The Lexicon for Social Care is an initiative by HIQA’s Chief Inspector of Social Service. The Lexicon provides a list of commonly-used words relevant to social care, along with a definition. The use of standardised language is important for clarity and consistency and all providers of social care are encouraged to use the Lexicon in their communications with HIQA. Below are links to useful documents as well as a search function for the Lexicon.

If you wish to comment or leave feedback on the Lexicon for Social Care then please click here or simply email socialcarelexicon@hiqa.ie.

  • Guidance for providers on submitting notifications

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  • Lexicon for Social Care (PDF)

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  • Infographic about the Lexicon

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Lexicon catalogue

Displaying 289 - 300 of 411 results.
Term Description

Privacy

The right that someone has to keep their personal life or personal information secret or known only to a small group of people.

Professional guidelines

A document which describes how a professional should act in a specific context.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Guidelines

Protected disclosure

Information provided by an employee which describes wrongdoing and where the employee is entitled to legal protection as a result.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Whistleblowing

Psychiatric assessment

Where a psychiatrist assesses a person's mental state.

Psychiatric care

A branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.

Psychiatrist

A doctor who specialises in psychiatric illnesses and is registered by an appropriate authority.

Psychological abuse

Behaviour that is psychologically harmful of another person and which inflicts anxiety or mental distress by threat, humiliation or other verbal/nonverbal conduct.

Psychological restraint

Using psychological means to deprive a person of choices, control them through not permitting them to do something, or making them do something or setting limits on what they can do.

Psychologist

A mental health professional who uses psychological evaluations and talk therapy to help people learn to better cope with life.

Psychotropic

Drugs or other substances that affect a person's mind.

Pupils equal and reacting to light (PEARL)

An assessment of a person's pupillary reaction in relation to head injuries or brain function.

Recommended diet

A diet, for example a low calorie diet, as recommended by a dietician team.