Understanding Patient, Client, and Care Recipient: Key Terminology

Three terms for the person receiving care:

  1. Patient: Common in healthcare; individual receiving medical treatment/care. General term for various contexts.
  2. Client: Used in mental health, social work, community care. Implies collaborative relationship, focus on empowerment.
  3. Service User: Common in social services, community care, disability services. Emphasizes active participation and involvement in care process.

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