An international glossary for primary care. Report of the Classification Committee of the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA).

Precise definitions of terms that describe the process of primary care are essential to the collection of primary health care data. Whenever possible, these definitions should be uniform and unambiguous. Research workers who wish to collaborate with or interpret work of colleagues from other countries can benefit from a standard glossary of commonly used health terms. In response to these needs, the Classification Committee of the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians present this international glossary for primary care. Consensus on the definitions was reached by the Classification Committee with consultation from general practice-family practice organizations and individuals. Existing primary care glossaries from several countries and the World Health Organization were also consulted. The definitions provided are intended as guidelines, rather than absolute dicta, for primary care providers and researchers who desire comparability. New knowledge, drifts in use of language with time, and new processes will inevitably require revision of definitions and the addition of new terms. A comprehensive dictionary is not intended, but rather terms most commonly used are included. Equivalent terms are enclosed in parentheses with the country or origin bracketed. It should be understood, however, that exact equivalence may not be present. It was not always possible to include fine shades of differences of meaning. For convenience, the male pronouns have been used throughout.