Health services

Health Services

Health Services (pronunciation: /ˈhɛlθ ˈsɜːrvɪsɪz/) refers to the range of services provided by medical professionals to ensure the health and well-being of individuals. These services encompass prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions.

Etymology

The term "Health Services" is derived from the Old English word "hǣlth", which means 'wholeness, a being whole, sound or well,' and the Middle English word "servise", which means 'the action of serving, attendance upon another'.

Related Terms

Healthcare: A broader term that includes health services, but also encompasses aspects like health insurance, health education, and public health initiatives.
Primary Care: The first point of contact in the health services system, usually involving general practitioners or family physicians.
Secondary Care: Health services provided by medical specialists who generally do not have first contact with patients.
Tertiary Care: Specialized consultative healthcare, usually for inpatients and on referral from a primary or secondary health professional.
Public Health: The science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals.
Healthcare Provider: An individual or institution that provides preventive, curative, promotional, or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to individuals, families or communities.
Healthcare System: The organization of people, institutions, and resources to deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations.