Health Care Activity
patient observation
pa·tient ob·ser·va·tion
Definitions related to patient observation:
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(observation) Closely watching a patient's condition but not giving treatment unless there are changes in test results. Active surveillance avoids problems that may be caused by treatments such as radiation or surgery. It is used to find early signs that the condition is getting worse. During active surveillance, patients will be given certain exams and tests done on a regular schedule. It is sometimes used in prostate cancer.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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(watchful waiting) Clinical management approach wherein immediate therapy is not provided but there is a period of observation during which periodic tests monitor patient and the progression of the illness. (Driffield T, Smith PC Med Decis Making. 2007 Mar-Apr;27(2):178-88)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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