than just a mechanical process; it's an integral part of digestion that starts in the mouth. Proper mastication breaks down food into manageable sizes and mixes it with saliva, initiating enzymatic digestion. When bite alignment is off-due to misaligned teeth or jaw discrepancies-the process becomes less efficient. This can lead to discomfort while eating, necessitating more effort to chew foods properly, and even causing indigestion or nutritional deficiencies over time if certain foods become too challenging to consume comfortably.


For adults juggling busy schedules, family commitments, and personal health goals, maintaining optimal digestive health is crucial. Efficient chewing not only aids in breaking down food effectively but also ensures that nutrients are better absorbed by the body. This connection between oral health and overall well-being cannot be overstated; poor chewing efficiency might subtly contribute to broader health issues down the line, affecting everything from energy levels to immune function.


Moreover, orthodontic treatment tailored towards enhancing chewing efficiency addresses aesthetic concerns indirectly but significantly impacts self-confidence and mental well-being. Adults who feel self-conscious about their smiles or experience discomfort while eating might avoid social situations involving food or feel less enthusiastic about dining out-activities that enrich our lives socially and culturally. Correcting bite issues can alleviate these concerns, allowing individuals to engage more fully in social interactions centered around food without hesitation or discomfort.


Additionally, considering the long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment in adults extends beyond immediate comfort and aesthetics; it contributes positively to dental hygiene practices. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean thoroughly, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease-conditions that can arise when food particles lodge in hard-to-reach areas due to misalignment or crowding. By fostering an environment where oral hygiene is simplified, orthodontic care indirectly supports overall systemic health by mitigating risks associated with periodontal disease and other chronic conditions linked to poor oral health.


In essence, seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult isn't merely about achieving a straighter smile; it's about reclaiming comfort during meals, enhancing digestive capabilities for better nutritional intake, boosting confidence in social settings revolving around food, and committing to long-term dental health. The ripple effects of improved chewing efficiency touch multiple facets of adult life-healthier digestion promoting energy levels and vitality; enhanced nutrition contributing positively to overall wellness; greater confidence allowing for richer social experiences; all culminating in a higher quality of life that aligns with modern adults' holistic approach to wellness.


In recognizing these multifaceted benefits tied to something as seemingly simple as having efficiently functioning bites and jaws through orthodontic care underscores how integral such treatments are for many adults navigating their mid-life journeys with purpose-and perfectly aligned teeth certainly doesn't hurt along the way.

Title: Adapting to Changes Post-Adolescence: Why Adults Embrace Orthodontic Treatment


As we stride through the threshold from adolescence into adulthood, many of us carry with us the memories-sometimes fond, sometimes fraught-of orthodontic experiences from our younger years. Braces, retainers, and the jaunty charm of childhood smiles shaped by metal and wire are part of a rite of passage for countless individuals. However, as time marches on, many adults find themselves reflecting not just on those past treatments but also on how their dental needs have evolved far beyond the straightening of teenaged teeth. This realization underscores a significant shift in perspective: orthodontic treatment is no longer seen merely as a youthful correction but as a vital component of lifelong dental health and personal aesthetics.




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The journey into adulthood brings with it an array of changes-professional, emotional, physical-that inevitably impact our oral health landscape. For one, the stresses of daily life can take their toll on our teeth and gums in ways we didn't encounter as adolescents. From grinding habits exacerbated by stress to dietary choices that might be less than ideal over time, these factors contribute to conditions like tooth wear, misalignment, or gaps that weren't present-or were corrected-in our youth. Moreover, the natural aging process can lead to issues such as gum recession or bite problems that necessitate attention beyond what was addressed during orthodontic treatments designed for growing juveniles.


Advancements in orthodontic technology have revolutionized how adults approach these concerns. Gone are the days when braces were synonymous with bulky metal appliances that screamed "I'm a teenager." Today's options are remarkably discreet; clear aligners like Invisalign offer an almost invisible means to correct malocclusions and straighten teeth without drawing unwanted attention. These modern solutions cater specifically to adult patients seeking improvements not only in alignment but also in enhancing overall dental aesthetics-a boost to confidence that resonates deeply in both personal and professional spheres.


Furthermore, adults often come to orthodontic treatment motivated by holistic considerations of oral health rather than mere cosmetic desires. Proper alignment isn't just about looks; it's integral to maintaining good oral hygiene practices, reducing the risk of gum disease, and ensuring long-term dental health. The ability to chew efficiently and comfortably is another crucial benefit that resonates with adults keenly aware of how their dietary habits affect their general well-being.


Moreover, there's an undeniable psychological element at play here too. In a society where appearances often hold significant weight-and where self-image can be deeply tied to one's smile-adults are increasingly recognizing orthodontics as a means not just to correct physical issues but also to improve their quality of life by boosting self-esteem and fostering greater social confidence. The subtle yet profound impact this has on personal relationships and professional interactions cannot be understated; it's about feeling empowered to present oneself authentically in an era where first impressions often begin with a smile.


In embracing orthodontic treatment post-adolescence, adults navigate more than just a path toward straighter teeth; they embark on a journey toward reclaiming control over their dental destiny-a destiny shaped by evolving needs and informed by technological advancements tailored explicitly for them. It's about adapting not just physically but psychologically as well, fitting seamlessly into this new phase of life with tools that ensure both function and form align

A health professional, healthcare professional, or healthcare worker (sometimes abbreviated HCW)[1] is a provider of health care treatment and advice based on formal training and experience. The field includes those who work as a nurse, physician (such as family physician, internist, obstetrician, psychiatrist, radiologist, surgeon etc.), physician assistant, registered dietitian, veterinarian, veterinary technician, optometrist, pharmacist, pharmacy technician, medical assistant, physical therapist, occupational therapist, dentist, midwife, psychologist, audiologist, or healthcare scientist, or who perform services in allied health professions. Experts in public health and community health are also health professionals.

