Patient

Patient refers to a person who is under medical care or who seeks health services. In clinical contexts, a patient may present for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, or rehabilitation. The term encompasses individuals with acute illnesses, chronic conditions, injuries, or those seeking preventive care.

In medical settings, patients may be classified as inpatients, who are admitted to a hospital or facility, or outpatients, who receive care without overnight stay. The patient–provider relationship is built on professional ethics, including respect for autonomy, informed consent, confidentiality, and shared decision-making.

Confidentiality is governed by laws and professional guidelines to protect private health information. Patients have rights to access their records, receive accurate information about diagnoses and treatment options, and participate in decisions about care. Safety and quality initiatives focus on error reduction, clear communication, pain management, and culturally competent care.

Etymology: derived from Latin patiens, from pati, to suffer; historically used to denote one who endures illness while receiving care.

In other contexts, "patient" can function as an adjective meaning bearing or enduring delays or difficulties, as in "a patient public"—a usage that is less common in modern medical discussion.