KevinMD talks about how the nursing literature tends to use the word client, instead of patient. There is nothing more likely to provoke a reaction from a physician than the “c” word. Nurses believe that “client” implies a respect of the individual’s autonomy, while physicians believe that “patient” suggests a caring relationship. The etymology of the two words may provide some insights. Client derives from the Latin cliens, meaning “to lean”. Thus you have inclinations, clinometers and clients. A client may be a consumer of a professional service, but it may also be one who is under the protection of another. Patient derives from the Latin pati, meaning “to suffer”. So a patient is one who suffers and is therefore deserving of compassion and care. Of course, whether one is deserving of compassion and care or under your protection may be a very fine point indeed. To that extent, the patient – client debate seems to be more about defining professional cultures than a real concern for the person at the centre of the discussion – patient or client depending on your point of view.
