pesakit

Pesakit is a Malay term that refers to a person who receives medical care or treatment due to illness or injury. The word is widely used in Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, and corresponds to the Indonesian term pasien and the English word patient. In clinical practice, pesakit may be described by care setting or clinical status, such as pesakit dalam (inpatient) who are admitted to a hospital, pesakit luar (outpatient) who receive services without admission, and pesakit kritikal (critical) or pesakit pediatrik (pediatric) and pesakit dewasa (adult).

Inpatient and outpatient classifications reflect differences in care needs, length of stay, and resource use. Pesakit dalam typically require ongoing monitoring, procedures, or treatment that necessitate admission, while pesakit luar receive consultations, diagnostics, or interventions that do not require overnight stay. The term also appears in various healthcare processes, including admission, discharge, and follow-up planning, all centered on the pesakit’s medical condition and treatment goals.

Rights and ethical considerations are central to the concept of pesakit. Pesakit have rights to information about their condition and treatment, to give informed consent, and to privacy and respectful treatment. Effective communication, culturally sensitive care, and involvement of family or advocates when appropriate are important aspects of patient-centered care. Documentation and confidentiality of medical records are essential to protect pesakit and maintain trust in the healthcare system.

In practice, the concept of pesakit underpins healthcare delivery, guiding interactions between clinicians, families, and communities to promote safety, autonomy, and quality care.