Who can be referred to as a "patient"?

A "patient" is defined as an individual who is receiving or has received care from a health professional. This includes both current patients, who are presently undergoing treatment, and former patients, who have completed their treatment in the past. By encompassing both groups, the definition acknowledges the ongoing relationship between healthcare providers and individuals, even after formal treatment has concluded. This is pertinent in fields like physical therapy, where continuity of care and follow-up are essential for successful outcomes.

The other options do not fully capture this definition. For example, limiting the definition to only individuals who have never received treatment excludes a significant number of individuals who have engaged with health services previously. Focusing solely on individuals under judicial care also restricts the term unduly and does not reflect the broader scope of individuals who seek health services. Similarly, defining a patient as anyone seeking health information fails to recognize the specific relationship that exists between a patient and a healthcare provider, which is characterized by a therapeutic interaction. Therefore, recognizing both current and former patients provides a comprehensive understanding of who qualifies as a patient in a healthcare context.