pasient

Pasient is a term used in several languages to refer to a person who receives medical care, treatment, or monitoring from health professionals. In English, the corresponding term is patient; in languages such as Norwegian and Danish, the spelling is pasient, reflecting similar pronunciation. In Dutch and Afrikaans, variants exist such as patiënt or pasiént with diacritics. The concept emphasizes the role of the person as a recipient of health services rather than a passive subject.

The word derives from the Latin patiens, meaning "suffering," and historically appears in medical writings to denote someone who is under care due to illness or injury.

In modern healthcare, a pasient is the central focus of many ethical and clinical considerations. Patients have rights to informed consent, privacy, and safety; clinicians strive for clear communication, appropriate documentation, and shared decision making. The patient journey typically includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment or intervention, and follow-up or discharge, with the aim of improving health outcomes and quality of life. Patient-centered care stresses respect for preferences, values, and individual needs, and encourages active participation by patients in their own care.

Confidentiality and data protection are foundational, with health information treated as sensitive. Health systems also account for variations in age, capacity, and vulnerability, ensuring appropriate consent and support for minors, cognitively impaired individuals, and others who may require advocacy.

Related topics include patient rights, patient safety, informed consent, and patient advocacy.