Glossary: M

An article, instrument, apparatus or machine that is used in the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of illness or disease, or for detecting, measuring, restoring, correcting or modifying the structure or function of the body for some health purpose. Typically, the purpose of a medical device is not achieved by pharmacological, immunological or metabolic means.

A medical device requiring calibration, maintenance, repair, user training, and decommissioning − activities usually managed by clinical engineers. Medical equipment is used for the specific purposes of diagnosis and treatment of disease or rehabilitation following disease or injury; it can be used either alone or in combination with any accessory, consumable, or other piece of medical equipment. Medical equipment excludes implantable, disposable or single-use medical devices.

A state of well-being in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to his/her community.

A conceptualization of how services should be delivered, including the processes of care, organization of providers and management of services. The model of care evolves to meet the health aims and priorities of the population and to improve the performance of the health system.

Various health care professionals working together to provide a broad range of services in a coordinated approach. The composition of multidisciplinary teams in primary care will vary by setting but may include generalist medical practitioners (including family doctors and general practitioners), physicians assistants, nurses, specialist nurses, community health workers, pharmacists, social workers, dieticians, mental health counsellors, physiotherapists, patient educators, managers, support staff, and other primary care specialists.arious health care professionals working together to provide a broad range of services in a coordinated approach. The composition of multidisciplinary teams in primary care will vary by setting but may include generalist medical practitioners (including family doctors and general practitioners), physicians assistants, nurses, specialist nurses, community health workers, pharmacists, social workers, dieticians, mental health counsellors, physiotherapists, patient educators, managers, support staff, and other primary care specialists.

Policy design, policy implementation and other actions related to health and other sectors (for example, social protection, housing, education, agriculture, finance and industry) carried out collaboratively or alone, which address social, economic and environmental determinants of health and associated commercial factors or improve health and well-being.

The process by which two (or multiple) partners agree to be held responsible for the commitments that they have made to each other.