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 385 - 396 of 411 results.
Term Description

Tissue viability nurse (TVN)

Specialist nursing service for wounds that are taking a long time to heal. This includes surgical wounds, leg ulcers or pressure ulcers.

Transfer

To move someone or something from one place, vehicle, person, or group to another.

Treatment

The use of drugs, exercises, etc. to cure a person of an illness or injury.

Trigger

Something that causes someone to feel upset and frightened because they are made to remember something bad that has happened in the past or something they have a dislike to.

Trust in care (Health Service Executive policy)

The policy for managing allegations of abuse against staff members.

Understand

To know why or how something happens or works.

Unexpected death

An death that was unanticipated or occurred earlier than expected.

Unexplained absence

An incident where a resident has been found missing from a centre without the residential care facility staff’s knowledge of his or her whereabouts.

Alternative term(s) not to be used : Missing; Absconsion

Unique identifier

A numeric or alphanumeric string that is associated with an individual person using a service.

Unresponsive

Not reacting to a stimulus because of being unconscious or very ill.

Urinary incontinence

Unintentional passing of urine.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Common infections that happen when bacteria enter the urethra, and infect the urinary tract.