The term “patient“ is used to disempower people captive of the medical system

The term “patient” in the medical system originates from the Latin word "patiens," meaning "one who suffers" or "endures". Its historical use emphasizes passivity and endurance of suffering, reflecting a time when individuals largely relied on caregivers without much autonomy or active participation. This linguistic background has prompted criticism that the label positions people as passive recipients of care, rather than as active agents in their own health, fostering disempowerment for those “captive” to the medical system.cambridge+6

Historical Origins and Meanings

• The word "patient" historically described someone who suffers, highlighting an expectation of endurance rather than participation.onlinelibrary.wiley+2

• This passivity paralleled eras when medicine was paternalistic—doctors prescribed, and patients submitted—reinforcing an authority imbalance.drbretball+1

• The association with suffering and endurance may reinforce stereotypes that those seeking care must accept authority and treatment without question.guardiannurses+1

Critique and Power Dynamics

• Critics argue that continuing to use "patient" perpetuates a power imbalance, framing individuals as passive objects of the system rather than as partners in decision-making.lifestyle.sustainability-directory+1

• Traditional doctor–patient roles have been shown to contribute to disempowerment, diminishing opportunities for individuals to exercise control and self-management in their care.sykepleien+1

• Advocacy movements, increased health literacy, and bioethical frameworks are shifting these dynamics toward shared decision-making and patient empowerment, but the power imbalance lingers in language and practice.pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih+2

Contemporary Responses and Alternatives

• Newer terms such as "client," "service user," or "health partner" have been proposed by some as less disempowering alternatives, emphasizing agency and partnership.cambridge+1

• Nevertheless, not everyone feels disempowered by the term "patient," and some embrace its unique bond and historical meaning, preferring it over alternatives like "client".participatorymedicine+1

• The path forward involves critically examining not just language but also the structures and interactions that maintain or dismantle power imbalances in healthcare.lifestyle.sustainability-directory+1

In summary, the critique that the term "patient" disempowers people is rooted in its etymology and the longstanding power structures in healthcare, though the evolving culture is increasingly seeking more empowering approaches and language.sykepleien+2

1. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-psychiatrist/article/ancient-origins-of-the-term-patient/E75E886D2246E4A282BF6A55050C5628
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patient
3. https://www.drbretball.com/why-are-patients-called-patients/
4. https://www.etymonline.com/word/patient
5. https://lifestyle.sustainability-directory.com/term/healthcare-power-dynamics/
6. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2009.03304.x
7. https://sykepleien.no/en/forskning/2018/12/traditional-doctor-patient-roles-may-be-disempowering-patient
8. https://www.guardiannurses.com/ever-wonder-why-theyre-called-patients/
9. https://participatorymedicine.org/journal/opinion/commentary/2010/12/29/the-term-patient-may-describe-me-but-it-does-not-define-me/
10. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jan.70057
11. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4835893/
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13. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1116090/
14. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1079288/
15. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02729-8
16. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2071935/
17. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8030250/
18. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953624006154
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20. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00107530.2021.1935191