Course Access
Terminology
| Term | Setting | Referenced | Definition |
| Aged Care | Residential or home care | Australian Government Department of Health | The range of support services provided to older people who need help with daily living, personal care or health management. |
| Healthcare facility | All settings where care is provided | NHMRC |
Any facility that delivers healthcare services. A healthcare facility can include but is not limited to hospitals, general practice clinics, dentistry and community-based office practices, day surgery centres, emergency services, domiciliary nursing services, long-term care facilities, aged care facilities, indigenous medical services, alternative health provider facilities and other community service facilities. |
| Healthcare setting | All settings | NHMRC |
The environment within which health care is provided. A healthcare setting can include but is not limited to hospitals, residential aged care facilities, community/primary health settings and private office-based settings. |
| Healthcare worker | All settings where care is provided | NHMRC |
A person who works in a healthcare or social care setting. Including medical practitioners, nurses, midwives, carers, dentists, allied health professionals, psychologists, students on placement; as well as volunteers, executives, managers and administration. This definition applies to people who are paid or unpaid, permanent or casual and including visiting, sessional and agency staff. |
| Home Care | Home/ community care |
Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (2025). Department of Health and Aged Care (2025). The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Home Care Standards Guidelines. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Guidelines. |
A range of services designed to help individuals, especially older persons and those with disabilities, maintain their independence and live safely in their own homes, rather than in a hospital or residential aged care service. |
| Hospital | Hospital setting | A facility where individuals receive medical care, encompassing various departments and areas like emergency rooms, wards, mental health units, and outpatient clinics. | |
|
Individual, or Older person/people |
Aged care (Residential and home care) |
Aged Care Act (2024). Strengthened Aged Care Standards (2025).
|
A person who in a residential or home care setting, where they receive assistance with daily living activities and healthcare services |
| Infection Prevention and Control Professional (IPCP) | All settings | World Health Organization (2020). | A healthcare professional who has completed postgraduate education in IPC, as well as IPC practical and clinical training. |
| Infection Preventionist | All settings |
Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – United States. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) – United States. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). |
A healthcare professional responsible for developing, implementing and overseeing IPC programs in healthcare settings. Predominantly used in North America. |
| Patient |
Hospital, day procedure centre,
|
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS). NHMRC |
A person who is receiving care in a hospital setting. |
| Resident | Residential care | A person who resides in a residential aged care home, where they receive assistance with daily living activities and healthcare services | |
| Residential care home |
Residential aged care
|
National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards (NSQHS). The Aged Care Act (2024). Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards (2025). |
A facility that provides care to people who can no longer live independently, they receive accommodation and 24/7 care, including personal care, nursing care, and access to health services |