Fields

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NY College of Health Professions massage therapy class
US Navy doctors deliver a healthy baby
70% of global health and social care workers are women, 30% of leaders in the global health sector are women

The healthcare workforce comprises a wide variety of professions and occupations who provide some type of healthcare service, including such direct care practitioners as physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, dentists, pharmacists, speech-language pathologist, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical and behavior therapists, as well as allied health professionals such as phlebotomists, medical laboratory scientists, dieticians, and social workers. They often work in hospitals, healthcare centers and other service delivery points, but also in academic training, research, and administration. Some provide care and treatment services for patients in private homes. Many countries have a large number of community health workers who work outside formal healthcare institutions. Managers of healthcare services, health information technicians, and other assistive personnel and support workers are also considered a vital part of health care teams.[2]

Healthcare practitioners are commonly grouped into health professions. Within each field of expertise, practitioners are often classified according to skill level and skill specialization. "Health professionals" are highly skilled workers, in professions that usually require extensive knowledge including university-level study leading to the award of a first degree or higher qualification.[3] This category includes physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, dentists, midwives, radiographers, pharmacists, physiotherapists, optometrists, operating department practitioners and others. Allied health professionals, also referred to as "health associate professionals" in the International Standard Classification of Occupations, support implementation of health care, treatment and referral plans usually established by medical, nursing, respiratory care, and other health professionals, and usually require formal qualifications to practice their profession. In addition, unlicensed assistive personnel assist with providing health care services as permitted.[citation needed]

Another way to categorize healthcare practitioners is according to the sub-field in which they practice, such as mental health care, pregnancy and childbirth care, surgical care, rehabilitation care, or public health.[citation needed]

Mental health

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A mental health professional is a health worker who offers services to improve the mental health of individuals or treat mental illness. These include psychiatrists, psychiatry physician assistants, clinical, counseling, and school psychologists, occupational therapists, clinical social workers, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners, marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, as well as other health professionals and allied health professions. These health care providers often deal with the same illnesses, disorders, conditions, and issues; however, their scope of practice often differs. The most significant difference across categories of mental health practitioners is education and training.[4] There are many damaging effects to the health care workers. Many have had diverse negative psychological symptoms ranging from emotional trauma to very severe anxiety. Health care workers have not been treated right and because of that their mental, physical, and emotional health has been affected by it. The SAGE author's said that there were 94% of nurses that had experienced at least one PTSD after the traumatic experience. Others have experienced nightmares, flashbacks, and short and long term emotional reactions.[5] The abuse is causing detrimental effects on these health care workers. Violence is causing health care workers to have a negative attitude toward work tasks and patients, and because of that they are "feeling pressured to accept the order, dispense a product, or administer a medication".[6] Sometimes it can range from verbal to sexual to physical harassment, whether the abuser is a patient, patient's families, physician, supervisors, or nurses.[citation needed]

Obstetrics

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A maternal and newborn health practitioner is a health care expert who deals with the care of women and their children before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. Such health practitioners include obstetricians, physician assistants, midwives, obstetrical nurses and many others. One of the main differences between these professions is in the training and authority to provide surgical services and other life-saving interventions.[7] In some developing countries, traditional birth attendants, or traditional midwives, are the primary source of pregnancy and childbirth care for many women and families, although they are not certified or licensed. According to research, rates for unhappiness among obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) range somewhere between 40 and 75 percent.[8]

Geriatrics

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A geriatric care practitioner plans and coordinates the care of the elderly and/or disabled to promote their health, improve their quality of life, and maintain their independence for as long as possible.[9] They include geriatricians, occupational therapists, physician assistants, adult-gerontology nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, geriatric clinical pharmacists, geriatric nurses, geriatric care managers, geriatric aides, nursing aides, caregivers and others who focus on the health and psychological care needs of older adults.[citation needed]

Surgery

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A surgical practitioner is a healthcare professional and expert who specializes in the planning and delivery of a patient's perioperative care, including during the anaesthetic, surgical and recovery stages. They may include general and specialist surgeons, physician assistants, assistant surgeons, surgical assistants, veterinary surgeons, veterinary technicians. anesthesiologists, anesthesiologist assistants, nurse anesthetists, surgical nurses, clinical officers, operating department practitioners, anaesthetic technicians, perioperative nurses, surgical technologists, and others.[citation needed]

Rehabilitation

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A rehabilitation care practitioner is a health worker who provides care and treatment which aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. These include physiatrists, physician assistants, rehabilitation nurses, clinical nurse specialists, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, chiropractors, orthotists, prosthetists, occupational therapists, recreational therapists, audiologists, speech and language pathologists, respiratory therapists, rehabilitation counsellors, physical rehabilitation therapists, athletic trainers, physiotherapy technicians, orthotic technicians, prosthetic technicians, personal care assistants, and others.[10]

Optometry

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Optometry is a field traditionally associated with the correction of refractive errors using glasses or contact lenses, and treating eye diseases. Optometrists also provide general eye care, including screening exams for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy and management of routine or eye conditions. Optometrists may also undergo further training in order to specialize in various fields, including glaucoma, medical retina, low vision, or paediatrics. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, Optometrists may also undergo further training in order to be able to perform some surgical procedures.

Diagnostics

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Medical diagnosis providers are health workers responsible for the process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs. It is most often referred to as diagnosis with the medical context being implicit. This usually involves a team of healthcare providers in various diagnostic units. These include radiographers, radiologists, Sonographers, medical laboratory scientists, pathologists, and related professionals.[citation needed]

Dentistry

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Dental assistant on the right supporting a dental operator on the left, during a procedure.

A dental care practitioner is a health worker and expert who provides care and treatment to promote and restore oral health. These include dentists and dental surgeons, dental assistants, dental auxiliaries, dental hygienists, dental nurses, dental technicians, dental therapists or oral health therapists, and related professionals.

Podiatry

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Care and treatment for the foot, ankle, and lower leg may be delivered by podiatrists, chiropodists, pedorthists, foot health practitioners, podiatric medical assistants, podiatric nurse and others.

