Clinics are healthcare facilities that focus on outpatient care, meaning patients do not need to stay overnight. They can be privately run, government-owned, or even part of a hospital. There are many different types of clinics, including family practice, specialty, and ambulatory surgery. Some may also offer other specialized services, such as fertility clinics or acoustic therapy. A medical clinic is generally considered to be a type of multi-disciplinary practice where several specialists work alongside each other to treat one patient and to provide a “one-stop-shop” approach to healthcare.
The word clinic is often used as a generic term for any medical service, which can be confusing. The word originally meant a small therapeutic treatment centre but has since evolved into an institution that provides diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive outpatient services. Some of these institutions are independent and not affiliated with any hospitals, while others are large, complex, and associated with a hospital or a medical school. Historically, some clinics have been operated by trade unions and supported with welfare benefits paid for by workers’ employers.
Many people confuse the term clinic with the word hospital, however there are distinct differences between them. A hospital is a larger facility that has the resources and expertise to provide emergency and other services around the clock. They have a range of specialties, diagnostic equipment, and pharmacy services on site. Hospitals are more equipped to handle complex procedures and surgeries that can not be handled at a medical clinic.
Medical clinics tend to be smaller and are more focused on outpatient care. They can still be multi-disciplinary and have specialists working side by side, but they do not operate round the clock and cannot provide major or emergency surgeries.
Traditionally, the term clinic has also been used to describe a private physician’s solo practice. It can also refer to a medical spa or any outpatient clinic that is not part of a hospital. It can also be applied to an entire medical teaching institution or a specific division within it, such as a psychiatric clinic or a neurology clinic.
Employees are often drawn to the convenience of on-site or near-site clinics, which can help them avoid long commutes and missed work hours. They can also be an important recruiting tool for businesses, as potential employees will know that the company values its employees and their health. On-site or near-site clinics can reduce workplace injuries and illnesses by facilitating communication between human resources and employees, and allowing healthcare coverage to cover physical therapy or other treatments that can speed recovery and return an employee to work (Sherman & Fabius).
Employees who use on-site or near-site clinics report better satisfaction with their healthcare providers. They usually experience shorter wait times, which allows the provider to spend more time with each individual and listen to their concerns. They also report more meaningful relationships with their primary care physicians, which leads to better compliance with care and a lower risk of chronic conditions developing.