Hospitalization: meaning, definitions and examples

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hospitalization

 

[ˌhɑː.spɪ.tə.laɪˈzeɪ.ʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical care

The act of placing a person in a hospital for treatment or observation.

Synonyms

admission, care, treatment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hospitalization

This term is used when talking about staying in a hospital as a patient for medical care, often for an extended period of time.

  • After the accident, he required immediate hospitalization.
  • Prolonged hospitalization was necessary for her recovery.
admission

Admission is used when referring to the process of being accepted into a hospital or medical facility for treatment or observation.

  • The doctor recommended her admission to the hospital for further tests.
  • Upon admission, the patient was taken to the emergency room.
treatment

Treatment is used when discussing the specific medical interventions or therapies provided to address a health condition.

  • The patient is currently undergoing treatment for cancer.
  • Effective treatment is crucial for managing chronic illnesses.
care

This term is more general and can refer to medical attention provided in various settings, not necessarily in a hospital. It includes all aspects of medical attention.

  • She received excellent care from her nursing staff.
  • Elderly patients often need continuous care.

Examples of usage

  • He required hospitalization for his severe injuries.
  • The doctor recommended hospitalization for further tests.
Context #2 | Noun

mental health

The admission of a person to a psychiatric facility for treatment of mental illness.

Synonyms

institutionalization, psychiatric care.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hospitalization

Used when referring to the process or act of admitting someone to a hospital for treatment or observation. It generally implies a temporary stay for medical reasons.

  • After the accident, John required immediate hospitalization for his injuries.
  • The doctor recommended hospitalization to monitor her condition closely.
institutionalization

Refers to placing someone into a long-term care facility or institution, such as a psychiatric hospital, nursing home, or prison. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a loss of personal freedom and the long-term nature of the stay.

  • The reform aimed to reduce the institutionalization of people with disabilities.
  • Concerns have been raised about the institutionalization of elderly patients who could live independently.
psychiatric care

Used to describe medical care and treatment given to individuals with mental health conditions. This can include therapy, medication, and support provided in various settings, such as outpatient clinics or psychiatric hospitals.

  • She was admitted to the facility for psychiatric care after experiencing severe depression.
  • Ongoing psychiatric care is essential for managing bipolar disorder.

Examples of usage

  • She underwent hospitalization for depression.
  • The hospitalization helped her manage her anxiety.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word combines 'hospital', which originates from the Latin 'hospitale', meaning a place of hospitality or care, and 'ization', indicating a process.
  • The concept of hospitalization has roots in ancient civilizations, where special places were set up for the sick, often associated with temples.

Healthcare

  • Hospitalization rates can indicate the overall health of a population, with factors such as access to medical services significantly influencing these numbers.
  • In the modern healthcare system, hospitalization is increasingly used as a metric for measuring the quality of care provided.

Cultural Perceptions

  • In many cultures, hospitalization can carry a stigma, as it may signify a serious illness or failure to manage one's health.
  • Conversely, in some societies, going to the hospital is seen as a necessary and responsible action for better health, highlighting the cultural divergence in perceptions of medical care.

Psychological Impact

  • Being hospitalized can lead to feelings of anxiety and isolation, especially in younger patients who may be separated from their families.
  • Healthcare systems increasingly recognize the importance of mental health during hospitalization, providing support to help patients cope with their experience.

Technology and Innovation

  • Advancements in telemedicine are changing the landscape of hospitalization, allowing for remote monitoring and consultations that can reduce the need for physical stays.
  • Smart hospitals are beginning to use AI and data analytics to improve patient care and reduce unnecessary hospitalizations by predicting health issues before they require inpatient care.

Translations

Translations of the word "hospitalization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hospitalização

🇮🇳 अस्पताल में भर्ती

🇩🇪 Krankenhauseinweisung

🇮🇩 perawatan di rumah sakit

🇺🇦 госпіталізація

🇵🇱 hospitalizacja

🇯🇵 入院

🇫🇷 hospitalisation

🇪🇸 hospitalización

🇹🇷 hastaneye yatış

🇰🇷 입원

🇸🇦 استشفاء

🇨🇿 hospitalizace

🇸🇰 hospitalizácia

🇨🇳 住院

🇸🇮 hospitalizacija

🇮🇸 innlögn á sjúkrahús

🇰🇿 госпитализация

🇬🇪 ჰოსპიტალიზაცია

🇦🇿 xəstəxanaya yerləşdirmə

🇲🇽 hospitalización

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,883, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.