Public health

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A public health practitioner focuses on improving health among individuals, families and communities through the prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries, surveillance of cases, and promotion of healthy behaviors. This category includes community and preventive medicine specialists, physician assistants, public health nurses, pharmacist, clinical nurse specialists, dietitians, environmental health officers (public health inspectors), paramedics, epidemiologists, public health dentists, and others.[citation needed]

Alternative medicine

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In many societies, practitioners of alternative medicine have contact with a significant number of people, either as integrated within or remaining outside the formal health care system. These include practitioners in acupuncture, Ayurveda, herbalism, homeopathy, naturopathy, Reiki, Shamballa Reiki energy healing Archived 2021-01-25 at the Wayback Machine, Siddha medicine, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Korean medicine, Unani, and Yoga. In some countries such as Canada, chiropractors and osteopaths (not to be confused with doctors of osteopathic medicine in the United States) are considered alternative medicine practitioners.

Occupational hazards

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A healthcare professional wears an air sampling device to investigate exposure to airborne influenza
A video describing the Occupational Health and Safety Network, a tool for monitoring occupational hazards to health care workers

The healthcare workforce faces unique health and safety challenges and is recognized by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) as a priority industry sector in the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) to identify and provide intervention strategies regarding occupational health and safety issues.[11]

Biological hazards

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Exposure to respiratory infectious diseases like tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and influenza can be reduced with the use of respirators; this exposure is a significant occupational hazard for health care professionals.[12] Healthcare workers are also at risk for diseases that are contracted through extended contact with a patient, including scabies.[13] Health professionals are also at risk for contracting blood-borne diseases like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS through needlestick injuries or contact with bodily fluids.[14][15] This risk can be mitigated with vaccination when there is a vaccine available, like with hepatitis B.[15] In epidemic situations, such as the 2014-2016 West African Ebola virus epidemic or the 2003 SARS outbreak, healthcare workers are at even greater risk, and were disproportionately affected in both the Ebola and SARS outbreaks.[16]

In general, appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is the first-line mode of protection for healthcare workers from infectious diseases. For it to be effective against highly contagious diseases, personal protective equipment must be watertight and prevent the skin and mucous membranes from contacting infectious material. Different levels of personal protective equipment created to unique standards are used in situations where the risk of infection is different. Practices such as triple gloving and multiple respirators do not provide a higher level of protection and present a burden to the worker, who is additionally at increased risk of exposure when removing the PPE. Compliance with appropriate personal protective equipment rules may be difficult in certain situations, such as tropical environments or low-resource settings. A 2020 Cochrane systematic review found low-quality evidence that using more breathable fabric in PPE, double gloving, and active training reduce the risk of contamination but that more randomized controlled trials are needed for how best to train healthcare workers in proper PPE use.[16]

Tuberculosis screening, testing, and education

[edit]

Based on recommendations from The United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for TB screening and testing the following best practices should be followed when hiring and employing Health Care Personnel.[17]

When hiring Health Care Personnel, the applicant should complete the following:[18] a TB risk assessment,[19] a TB symptom evaluation for at least those listed on the Signs & Symptoms page,[20] a TB test in accordance with the guidelines for Testing for TB Infection,[21] and additional evaluation for TB disease as needed (e.g. chest x-ray for HCP with a positive TB test)[18] The CDC recommends either a blood test, also known as an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), or a skin test, also known as a Mantoux tuberculin skin test (TST).[21] A TB blood test for baseline testing does not require two-step testing. If the skin test method is used to test HCP upon hire, then two-step testing should be used. A one-step test is not recommended.[18]

The CDC has outlined further specifics on recommended testing for several scenarios.[22] In summary:

  1. Previous documented positive skin test (TST) then a further TST is not recommended
  2. Previous documented negative TST within 12 months before employment OR at least two documented negative TSTs ever then a single TST is recommended
  3. All other scenarios, with the exception of programs using blood tests, the recommended testing is a two-step TST

According to these recommended testing guidelines any two negative TST results within 12 months of each other constitute a two-step TST.

For annual screening, testing, and education, the only recurring requirement for all HCP is to receive TB education annually.[18] While the CDC offers education materials, there is not a well defined requirement as to what constitutes a satisfactory annual education. Annual TB testing is no longer recommended unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission at a healthcare facility. Should an HCP be considered at increased occupational risk for TB annual screening may be considered. For HCP with a documented history of a positive TB test result do not need to be re-tested but should instead complete a TB symptom evaluation. It is assumed that any HCP who has undergone a chest x-ray test has had a previous positive test result. When considering mental health you may see your doctor to be evaluated at your digression. It is recommended to see someone at least once a year in order to make sure that there has not been any sudden changes.[23]

Psychosocial hazards

[edit]

Occupational stress and occupational burnout are highly prevalent among health professionals.[24] Some studies suggest that workplace stress is pervasive in the health care industry because of inadequate staffing levels, long work hours, exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous substances leading to illness or death, and in some countries threat of malpractice litigation. Other stressors include the emotional labor of caring for ill people and high patient loads. The consequences of this stress can include substance abuse, suicide, major depressive disorder, and anxiety, all of which occur at higher rates in health professionals than the general working population. Elevated levels of stress are also linked to high rates of burnout, absenteeism and diagnostic errors, and reduced rates of patient satisfaction.[25] In Canada, a national report (Canada's Health Care Providers) also indicated higher rates of absenteeism due to illness or disability among health care workers compared to the rest of the working population, although those working in health care reported similar levels of good health and fewer reports of being injured at work.[26]

There is some evidence that cognitive-behavioral therapy, relaxation training and therapy (including meditation and massage), and modifying schedules can reduce stress and burnout among multiple sectors of health care providers. Research is ongoing in this area, especially with regards to physicians, whose occupational stress and burnout is less researched compared to other health professions.[27]

