A Guide to Common NHS and Healthcare Terms

Healthcare uses lots of words and abbreviations that aren't always easy to understand.

Whether you're accessing our services through the NHS, Right to Choose, or a healthcare insurer, this guide explains some of the common healthcare terms you may encounter during your care journey.

Why does ProblemShared use "client" instead of "patient"?

At ProblemShared, we usually use the term client rather than patient.

Within the NHS and many healthcare settings, people receiving care are often referred to as patients. At ProblemShared, we feel that client better reflects the collaborative and person-centred approach that underpins our services.

You will therefore see the term client used throughout our communications, reports and Help Centre articles. However, when referring to NHS services or guidance, you may still see the term patient used.

Both terms refer to the person receiving care and support.

What is an ICB?

An ICB (Integrated Care Board) is an NHS organisation that plans and funds healthcare services in a local area.

If you're receiving NHS-funded care, your local ICB may influence:

• Which services are available in your area
• How services are accessed
• Referral pathways
• How services are funded

Because healthcare services are planned locally, the options available can sometimes vary depending on where you live.

What is an IAP?

An IAP (Individual Access Policy) is an NHS policy that explains who can access certain services in a particular area.

These policies help ensure healthcare services are planned fairly and consistently.

If an IAP applies to a service you've been referred to, it may influence whether a service is available locally and who is eligible to access it.

What is Right to Choose (RTC)?

Right to Choose (RTC) allows eligible patients in England to choose which provider they are referred to for certain NHS services.

This can give people more choice about where they receive care and may provide access to alternative assessment or treatment pathways.

Not all services are covered by Right to Choose, and eligibility can vary depending on the service being accessed.

What is a referral pathway?

A referral pathway is the series of steps someone follows from referral through to assessment, treatment and ongoing support.

Referral pathways can differ based on:

• The service being accessed
• How care is funded
• Who can access the service
• Whether care is being provided through the NHS, Right to Choose, or a healthcare insurer

This means that two people accessing similar services may have slightly different journeys.

What is an MDT?

An MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) is a group of healthcare professionals who work together to plan and support your care.

Depending on the service involved, an MDT may include:

• Psychiatrists
• Psychologists
• Therapists
• Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Other healthcare professionals

Working as a team helps ensure different areas of expertise are considered when making decisions about care.

What is a Shared Care Agreement?

A Shared Care Agreement (SCA) is an arrangement between a specialist healthcare provider and a GP.

In some situations, this allows different parts of a person's care to be shared between services. For example, a specialist may oversee treatment while a GP manages routine prescribing.

Shared care aims to provide coordinated support across healthcare services.

Participation in a Shared Care Agreement is always at the discretion of the GP practice involved.

What is a Shared Care Record (SCR)?

A Shared Care Record (SCR) is a secure digital record that allows healthcare professionals involved in your care to access relevant health information when needed.

The aim is to:

• Help services work together
• Reduce duplication
• Improve communication
• Support safe decision-making

Access to patient records is protected by strict confidentiality and data protection requirements.

What are observations (Obs)?

Obs is a healthcare abbreviation for observations.

These are routine health measurements that clinicians may need to support safe and effective care.

Depending on your pathway, we may ask you to provide:

• Height
• Weight
• Blood pressure

These measurements can be particularly important when considering treatment options or prescribing medication.

What if I can't provide my observations?

Many people do not have the equipment needed to take these measurements at home.

If you're unable to obtain them yourself, your:

• GP surgery
• Local pharmacy
• Community healthcare provider

may be able to help.

What is a GP Summary?

A GP Summary is a document provided by your GP practice that contains an overview of your medical history.

It may include information such as:

• Medical conditions
• Diagnoses
• Current medications
• Allergies
• Relevant health information recorded by your GP

You may also hear this referred to as a:

• Patient Summary
• Medical Summary
• Medical Record Summary
• Summary Care Record printout

ProblemShared may ask for a GP Summary as part of certain assessment or treatment pathways, as it can help clinicians understand relevant aspects of your medical history.

For help obtaining a GP Summary, please see our dedicated support article.

What does DNA mean?

DNA stands for Did Not Attend.

Healthcare services use this term when someone does not attend a planned appointment and has not let the service know in advance.

If you're unable to attend an appointment, letting the service know as early as possible helps us offer the appointment to another person who may be waiting.