Stručni ispit za zdravstvene radnike key terms

The main Croatian statute that establishes the foundations of the healthcare system, including patients' rights, provider categories, and the duties of state bodies. It is the starting point for interpreting most other health regulations.

The set of activities carried out by licensed providers to protect health, prevent disease, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients. It includes preventive, curative, and palliative services delivered across primary, secondary, and tertiary levels.

A planning document that specifies the types, number, and geographic distribution of healthcare providers needed to meet population needs. It determines where public funding supports services and limits new providers in overserved areas.

First-contact care delivered close to where people live, typically by general practitioners, pediatricians, gynecologists, dentists, and community nurses. It handles common conditions, preventive checkups, referrals, and ongoing care for chronic diseases.

Secondary and tertiary care provided in hospitals, including specialist examinations, surgery, intensive care, and rehabilitation. It usually requires a referral or emergency admission and is organized by hospital departments and clinical units.

A public primary care institution that organizes general practice, dental care, gynecology, pediatrics, and community nursing in a defined area. It may also host specialist outpatient clinics and diagnostic services.

A right granted to a private provider to deliver publicly funded health services within the public network, usually for a set period and under a contract. It allows private practice in areas where the public network needs additional capacity.

A round-the-clock service that responds to sudden illness, injury, or life-threatening conditions, providing field treatment and transport to an appropriate hospital. It is organized regionally and accessible through the national emergency number.

The legal entitlement of insured persons to receive necessary healthcare without discrimination, under conditions set by law and insurance rules. It includes access to primary care, specialist care, emergency treatment, and medicines.

A patient's voluntary agreement to a diagnostic or treatment procedure after receiving understandable information about its purpose, benefits, risks, and alternatives. It must be documented and can be withdrawn at any time.

The patient's right to refuse a proposed examination, treatment, or procedure, even when it is medically recommended. The refusal must be recorded, and the patient must be informed of the possible consequences.

The patient's right to inspect and obtain copies of their medical record, including test results, diagnoses, and treatment notes. Access may be limited only in legally defined situations that protect the patient or third parties.

The patient's obligations to provide accurate health information, follow agreed treatment plans, respect hospital rules, and treat staff and other patients with consideration. Failure to cooperate can affect care but does not remove the right to treatment.

A person with completed health education and a license who directly provides healthcare, such as a physician, nurse, midwife, dentist, pharmacist, or physiotherapist. The law defines their scope of practice and supervision requirements.

A person with education in another field, such as psychology, social work, or administration, who participates in healthcare delivery alongside licensed health workers. Their role is defined by law and does not replace tasks reserved for health workers.

A mandatory insurance scheme that covers all residents and is financed mainly through contributions from wages and other income. It provides a legally defined package of healthcare services, medicines, and benefits.

The public institution that manages compulsory health insurance in Croatia, collects contributions, contracts providers, and administers benefits such as sick leave and orthopedic aids. It also maintains lists of reimbursed medicines and services.

Voluntary insurance that covers the patient's share of costs for services included in compulsory insurance, such as participation fees. It is purchased from the public insurer and reduces out-of-pocket payments at the point of care.

The portion of the cost of a covered health service that the patient pays directly, unless exempt or covered by supplemental insurance. It is set by regulation and applies to certain examinations, medicines, and hospital stays.

The process by which the public insurer and a healthcare provider agree on the scope, price, and quality conditions for delivering publicly funded services. The contract determines what the provider is paid and what patients can access.

A cash benefit paid to insured persons who are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury, usually calculated from recent earnings. It is administered by the public insurer or employer depending on duration and cause.

A published list of medicines reimbursed under compulsory insurance, organized by therapeutic groups and reimbursement levels. Prescribing from the list affects how much the patient pays.

The set of moral principles and professional standards that guide decisions in healthcare, including beneficence, nonmaleficence, autonomy, and justice. It helps practitioners resolve conflicts between patient wishes, clinical judgment, and resource limits.

A professional code adopted by the Croatian Medical Chamber that states physicians' ethical duties toward patients, colleagues, and society. It covers confidentiality, informed consent, conflicts of interest, and professional conduct.

The duty of physicians and other health workers to keep confidential all information learned during care, including diagnosis, treatment, and personal circumstances. Disclosure is permitted only with patient consent or when required by law.

The broader obligation to protect patient health information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure across all settings and formats. It includes secure storage, limited sharing among care team members, and breach reporting.

A situation in which a health worker's personal, financial, or professional interests could improperly influence patient care or public duties. It must be disclosed and managed, often by withdrawing from decisions or obtaining ethics committee review.

The accountability of health workers for maintaining competence, following standards, and accepting consequences for negligent or unethical conduct. It can lead to disciplinary, civil, or criminal proceedings.

A committee that reviews ethical aspects of research, clinical practice, and professional conduct within a healthcare institution or chamber. It advises on conflicts, protects patient dignity, and may investigate complaints.

Failure by a health worker to provide the level of care that a reasonably competent professional would provide in similar circumstances, causing or risking harm. It is assessed through expert testimony and can trigger liability.

The prevention of avoidable harm to patients during healthcare, including errors, infections, falls, medication mistakes, and communication failures. It relies on reporting systems, teamwork, and continuous improvement rather than blaming individuals.

The shared attitudes, values, and behaviors in an organization that prioritize safety, encourage error reporting, and support learning from mistakes. It is measured through staff surveys and linked to lower rates of adverse events.

An unintended event during healthcare that causes or could have caused harm to a patient, such as a wrong dose, surgical complication, or hospital-acquired infection. Serious events require formal investigation and disclosure.

The structured reporting of an adverse event or near miss to a designated system so that causes can be analyzed and prevention improved. Reporting is protected when done in good faith and is not the same as disciplinary action.

The practice of cleaning hands at defined moments during patient care using soap and water or alcohol-based rub. It is the single most effective measure for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

A set of policies and practices aimed at preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings, including hand hygiene, isolation precautions, sterilization, and surveillance. It applies to all staff, patients, and visitors.

The legal and practical framework for protecting workers from occupational injuries and illnesses, including risk assessment, training, protective equipment, and health surveillance. In healthcare it also covers needlestick injuries and workplace violence.

A systematic process of identifying hazards, evaluating who might be harmed and how, and deciding on preventive measures. It is documented and reviewed regularly as part of occupational safety and quality management.

Equipment worn by workers to reduce exposure to hazards, such as gloves, masks, goggles, gowns, and safety shoes. It must be provided free of charge, fit properly, and be used according to the risk assessment.

The degree to which healthcare services meet agreed standards of safety, effectiveness, timeliness, efficiency, equity, and patient-centeredness. It is monitored through indicators, audits, and patient feedback.