Healthcare workers are at higher risk of on-the-job injury due to violence. Drunk, confused, and hostile patients and visitors are a continual threat to providers attempting to treat patients. Frequently, assault and violence in a healthcare setting goes unreported and is wrongly assumed to be part of the job.[28] Violent incidents typically occur during one-on-one care; being alone with patients increases healthcare workers' risk of assault.[29] In the United States, healthcare workers experience 23 of nonfatal workplace violence incidents.[28] Psychiatric units represent the highest proportion of violent incidents, at 40%; they are followed by geriatric units (20%) and the emergency department (10%). Workplace violence can also cause psychological trauma.[29]

Health care professionals are also likely to experience sleep deprivation due to their jobs. Many health care professionals are on a shift work schedule, and therefore experience misalignment of their work schedule and their circadian rhythm. In 2007, 32% of healthcare workers were found to get fewer than 6 hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation also predisposes healthcare professionals to make mistakes that may potentially endanger a patient.[30]

COVID pandemic

[edit]

Especially in times like the present (2020), the hazards of health professional stem into the mental health. Research from the last few months highlights that COVID-19 has contributed greatly  to the degradation of mental health in healthcare providers. This includes, but is not limited to, anxiety, depression/burnout, and insomnia.[citation needed]

A study done by Di Mattei et al. (2020) revealed that 12.63% of COVID nurses and 16.28% of other COVID healthcare workers reported extremely severe anxiety symptoms at the peak of the pandemic.[31] In addition, another study was conducted on 1,448 full time employees in Japan. The participants were surveyed at baseline in March 2020 and then again in May 2020. The result of the study showed that psychological distress and anxiety had increased more among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak.[32]

Similarly, studies have also shown that following the pandemic, at least one in five healthcare professionals report symptoms of anxiety.[33] Specifically, the aspect of "anxiety was assessed in 12 studies, with a pooled prevalence of 23.2%" following COVID.[33] When considering all 1,448 participants that percentage makes up about 335 people.

Abuse by patients

[edit]
  • The patients are selecting victims who are more vulnerable. For example, Cho said that these would be the nurses that are lacking experience or trying to get used to their new roles at work.[34]
  • Others authors that agree with this are Vento, Cainelli, & Vallone and they said that, the reason patients have caused danger to health care workers is because of insufficient communication between them, long waiting lines, and overcrowding in waiting areas.[35] When patients are intrusive and/or violent toward the faculty, this makes the staff question what they should do about taking care of a patient.
  • There have been many incidents from patients that have really caused some health care workers to be traumatized and have so much self doubt. Goldblatt and other authors  said that there was a lady who was giving birth, her husband said, "Who is in charge around here"? "Who are these sluts you employ here".[5]  This was very avoidable to have been said to the people who are taking care of your wife and child.

Physical and chemical hazards

[edit]

Slips, trips, and falls are the second-most common cause of worker's compensation claims in the US and cause 21% of work absences due to injury. These injuries most commonly result in strains and sprains; women, those older than 45, and those who have been working less than a year in a healthcare setting are at the highest risk.[36]

An epidemiological study published in 2018 examined the hearing status of noise-exposed health care and social assistance (HSA) workers sector to estimate and compare the prevalence of hearing loss by subsector within the sector. Most of the HSA subsector prevalence estimates ranged from 14% to 18%, but the Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories subsector had 31% prevalence and the Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners had a 24% prevalence. The Child Day Care Services subsector also had a 52% higher risk than the reference industry.[37]

Exposure to hazardous drugs, including those for chemotherapy, is another potential occupational risk. These drugs can cause cancer and other health conditions.[38]

Gender factors

[edit]

Female health care workers may face specific types of workplace-related health conditions and stress. According to the World Health Organization, women predominate in the formal health workforce in many countries and are prone to musculoskeletal injury (caused by physically demanding job tasks such as lifting and moving patients) and burnout. Female health workers are exposed to hazardous drugs and chemicals in the workplace which may cause adverse reproductive outcomes such as spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations. In some contexts, female health workers are also subject to gender-based violence from coworkers and patients.[39][40]

 

Workforce shortages

[edit]

Many jurisdictions report shortfalls in the number of trained health human resources to meet population health needs and/or service delivery targets, especially in medically underserved areas. For example, in the United States, the 2010 federal budget invested $330 million to increase the number of physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, and dentists practicing in areas of the country experiencing shortages of trained health professionals. The Budget expands loan repayment programs for physicians, nurses, and dentists who agree to practice in medically underserved areas. This funding will enhance the capacity of nursing schools to increase the number of nurses. It will also allow states to increase access to oral health care through dental workforce development grants. The Budget's new resources will sustain the expansion of the health care workforce funded in the Recovery Act.[41] There were 15.7 million health care professionals in the US as of 2011.[36]

In Canada, the 2011 federal budget announced a Canada Student Loan forgiveness program to encourage and support new family physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses to practice in underserved rural or remote communities of the country, including communities that provide health services to First Nations and Inuit populations.[42]

In Uganda, the Ministry of Health reports that as many as 50% of staffing positions for health workers in rural and underserved areas remain vacant. As of early 2011, the Ministry was conducting research and costing analyses to determine the most appropriate attraction and retention packages for medical officers, nursing officers, pharmacists, and laboratory technicians in the country's rural areas.[43]

At the international level, the World Health Organization estimates a shortage of almost 4.3 million doctors, midwives, nurses, and support workers worldwide to meet target coverage levels of essential primary health care interventions.[44] The shortage is reported most severe in 57 of the poorest countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.

