Patient facts for kids

A patient is a person who is getting medical help or treatment. When you visit a doctor, a nurse, or a hospital, you become a patient. This means healthcare professionals are taking care of your health.

Why Do People Become Patients?

People become patients for many reasons. You might visit a doctor for a regular check-up. This helps make sure you stay healthy. Sometimes, people become patients when they feel sick. This could be from a cold, the flu, or something more serious. If you get hurt, like breaking an arm, you also become a patient. Healthcare workers help you heal and feel better.

Common Reasons to See a Doctor

• Feeling Unwell: If you have a fever, a cough, or a stomach ache.
• Injuries: For cuts, sprains, or broken bones.
• Check-ups: Regular visits to make sure you are growing well and staying healthy.
• Vaccinations: Shots that protect you from certain diseases.
• Managing Conditions: If you have a long-term health issue, like asthma or allergies.

Where Patients Get Care

Patients can receive care in many different places. The type of care you need often decides where you go.

Hospitals

Hospitals are large places with many doctors and nurses. They have special equipment for different health problems. If someone is very sick or needs surgery, they often go to a hospital. Hospitals have emergency rooms for urgent situations. They also have different departments for specific needs, like children's health or heart problems.

Clinics and Doctor's Offices

For less serious problems, patients often visit a clinic or a doctor's office. These are usually smaller than hospitals. You might go there for a check-up, a vaccination, or when you have a common illness. Many people have a family doctor they see regularly at a clinic.

Other Places for Care

Sometimes, patients get care in other places.

• At Home: Some nurses or therapists can visit patients at home. This is helpful for people who find it hard to travel.
• Specialty Centers: There are places just for certain types of care. For example, a physical therapy center helps people recover from injuries.
• Dentist's Office: For your teeth and gums, you visit a dentist. They are also healthcare professionals who treat patients.

Types of Patients

Patients are often described by how they receive care.

Inpatients

An inpatient is someone who stays overnight in a hospital. They might need to stay for a few days or even longer. This happens when they need constant care, monitoring, or a major surgery. While in the hospital, inpatients have a bed and receive meals. Nurses check on them regularly.

Outpatients

An outpatient is someone who visits a hospital or clinic but does not stay overnight. They come for an appointment, get their treatment, and then go home the same day. Many doctor's visits, X-rays, or minor procedures are done as an outpatient.

The Patient's Role

Being a patient means you have a role to play in your own health.

• Be Honest: Tell your doctor exactly how you feel. This helps them understand your problem.
• Ask Questions: If you don't understand something, ask. It's okay to ask about your treatment or what to expect.
• Follow Instructions: Take medicines as prescribed. Follow any advice about rest or diet.
• Be Patient: Healing takes time. Trust your healthcare team to help you get better.

Your cooperation helps doctors and nurses give you the best possible care.

Images for kids

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  Patients at the Red Cross Hospital in Tampere, Finland during the 1918 Finnish Civil War

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  Receptionist in Kenya attending to an outpatient

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  A mother spends days sitting with her son, a hospital patient in Mali

See also

In Spanish: Paciente para niños