Glossary of Terms

[Table of Contents]

Primary Health Care is essential care (promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative and supportive), that is focused on preventing illness and promoting health. Primary health care is both a philosophy of health care and an approach to providing health services. It has been adopted by the World Health Organization and by Canada as the key to enabling people to lead socially and economically productive lives. Clients of primary health care can be individuals, families, groups, communities and populations. The principles of primary health care are accessibility, public participation, health prevention, appropriate technology and inter-sectoral cooperation (Canadian Nurses Association - Policy Statement, April 1995).

Primary Care is initial client contact with the health care system for the purpose of assessment, diagnosis and treatment of acute episodic and chronic illness or injury.

Nurse Practitioner refers to a registered nurse with advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in assessment, diagnosis and health care management. A nurse practitioner's practice is comprehensive in scope and provides services that promote health, prevent injury and disease, cure illnesses and injuries, rehabilitate and support individuals, families and communities in all health care settings.

Extended Practice refers to practice that is characterized by the use of competencies required to perform activities that are usually considered to be outside the current scope of nursing practice. These activities typically fall within the usual scope of medical practice and include such functions as diagnosing and prescribing as well as specific procedures or technical skills (Canadian Nurses Association, A Proposed Framework for Advanced Nursing Practice: Discussion Guide, March 1999).

Expanded Practice refers to the development of new knowledge and skills within the practice of nursing. In expanded practice, functions historically performed only by physicians have been adapted and adopted such that they have become part of nursing. In expanded practice, competencies involved with diagnosing and prescribing are considered part of the scope of nursing practice and not as an extension into medicine (Canadian Nurses Association, A Proposed Framework for Advanced Nursing Practice: Discussion Guide, March 1999).

Delegated Medical Functions/Protocol Arrangements are functions which registered nurses in extended/expanded roles are authorized to perform when the conditions (e.g., advanced preparation for skill transfer, etc.) have been satisfied as specified in protocol arrangements between various bodies (i.e., medical/nursing regulatory bodies, ministries of health, and/or employers).

Autonomous Practice involves independent clinical decision making within the practitioner's scope of practice and inherent level of accountability.

Collaborative Practice involves jointly defining the professional relationship necessary to provide integrated care to clients through shared goal setting, shared decision-making and mutual respect.