Nurses are the most common type of medical field worker to face shortages around the world. There are numerous reasons that the nursing shortage occurs globally. Some include: inadequate pay, a large percentage of working nurses are over the age of 45 and are nearing retirement age, burnout, and lack of recognition.[45]

Incentive programs have been put in place to aid in the deficit of pharmacists and pharmacy students. The reason for the shortage of pharmacy students is unknown but one can infer that it is due to the level of difficulty in the program.[46]

Results of nursing staff shortages can cause unsafe staffing levels that lead to poor patient care. Five or more incidents that occur per day in a hospital setting as a result of nurses who do not receive adequate rest or meal breaks is a common issue.[47]

Regulation and registration

[edit]

Practicing without a license that is valid and current is typically illegal. In most jurisdictions, the provision of health care services is regulated by the government. Individuals found to be providing medical, nursing or other professional services without the appropriate certification or license may face sanctions and criminal charges leading to a prison term. The number of professions subject to regulation, requisites for individuals to receive professional licensure, and nature of sanctions that can be imposed for failure to comply vary across jurisdictions.

In the United States, under Michigan state laws, an individual is guilty of a felony if identified as practicing in the health profession without a valid personal license or registration. Health professionals can also be imprisoned if found guilty of practicing beyond the limits allowed by their licenses and registration. The state laws define the scope of practice for medicine, nursing, and a number of allied health professions.[48][unreliable source?] In Florida, practicing medicine without the appropriate license is a crime classified as a third degree felony,[49] which may give imprisonment up to five years. Practicing a health care profession without a license which results in serious bodily injury classifies as a second degree felony,[49] providing up to 15 years' imprisonment.

In the United Kingdom, healthcare professionals are regulated by the state; the UK Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) protects the 'title' of each profession it regulates. For example, it is illegal for someone to call himself an Occupational Therapist or Radiographer if they are not on the register held by the HCPC.

