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Where can we find definitions for all the health-related terms and acronyms we keep hearing, and resources for further reading?
One of the hallmarks of any discussion of rural or community health is the prominent use of health industry acronyms and esoteric jargon. This can be a stumbling block for the layman and professional alike, especially when, as is often the case, this linguistic “shorthand” is not transcribed into terms everyone can understand.
Fortunately, glossaries of health care terms, concepts and organizations are available, both in printed formats and online. Because there are so many health-related terms in use, glossaries are often organized by topic. Glossaries of English-Spanish terms are particularly useful for health providers in Texas communities with sizeable Hispanic populations.
Reference materials relevant to community health system processes are available in any public library, online at hundreds of websites, at medical libraries associated with universities or health science centers and from membership organizations serving the healthcare industry. As a starting place, the Rural Health Service Center Health Service (RICHS; 1-800-633-7701), located in the National Agricultural Library, has compiled a suggested bibliography. It cites selected core documents on rural health issues, and the list can be accessed and printed from its website at http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/richs/bibliogr.htm The National Rural Health Association also has a list of salient publications, including a health term dictionary and audio and video tapes, available for review and purchase online through a link from its homepage at http://www.nrharural.org/ |
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- Glossary of Terms – This online resource by The Academy for Health Services Research and Health provides a printable health care terms glossary of 50 pages. It is divided into sections of health care delivery and financing terms, epidemiological and statistical terms and accounting and economic terms. It also includes a glossary of commonly used acronyms. Access at http://academyhealth.org/publications/glossary.htm
- Publications & Resources
– The National Rural Health Association
(NRHA) posts a complete list of their
publications and other resources on
their website at http://www.nrharural.org/
Their Rural Health Dictionary of Terms,
Acronyms and Organizations (Publication
PU0197-43) is available for $10. To
review and order their publications
online, go to http://www.nrharural.org/
- Rural Health Issues Bibliography – This information is distributed by the Rural Information Center Health Service (RICHS 1-800-633-7701) of the National Agricultural Library. This bibliography cites selected core documents on rural health issues, including books, technical reports and government documents. Journal articles are not included. Information is listed by topical categories. Access and print this list online at http://www.nal.usda.gov/ric/ruralres/issues.htm
- Other Resources:
- Medical Spanish Phrasebooks
– Handy, pocket-sized English/Spanish
phrasebooks for use by medical personnel.
Also available in tape form. Up
to nine copies for $4.95 each, with
quantity discounts available. To
order, contact Baja Books, P.O.
Box 4151, Santa Barbara, CA 93140;
Toll-free (800) 962-4028; Fax (805)
563-9709; or preview and order via
their website at http://www.speedylanguage.com
- English-Spanish Glossary
for Health Aides –
Publication of the California Dept.
of Health Services and the State
Office of Rural Health. Excellent,
94-pg. booklet with English/Spanish
translations for common illnesses,
the basic medical examination, dental
health, communicable diseases, child
and maternal health, birth control,
folk medicine, and more. Line drawings
and diagrams. Very limited stock
available; limited to one copy per
request. Contact: Susana Torricella,
Attn: Health Aide Glossary, Health
and Welfare Agency, State Dept.
of Health Services, Primary and
Rural Health Care System Branch,
714 P Street, Room 550, Sacramento,
CA 95814; (916) 654-0348; E-mail
to storricea@dhs.ca.gov
- Recreating Health
Professional Practice for a New
Century – The
Fourth Report of the Pew Health
Professions Commission. O’Neil
EH, and the Pew Health Professions
Commission. San Francisco, CA: Pew
Health Professions Commission. December
1998. This landmark study is frequently
quoted in discussions of health
professions workforce issues and
summarizes the shifting health care
landscape, trends that will shape
professional practices and public
policy recommendations, along with
21 competencies for the 21 st century.
To obtain a copy of the report,
contact the Pew Center for the Health
Professions, University of California,
San Francisco, 1388 Sutter Street,
Suite 805, San Francisco, CA 94109,
or call (415) 476-8181.
- Selected Health Professions
by Subject – the
Federal Bureau of Health Professions
(through HRSA) publishes an online
directory of allied health and interdisciplinary
health workforce reports, guides
and papers, all of which can be
printed off the website, or otherwise
ordered in printed copy. Offers
links to case studies in academic
and community partnerships and the
health workforce Newslink
quarterly. To access online, go
to http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/
or call the Bureau of Health Professions
information line at 1-888-275-4772
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