Mail (Medicine)
Mail (pronounced: /meɪl/) in the context of medicine, refers to the system of sending and receiving information, reports, results, and other important documents between healthcare professionals, patients, and medical institutions.
Etymology
The term "mail" originates from the Middle English word "male" which refers to a traveling bag or pack. It was spelled that way until the 17th century and is distinct from the word "male". The French have a similar word, malle for a trunk or large box, and mála is the Irish term for a bag. In the 17th century, the word mail began to appear as a reference for a bag that contained letters: "bag full of letter" (1654). Over the next hundred years the word mail began to be applied strictly to the letters themselves, and the sack as the "mailbag".
Usage in Medicine
In medicine, mail is used as a means of communication between healthcare professionals and patients. It is also used for the transmission of medical reports, results, and other important documents. This can be done through traditional postal services or through electronic means, known as e-mail.
The use of mail in medicine has evolved with technology. Today, many healthcare providers use Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) systems that include secure messaging features. This allows for the safe and confidential transmission of medical information.
Related Terms
- E-mail: Electronic version of sending and receiving mail. It is often used in healthcare settings for communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
- Electronic Health Record (EHR): A digital version of a patient's paper chart. EHRs are real-time, patient-centered records that make information available instantly and securely to authorized users.
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR): A digital version of the traditional paper-based medical record for an individual. The EMR represents a medical record within a single facility, such as a doctor's office or a clinic.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mail
- Wikipedia's article - Mail
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