See also

[edit]
  • List of healthcare occupations
  • Community health center
  • Chronic care management
  • Electronic superbill
  • Geriatric care management
  • Health human resources
  • Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "HCWs With Long COVID Report Doubt, Disbelief From Colleagues". Medscape. 29 November 2021.
  2. ^ World Health Organization, 2006. World Health Report 2006: working together for health. Geneva: WHO.
  3. ^ "Classifying health workers" (PDF). World Health Organization. Geneva. 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-08-16. Retrieved 2016-02-13.
  4. ^ "Difference Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists". Psychology.about.com. 2007. Archived from the original on April 3, 2007. Retrieved March 4, 2007.
  5. ^ a b Goldblatt, Hadass; Freund, Anat; Drach-Zahavy, Anat; Enosh, Guy; Peterfreund, Ilana; Edlis, Neomi (2020-05-01). "Providing Health Care in the Shadow of Violence: Does Emotion Regulation Vary Among Hospital Workers From Different Professions?". Journal of Interpersonal Violence. 35 (9–10): 1908–1933. doi:10.1177/0886260517700620. ISSN 0886-2605. PMID 29294693. S2CID 19304885.
  6. ^ Johnson, Cheryl L.; DeMass Martin, Suzanne L.; Markle-Elder, Sara (April 2007). "Stopping Verbal Abuse in the Workplace". American Journal of Nursing. 107 (4): 32–34. doi:10.1097/01.naj.0000271177.59574.c5. ISSN 0002-936X. PMID 17413727.
  7. ^ Gupta N et al. "Human resources for maternal, newborn and child health: from measurement and planning to performance for improved health outcomes. Archived 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine Human Resources for Health, 2011, 9(16). Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  8. ^ "Ob-Gyn Burnout: Why So Many Doctors Are Questioning Their Calling". healthecareers.com. Retrieved 2023-05-22.
  9. ^ Araujo de Carvalho, Islene; Epping-Jordan, JoAnne; Pot, Anne Margriet; Kelley, Edward; Toro, Nuria; Thiyagarajan, Jotheeswaran A; Beard, John R (2017-11-01). "Organizing integrated health-care services to meet older people's needs". Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 95 (11): 756–763. doi:10.2471/BLT.16.187617 (inactive 5 December 2024). ISSN 0042-9686. PMC 5677611. PMID 29147056.cite journal: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of December 2024 (link)
  10. ^ Gupta N et al. "Health-related rehabilitation services: assessing the global supply of and need for human resources." Archived 2012-07-20 at the Wayback Machine BMC Health Services Research, 2011, 11:276. Published 17 October 2011. Retrieved 20 October 2011.
  11. ^ "National Occupational Research Agenda for Healthcare and Social Assistance | NIOSH | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2019-02-15. Retrieved 2019-03-14.
  12. ^ Bergman, Michael; Zhuang, Ziqing; Shaffer, Ronald E. (25 July 2013). "Advanced Headforms for Evaluating Respirator Fit". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 16 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  13. ^ FitzGerald, Deirdre; Grainger, Rachel J.; Reid, Alex (2014). "Interventions for preventing the spread of infestation in close contacts of people with scabies". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2014 (2): CD009943. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009943.pub2. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 10819104. PMID 24566946.
  14. ^ Cunningham, Thomas; Burnett, Garrett (17 May 2013). "Does your workplace culture help protect you from hepatitis?". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 18 January 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2015.
  15. ^ a b Reddy, Viraj K; Lavoie, Marie-Claude; Verbeek, Jos H; Pahwa, Manisha (14 November 2017). "Devices for preventing percutaneous exposure injuries caused by needles in healthcare personnel". Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017 (11): CD009740. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD009740.pub3. PMC 6491125. PMID 29190036.
  16. ^ a b Verbeek, Jos H.; Rajamaki, Blair; Ijaz, Sharea; Sauni, Riitta; Toomey, Elaine; Blackwood, Bronagh; Tikka, Christina; Ruotsalainen, Jani H.; Kilinc Balci, F. Selcen (May 15, 2020). "Personal protective equipment for preventing highly infectious diseases due to exposure to contaminated body fluids in healthcare staff". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020 (5): CD011621. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011621.pub5. hdl:1983/b7069408-3bf6-457a-9c6f-ecc38c00ee48. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 8785899. PMID 32412096. S2CID 218649177.
  17. ^ Sosa, Lynn E. (April 2, 2019). "Tuberculosis Screening, Testing, and Treatment of U.S. Health Care Personnel: Recommendations from the National Tuberculosis Controllers Association and CDC, 2019". MMWR. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 68 (19): 439–443. doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm6819a3. PMC 6522077. PMID 31099768.
  18. ^ a b c d "Testing Health Care Workers | Testing & Diagnosis | TB | CDC". www.cdc.gov. March 8, 2021.
  19. ^ "Health Care Personnel (HCP) Baseline Individual TB Risk Assessment" (PDF). cdc.gov. Retrieved 18 September 2022.
  20. ^ "Signs & Symptoms | Basic TB Facts | TB | CDC". www.cdc.gov. February 4, 2021.
  21. ^ a b "Testing for TB Infection | Testing & Diagnosis | TB | CDC". www.cdc.gov. March 8, 2021.
  22. ^ "Guidelines for Preventing the Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Health-Care Settings, 2005". www.cdc.gov.
  23. ^ Spoorthy, Mamidipalli Sai; Pratapa, Sree Karthik; Mahant, Supriya (June 2020). "Mental health problems faced by healthcare workers due to the COVID-19 pandemic–A review". Asian Journal of Psychiatry. 51: 102119. doi:10.1016/j.ajp.2020.102119. PMC 7175897. PMID 32339895.
  24. ^ Ruotsalainen, Jani H.; Verbeek, Jos H.; Mariné, Albert; Serra, Consol (2015-04-07). "Preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015 (4): CD002892. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002892.pub5. ISSN 1469-493X. PMC 6718215. PMID 25847433.
  25. ^ "Exposure to Stress: Occupational Hazards in Hospitals". NIOSH Publication No. 2008–136 (July 2008). 2 December 2008. doi:10.26616/NIOSHPUB2008136. Archived from the original on 12 December 2008.
  26. ^ Canada's Health Care Providers, 2007 (Report). Ottawa: Canadian Institute for Health Information. 2007. Archived from the original on 2011-09-27.
  27. ^ Ruotsalainen, JH; Verbeek, JH; Mariné, A; Serra, C (7 April 2015). "Preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers". The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015 (4): CD002892. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD002892.pub5. PMC 6718215. PMID 25847433.
  28. ^ a b Hartley, Dan; Ridenour, Marilyn (12 August 2013). "Free On-line Violence Prevention Training for Nurses". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 16 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2015.
  29. ^ a b Hartley, Dan; Ridenour, Marilyn (September 13, 2011). "Workplace Violence in the Healthcare Setting". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on February 8, 2014.
  30. ^ Caruso, Claire C. (August 2, 2012). "Running on Empty: Fatigue and Healthcare Professionals". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on May 11, 2013.
  31. ^ Di Mattei, Valentina; Perego, Gaia; Milano, Francesca; Mazzetti, Martina; Taranto, Paola; Di Pierro, Rossella; De Panfilis, Chiara; Madeddu, Fabio; Preti, Emanuele (2021-05-15). "The "Healthcare Workers' Wellbeing (Benessere Operatori)" Project: A Picture of the Mental Health Conditions of Italian Healthcare Workers during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18 (10): 5267. doi:10.3390/ijerph18105267. ISSN 1660-4601. PMC 8156728. PMID 34063421.
  32. ^ Sasaki, Natsu; Kuroda, Reiko; Tsuno, Kanami; Kawakami, Norito (2020-11-01). "The deterioration of mental health among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 outbreak: A population-based cohort study of workers in Japan". Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. 46 (6): 639–644. doi:10.5271/sjweh.3922. ISSN 0355-3140. PMC 7737801. PMID 32905601.
  33. ^ a b Pappa, Sofia; Ntella, Vasiliki; Giannakas, Timoleon; Giannakoulis, Vassilis G.; Papoutsi, Eleni; Katsaounou, Paraskevi (August 2020). "Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and insomnia among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta-analysis". Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 88: 901–907. doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.026. PMC 7206431. PMID 32437915.
  34. ^ Cho, Hyeonmi; Pavek, Katie; Steege, Linsey (2020-07-22). "Workplace verbal abuse, nurse-reported quality of care and patient safety outcomes among early-career hospital nurses". Journal of Nursing Management. 28 (6): 1250–1258. doi:10.1111/jonm.13071. ISSN 0966-0429. PMID 32564407. S2CID 219972442.
  35. ^ Vento, Sandro; Cainelli, Francesca; Vallone, Alfredo (2020-09-18). "Violence Against Healthcare Workers: A Worldwide Phenomenon With Serious Consequences". Frontiers in Public Health. 8: 570459. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.570459. ISSN 2296-2565. PMC 7531183. PMID 33072706.
  36. ^ a b Collins, James W.; Bell, Jennifer L. (June 11, 2012). "Slipping, Tripping, and Falling at Work". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on December 3, 2012.
  37. ^ Masterson, Elizabeth A.; Themann, Christa L.; Calvert, Geoffrey M. (2018-04-15). "Prevalence of Hearing Loss Among Noise-Exposed Workers Within the Health Care and Social Assistance Sector, 2003 to 2012". Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 60 (4): 350–356. doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000001214. ISSN 1076-2752. PMID 29111986. S2CID 4637417.
  38. ^ Connor, Thomas H. (March 7, 2011). "Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare". NIOSH: Workplace Safety and Health. Medscape and NIOSH. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012.
  39. ^ World Health Organization. Women and health: today's evidence, tomorrow's agenda. Archived 2012-12-25 at the Wayback Machine Geneva, 2009. Retrieved on March 9, 2011.
  40. ^ Swanson, Naomi; Tisdale-Pardi, Julie; MacDonald, Leslie; Tiesman, Hope M. (13 May 2013). "Women's Health at Work". National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Archived from the original on 18 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  41. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). Office of Management and Budget. Retrieved 2009-03-06 – via National Archives.
  42. ^ Government of Canada. 2011. Canada's Economic Action Plan: Forgiving Loans for New Doctors and Nurses in Under-Served Rural and Remote Areas. Ottawa, 22 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  43. ^ Rockers P et al. Determining Priority Retention Packages to Attract and Retain Health Workers in Rural and Remote Areas in Uganda. Archived 2011-05-23 at the Wayback Machine CapacityPlus Project. February 2011.
  44. ^ "The World Health Report 2006 - Working together for health". Geneva: WHO: World Health Organization. 2006. Archived from the original on 2011-02-28.
  45. ^ Mefoh, Philip Chukwuemeka; Ude, Eze Nsi; Chukwuorji, JohBosco Chika (2019-01-02). "Age and burnout syndrome in nursing professionals: moderating role of emotion-focused coping". Psychology, Health & Medicine. 24 (1): 101–107. doi:10.1080/13548506.2018.1502457. ISSN 1354-8506. PMID 30095287. S2CID 51954488.
  46. ^ Traynor, Kate (2003-09-15). "Staffing shortages plague nation's pharmacy schools". American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 60 (18): 1822–1824. doi:10.1093/ajhp/60.18.1822. ISSN 1079-2082. PMID 14521029.
  47. ^ Leslie, G. D. (October 2008). "Critical Staffing shortage". Australian Nursing Journal. 16 (4): 16–17. doi:10.1016/s1036-7314(05)80033-5. ISSN 1036-7314. PMID 14692155.
  48. ^ wiki.bmezine.com --> Practicing Medicine. In turn citing Michigan laws
  49. ^ a b CHAPTER 2004-256 Committee Substitute for Senate Bill No. 1118 Archived 2011-07-23 at the Wayback Machine State of Florida, Department of State.
[edit]
  • World Health Organization: Health workers

