Is It Time to Stop Using The Word Patient?

I’ve always been fascinated by words and their meaning and, over time, have delved deeper into the history and evolution of many that we commonly use. Recently, I came across an article discussing the relevance of the word ‘patient’ in today’s healthcare environment. As a writer, I know that words can be powerful storytellers, shaping our perceptions and, in turn, influencing our reality. Nowhere is this more evident than in healthcare, where the words we choose can deeply affect both understanding and experience. The term ‘patient’ has been embedded in medical vocabulary for centuries. But is it time to rethink it?

?As I explored the origins and meanings of ‘patient,’ I reflected on how medical practices and ideologies have evolved. It became clear that changing perceptions, rather than just changing a word, was the real crux of the issue. This shift is underway, with a noticeable move from patient to person-centred care. When we acknowledge the person first, not the patient, healthcare relationships improve, fostering collaboration instead of marginalisation.

?The word ‘patient’ is rooted in the Latin ‘patiens,’ meaning “suffering” or “enduring.” In ancient times, healthcare was focused on relieving suffering, and the term ‘patient’ reflected a dynamic where the caregiver was active, and the person receiving care was passive.

?So, does this term still resonate in today's world?

?Does it capture the dynamic and collaborative nature of modern healthcare?

?Over time, healthcare has evolved from a paternalistic model, where the doctor’s word was final, to a more collaborative approach. People are no longer expected to be passive care recipients—they are encouraged to participate actively. We’ve moved from “doctor knows best” to “let’s work together to improve your health.”

?And this got me asking myself: ?Does the term ‘patient’ still fit within this framework? Or does it continue to subtly reinforce an old model in which individuals are viewed as passive, waiting to be ‘fixed’ by their doctors? This question led me to explore some of the possible alternatives that have been suggested.

?Take the word ‘client,’ for example. It shifts the dynamic toward something more balanced—an exchange of services where the individual has a say in decisions. It leans into the idea of the person as an active participant, making informed choices, not just passively following instructions. But, while the term suggests professionalism, does it lose the warmth and compassion we often associate with healthcare? To some, it might feel too transactional, too much like a business exchange rather than the human connection we seek, especially when we’re vulnerable.

? Another term that comes up is ‘consumer.’ This word takes autonomy even further. As consumers, we have rights, make decisions, and have the power to accept or refuse what’s offered. In healthcare, it aligns with modern principles of patient rights and informed consent. Yet, does the term reduce healthcare to a cold marketplace, where care becomes a commodity to be bought and sold like any other good? The risk is that we might strip away the emotional and deep human connection essential to healthcare.

?Then there’s ‘customer.’ We all know what it’s like to be a customer—we expect a certain level of service, efficiency, and satisfaction. The emphasis is on experience and on getting what we want. But does this term have a place in healthcare? While it acknowledges the service aspect, which is undeniably important, it feels hollow. It’s detached from the intimacy and trust we associate with medical care. When you’re ill or in pain, do you want to be seen as just a customer?

?Some healthcare systems have adopted the term ‘service user.’ At first glance, it seems neutral, perhaps even practical. It distances itself from the passivity implied by ‘patient’ and recognises a more active role. However, while ‘service user’ is inclusive, it lacks emotional depth. It feels impersonal, as if it belongs more to bureaucratic documents than the nuanced and deeply personal interactions between people and their healthcare providers.

?Each of these alternatives seeks to move away from the passive undertones of ‘patient,’ but none fully captures the complexity of healthcare relationships. They either feel too clinical, business-like, or disconnected from the humanity of care. So, maybe the question isn’t about changing the word but how we view the people behind the word.

?As a nurse with over 40 years of experience, I used the term ‘patient’ daily without ever stopping to reflect on its true meaning. Only when I became the patient, did I start questioning its use. Suddenly, I found myself on the other side of the healthcare equation, grappling with a chronic disease. This shift in perspective forced me to look deeply at the term and its implications. Being labelled a ‘patient’ made me feel passive, as though I was enduring my situation rather than actively participating in my care. This realisation became the driving force behind my mantra: “Your Needs Matter, Your Voice Matters, You Are The VIP.” It’s more than just a catchy phrase—it’s a principle that has guided me through my health journey, reminding me of the importance of active involvement in my care.

?Think about it: When you hear the word ‘patient,’ what image comes to mind? Is it someone lying still in a hospital bed, waiting for the doctor’s orders? Or is it someone fully engaged in their healthcare, collaborating with their team and making decisions together?

?Let me put it another way: Picture yourself at a restaurant. Would you rather be called a ‘customer’ or a ‘diner’? The term ‘diner’ reflects an experience—something more personal and involved. You’re not just someone ordering food; you’re part of the atmosphere, enjoying the meal. The word ‘patient’ carries that same sense of humanity in healthcare but comes with the weight of passivity and suffering.

?What if we used terms that highlighted this active role? Imagine referring to people as ‘health partners’ or ‘health navigators.’ These phrases imply teamwork, empowerment, and shared decision-making. They reflect the modern approach to healthcare, where your voice matters, your choices are respected, and your autonomy is at the forefront.

?So, should we abandon the word ‘patient’ altogether?

?The term still holds value and symbolises the unique relationship between individuals and their healthcare providers. However, the story we tell around it needs to evolve.

?Next time you visit your healthcare provider, don’t think of yourself as just a patient. See yourself as a partner in your health journey. Ask questions, speak up, actively participate, and take ownership of your care.

?Let’s shift the narrative and redefine what it means to be a patient in today’s healthcare environment.

?How do you see yourself in your health journey?

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