As trends shift, funders or organizations have changed the terms they use to refer to people who receive their services. As we continue to explore the influence of managed care and for-profit corporate structure, people have concerns regarding terms that may be used to define their client population.
The most commonly used terms are “clients,” “patients,” or “consumers.” In what way do these terms imply a different “mindset” about the people served?
Clients are relationships developed in a professional account.
Patients are relationships established in the health and medical field.
Consumers are relationships established by individuals who are the buyers.
The selection of vocabulary can impact the provider’s approach, the essence of the association, and the perceived role of the individual acquiring services. The transformation in phrasing may also reflect more all-around differences in societal perspectives, organizational networks, and the evolving interpretation of the role of individuals in their care. It is essential to be mindful of the representations used and evaluate how they may form perceptions and interactions in altering trends and structures in managed care and for-profit organizations.