 

A patient is any recipient of health care services that are performed by healthcare professionals. The patient is most often ill or injured and in need of treatment by a physician, nurse, optometrist, dentist, veterinarian, or other health care provider.

Etymology

[edit]

The word patient originally meant 'one who suffers'. This English noun comes from the Latin word patiens, the present participle of the deponent verb, patior, meaning 'I am suffering', and akin to the Greek verb πάσχειν (paskhein 'to suffer') and its cognate noun πάθος (pathos).

This language has been construed as meaning that the role of patients is to passively accept and tolerate the suffering and treatments prescribed by the healthcare providers, without engaging in shared decision-making about their care.[1]

 

Outpatients and inpatients

[edit]
Patients at the Red Cross Hospital in Tampere, Finland during the 1918 Finnish Civil War
Receptionist in Kenya attending to an outpatient

An outpatient (or out-patient) is a patient who attends an outpatient clinic with no plan to stay beyond the duration of the visit. Even if the patient will not be formally admitted with a note as an outpatient, their attendance is still registered, and the provider will usually give a note explaining the reason for the visit, tests, or procedure/surgery, which should include the names and titles of the participating personnel, the patient's name and date of birth, signature of informed consent, estimated pre-and post-service time for history and exam (before and after), any anesthesia, medications or future treatment plans needed, and estimated time of discharge absent any (further) complications. Treatment provided in this fashion is called ambulatory care. Sometimes surgery is performed without the need for a formal hospital admission or an overnight stay, and this is called outpatient surgery or day surgery, which has many benefits including lowered healthcare cost, reducing the amount of medication prescribed, and using the physician's or surgeon's time more efficiently. Outpatient surgery is suited best for more healthy patients undergoing minor or intermediate procedures (limited urinary-tract, eye, or ear, nose, and throat procedures and procedures involving superficial skin and the extremities). More procedures are being performed in a surgeon's office, termed office-based surgery, rather than in a hospital-based operating room.

A mother spends days sitting with her son, a hospital patient in Mali

An inpatient (or in-patient), on the other hand, is "admitted" to stay in a hospital overnight or for an indeterminate time, usually, several days or weeks, though in some extreme cases, such as with coma or persistent vegetative state, patients can stay in hospitals for years, sometimes until death. Treatment provided in this fashion is called inpatient care. The admission to the hospital involves the production of an admission note. The leaving of the hospital is officially termed discharge, and involves a corresponding discharge note, and sometimes an assessment process to consider ongoing needs. In the English National Health Service this may take the form of "Discharge to Assess" - where the assessment takes place after the patient has gone home.[2]

Misdiagnosis is the leading cause of medical error in outpatient facilities. When the U.S. Institute of Medicine's groundbreaking 1999 report, To Err Is Human, found up to 98,000 hospital patients die from preventable medical errors in the U.S. each year,[3] early efforts focused on inpatient safety.[4] While patient safety efforts have focused on inpatient hospital settings for more than a decade, medical errors are even more likely to happen in a doctor's office or outpatient clinic or center.[citation needed]

Day patient

[edit]

A day patient (or day-patient) is a patient who is using the full range of services of a hospital or clinic but is not expected to stay the night. The term was originally used by psychiatric hospital services using of this patient type to care for people needing support to make the transition from in-patient to out-patient care. However, the term is now also heavily used for people attending hospitals for day surgery.

Alternative terminology

[edit]

Because of concerns such as dignity, human rights and political correctness, the term "patient" is not always used to refer to a person receiving health care. Other terms that are sometimes used include health consumer, healthcare consumer, customer or client. However, such terminology may be offensive to those receiving public health care, as it implies a business relationship.

In veterinary medicine, the client is the owner or guardian of the patient. These may be used by governmental agencies, insurance companies, patient groups, or health care facilities. Individuals who use or have used psychiatric services may alternatively refer to themselves as consumers, users, or survivors.

In nursing homes and assisted living facilities, the term resident is generally used in lieu of patient.[5] Similarly, those receiving home health care are called clients.

