The term patient connotes a person in ill health who seeks the services of a care provider. Some theorists suggest that the terms health citizen, health decision maker, and health client are...

The term patient connotes a person in ill health who seeks the services of a care provider. Some theorists suggest that the terms health citizen, health decision maker, and health client are preferable because they acknowledge that people are involved in health care all the time, not just when they seek professional assistance (Neuberger, 1999; Rimal, Ratzan, Arnston, & Freimuth, 1997).

• Do you feel the term patient is accurate when describing well people seeking to maintain their own health?

• Brainstorm some other terms we might use. Which is your favorite?