Patient vs Client

[ArceusAlpha]

I had this discussion in my seminar class about addressing "patients" as clients.

The reasoning behind it was because the word 'patient' had a connotation that people were 'sick' or whatnot. Whereas client apparently seemed more appropriate to use in context. Also, apparently some people prefer to be called client.

Personally, I feel the opposite. I feel like using 'patient' means that we are here to help them simply because they came here seeking for help (whether or not they're actually ill).

Calling people clients in the nursing context seems like they're simply people who need to be assessed because we get paid to do so [seeing it as it is...]. I just associate the word 'client' in a business perspective so that's why I don't feel it is appropriate.

What do you guys think about this?

[RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN]

I will always use the word patient. To me, client is best reserved for business purposes or in the justice field.

Although healthcare IS a business just like walmart, I refuse to use that terminology. It won't even come out of my mouth. I don't see it any different than calling them merchandise. My opinion of course.

[Asystole RN]

At the last scope of practice committee meeting I went to last week the board discussed this very topic. Their problem was how to address the patient/client/resident/customer in their advisory opinions so that it stayed consistent.

The thing is, different settings call the person receiving care different things. A hospital may call them a patient, a home health nurse may call them a client, the LTC nurse may call them a resident.

In all reality there is no universal term and it really doesn't matter.

Personally, I don't care what we call them. I'll probably stick to patient simply out of force of habit.

Interesting to note that Potter & Perry, 6th edition is on the "client" kick while the 8th edition is back to "patient." I see the same thing from Ignatavicius, 5th edition to 7th edition.

Gotta justify those new textbook editions somehow, I suppose.

And I can only imagine how many papers have been assigned on this topic... and probably even dissertations and "research."

So much ado about so little.

I'll probably stick to patient simply out of force of habit.

Of course, I insist on using "cc" instead of "mL" so maybe I'm not the best arbiter.

[workingharder]

Of course I insist on using "cc" instead of "mL" so maybe I'm not the best arbiter.[/quote']

I have the same issue with litre vs. liter.

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

Nice to see 'patient' winning by such a large margin.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

When I was in nursing school (way back in 1987) we had to refer to them as "clients." It sounded stupid then, and it sounds stupid now. Now, 26 years later, we are still wondering what to call them.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Inpatients in hospital =patients

people in long term care=residents

elective/outpatient services= client.

When my dad was in hospital for heart trouble, he was a patient there. My grandfather spent some time as a resident in a local nursing home. My sister also worked with residents at a group home for troubled teens. If I decide to go to my local derm for some Botox, I will be their client.

[ToughCookieRN]

Inpatients in hospital =patients people in long term care=residents elective/outpatient services= client. When my dad was in hospital for heart trouble he was a patient there. My grandfather spent some time as a resident in a local nursing home. My sister also worked with residents at a group home for troubled teens. If I decide to go to my local derm for some Botox, I will be their client.[/quote']

What would you call the SDS individual? Bob is admitted to SDS for OP lap chole...patient or client? He is my patient.

[ToughCookieRN]

The Bob the OP lap chole? He is my patient. What would you call him?

Btw- if this post went to anyone's email by mistake...sorry, but I'm on my phone at lunch.