Understanding Healthcare Terms

Voluntary process of discussion and shared decision-making between an individual and their care providers about future care preferences and goals.

Residential care model that provides assistance with daily activities while promoting independence and dignity for individuals with varying care needs.

National qualification for healthcare support workers and adult social care workers. Covers 15 standards including safeguarding, health and safety, and person-centered care.

Framework for continuous improvement in patient care quality and safety. Includes risk management, clinical audit, and evidence-based practice.

Ongoing learning required to maintain professional registration. Healthcare professionals must complete specified hours of CPD and demonstrate competence maintenance.

Specialized care approaches for individuals with dementia, focusing on person-centered care, cognitive stimulation, and maintaining dignity and independence.

Care and support services provided in a person's own home. Can include both regulated personal care and non-regulated support services.

Legal requirement for healthcare providers to be open and honest when things go wrong. Must inform patients, apologize, and take action to prevent recurrence.

Specialized palliative care provided to individuals in their final stages of life, focusing on comfort, dignity, and quality of life rather than curative treatment.

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check required for healthcare professionals. Shows spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, warnings, and any additional information held by local police.

General Data Protection Regulation requirements for processing personal data. Healthcare providers must ensure lawful basis, data minimization, and individual rights protection.

General Medical Council registration required for all practicing doctors in the UK. Maintains medical register and sets standards for medical education and practice.

Health and Care Professions Council registration for 15 health professions including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, paramedics, and clinical scientists.

Evidence-based practices to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Mandatory training for all healthcare workers including hand hygiene and PPE use.

24-hour care service where a dedicated carer lives in the client's home, providing continuous support and companionship while maintaining familiar surroundings.

Legal framework for decision-making on behalf of adults who lack mental capacity. Establishes principles for best interest decisions and advance directives.

Nursing and Midwifery Council registration required for all practicing nurses and midwives in the UK. Ensures professionals meet required standards and maintain continuing professional development.

Specialized medical care focused on providing relief from symptoms and stress of serious illness, aiming to improve quality of life for both patient and family.

Intimate care activities such as washing, bathing, dressing, toileting, and continence care. These services require specialized training and professional qualifications.

Insurance coverage required for healthcare professionals to protect against claims of professional negligence, errors, or omissions in their professional services.

Temporary care service that provides relief for primary caregivers, allowing them time to rest while ensuring continued quality care for their loved ones.

Process healthcare professionals must complete to renew their registration. Demonstrates continued competence and fitness to practice through evidence portfolio.

Legal duty to protect vulnerable adults and children from abuse, neglect, and harm. All healthcare professionals must complete safeguarding training and report concerns.

Employment arrangement where healthcare professionals work independently, responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, and professional obligations while providing services to clients.

Remote delivery of healthcare services using telecommunications technology, enabling patient monitoring, consultations, and health education from a distance.

Legal protection for healthcare workers who raise concerns about patient safety, quality of care, or professional misconduct in the public interest.