nietmedisch

Nietmedisch is a Dutch adjective meaning not medical; literally “not medical.” It is used to distinguish elements, services, or actions that fall outside the realm of medical treatment from those that are medical. The term appears in healthcare, social care, and policy language, particularly in the Netherlands and Flanders, where hospitals, insurers, and welfare organizations describe non-medical services intended to support patients and clients during illness, disability, or aging.

Common examples of nietmedische activities or services include transport to appointments, housing and meals in care facilities, housekeeping, and administrative assistance such as completing insurance forms. It also covers areas like social work, counseling about practical matters, and spiritual or pastoral care. These services support well-being and daily functioning but do not involve clinical diagnosis, treatment, or medical procedures. In many contexts, non-medical care is coordinated with medical care to address broader needs of patients and clients.

Because it is not a fixed clinical category, the exact boundaries of what counts as nietmedisch vary by institution, policy, and national context. The term underscores the distinction between medical and non-medical dimensions of care, though in practice many services address both medical and non-medical needs through integrated approaches. Related discussions often appear in hospital administration, health insurance, and social services, where clarity about responsibilities and funding is important.