A patient is a person who is receiving medical care or treatment from healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, dentists, or others. This care can be for illness, injury, prevention, or health maintenance. The term originally comes from the Latin word patiens , meaning "one who suffers" or "endures," reflecting the traditional view of patients as individuals who endure illness and treatment
. Patients can be actively involved in their healthcare or may be receiving care passively. The concept of a patient has evolved from a passive recipient of treatment to an active participant or "health customer" in modern healthcare, reflecting a broader range of services including prevention, wellness, and aesthetic treatments
. Patients include not only those currently ill but also healthy individuals receiving preventive care, such as vaccinations or screenings, as well as those undergoing elective procedures like cosmetic surgery
. In summary, a patient is:
- A person under medical care or treatment for a disease, condition, or preventive health service
- Someone who may be actively involved in their healthcare decisions or passively receiving treatment
- Historically defined as "one who suffers," but now includes a broader role in health services
