AHRQ Patient Safety Network

Glossary
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Definitions abound in the medical error and patient safety literature, with subtle and not-so-subtle variations in the meanings of important terms. We have tried to adopt the most straightforward terminology, with definitions that enjoy the widest use.


Iatrogenic:
An adverse effect of medical care, rather than of the underlying disease (literally "brought forth by healer," from Greek iatros, for healer, and gennan to bring forth); equivalent to adverse event.

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