poliklinisch

Poliklinisch is an adjective used in Germanic languages to describe medical services, departments, or care that are delivered in a polyclinic or outpatient setting, i.e., without an overnight hospital stay. The term is often used to distinguish such services from inpatient, or stationäre, treatment.

In practice, poliklinische Leistungen (outpatient services) include initial specialist consultations, diagnostic testing (such as imaging and laboratory work), non-surgical procedures, minor interventions, follow-up visits, and rehabilitation offered in outpatient clinics attached to a hospital or in standalone polyclinics. These services are designed for evaluation, treatment, and monitoring without admission.

Etymology and usage: the term derives from polyclinic, meaning a facility with multiple clinics. In German-speaking countries, Poliklinik signifies a facility that provides outpatient medical services, while poliklinisch describes the nature of care. In Dutch, poliklinisch similarly refers to outpatient-oriented care, and polikliniek denotes the clinic itself. The terms appear mainly in formal medical and administrative contexts and are less common in everyday speech.

Distinctions: poliklinisch care is by definition ambulant and does not require overnight hospitalization. It contrasts with stationär (inpatient) care. Some services may occur within a hospital’s outpatient department but are still considered poliklinisch if no admission is required; others may be offered in standalone polyclinics.

See also: Outpatient clinic, ambulatory care, hospital outpatient department, polyclinic.