Patient-centered healthcare

[edit]

The doctor–patient relationship has sometimes been characterized as silencing the voice of patients.[6] It is now widely agreed that putting patients at the centre of healthcare[7] by trying to provide a consistent, informative and respectful service to patients will improve both outcomes and patient satisfaction.[8]

When patients are not at the centre of healthcare, when institutional procedures and targets eclipse local concerns, then patient neglect is possible.[9] Incidents, such as the Stafford Hospital scandal, Winterbourne View hospital abuse scandal and the Veterans Health Administration controversy of 2014 have shown the dangers of prioritizing cost control over the patient experience.[10] Investigations into these and other scandals have recommended that healthcare systems put patient experience at the center, and especially that patients themselves are heard loud and clear within health services.[11]

There are many reasons for why health services should listen more to patients. Patients spend more time in healthcare services than regulators or quality controllers, and can recognize problems such as service delays, poor hygiene, and poor conduct.[12] Patients are particularly good at identifying soft problems, such as attitudes, communication, and 'caring neglect',[9] that are difficult to capture with institutional monitoring.[13]

One important way in which patients can be placed at the centre of healthcare is for health services to be more open about patient complaints.[14] Each year many hundreds of thousands of patients complain about the care they have received, and these complaints contain valuable information for any health services which want to learn about and improve patient experience.[15]

See also

[edit]
  • Casualty
  • e-Patient
  • Mature minor doctrine
  • Nurse-client relationship
  • Patient abuse
  • Patient advocacy
  • Patient empowerment
  • Patients' Bill of Rights
  • Radiological protection of patients
  • Therapeutic inertia
  • Virtual patient
  • Patient UK

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Neuberger, J. (1999-06-26). "Do we need a new word for patients?". BMJ: British Medical Journal. 318 (7200): 1756–1758. doi:10.1136/bmj.318.7200.1756. ISSN 0959-8138. PMC 1116090. PMID 10381717.
  2. ^ "Unpaid carers' rights are overlooked in hospital discharge". Health Service Journal. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  3. ^ Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Quality of Health Care in America; Kohn, L. T.; Corrigan, J. M.; Donaldson, M. S. (2000). Kohn, Linda T.; Corrigan, Janet M.; Donaldson, Molla S. (eds.). To Err Is Human: Building a Safer Health System. Washington D.C.: National Academy Press. doi:10.17226/9728. ISBN 0-309-06837-1. PMID 25077248.
  4. ^ Bates, David W.; Singh, Hardeep (November 2018). "Two Decades Since: An Assessment Of Progress And Emerging Priorities In Patient Safety". Health Affairs. 37 (11): 1736–1743. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.2018.0738. PMID 30395508.
  5. ^ American Red Cross (1993). Foundations for Caregiving. St. Louis: Mosby Lifeline. ISBN 978-0801665158.
  6. ^ Clark, Jack A.; Mishler, Elliot G. (September 1992). "Attending to patients' stories: reframing the clinical task". Sociology of Health and Illness. 14 (3): 344–372. doi:10.1111/1467-9566.ep11357498.
  7. ^ Stewart, M (24 February 2001). "Towards a Global Definition of Patient Centred Care". BMJ. 322 (7284): 444–5. doi:10.1136/bmj.322.7284.444. PMC 1119673. PMID 11222407.
  8. ^ Frampton, Susan B.; Guastello, Sara; Hoy, Libby; Naylor, Mary; Sheridan, Sue; Johnston-Fleece, Michelle (31 January 2017). "Harnessing Evidence and Experience to Change Culture: A Guiding Framework for Patient and Family Engaged Care". NAM Perspectives. 7 (1). doi:10.31478/201701f.
  9. ^ a b Reader, TW; Gillespie, A (30 April 2013). "Patient Neglect in Healthcare Institutions: A Systematic Review and Conceptual Model". BMC Health Serv Res. 13: 156. doi:10.1186/1472-6963-13-156. PMC 3660245. PMID 23631468.
  10. ^ Bloche, MG (17 March 2016). "Scandal as a Sentinel Event--Recognizing Hidden Cost-Quality Trade-offs". N Engl J Med. 374 (11): 1001–3. doi:10.1056/NEJMp1502629. PMID 26981930.
  11. ^ Report of the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust Public Inquiry: Executive Summary. London: Stationery Office. 6 February 2013. ISBN 9780102981476. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  12. ^ Weingart, SN; Pagovich, O; Sands, DZ; Li, JM; Aronson, MD; Davis, RB; Phillips, RS; Bates, DW (April 2006). "Patient-reported Service Quality on a Medicine Unit". Int J Qual Health Care. 18 (2): 95–101. doi:10.1093/intqhc/mzi087. PMID 16282334.
  13. ^ Levtzion-Korach, O; Frankel, A; Alcalai, H; Keohane, C; Orav, J; Graydon-Baker, E; Barnes, J; Gordon, K; Puopulo, AL; Tomov, EI; Sato, L; Bates, DW (September 2010). "Integrating Incident Data From Five Reporting Systems to Assess Patient Safety: Making Sense of the Elephant". Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 36 (9): 402–10. doi:10.1016/s1553-7250(10)36059-4. PMID 20873673.
  14. ^ Berwick, Donald M. (January 2009). "What 'Patient-Centered' Should Mean: Confessions Of An Extremist". Health Affairs. 28 (Supplement 1): w555 – w565. doi:10.1377/hlthaff.28.4.w555. PMID 19454528.
  15. ^ Reader, TW; Gillespie, A; Roberts, J (August 2014). "Patient Complaints in Healthcare Systems: A Systematic Review and Coding Taxonomy". BMJ Qual Saf. 23 (8): 678–89. doi:10.1136/bmjqs-2013-002437. PMC 4112446. PMID 24876289.
[edit]
  • Jadad AR, Rizo CA, Enkin MW (June 2003). "I am a good patient, believe it or not". BMJ. 326 (7402): 1293–5. doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7402.1293. PMC 1126181. PMID 12805157.
    a peer-reviewed article published in the British Medical Journal's (BMJ) first issue dedicated to patients in its 160-year history
  • Sokol DK (21 February 2004). "How (not) to be a good patient". BMJ. 328 (7437): 471. doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7437.471. PMC 344286.
    review article with views on the meaning of the words "good doctor" vs. "good patient"
  • "Time Magazine's Dr. Scott Haig Proves that Patients Need to Be Googlers!" – Mary Shomons response to the Time Magazine article "When the Patient is a Googler"