Acute care refers to a branch of healthcare that provides immediate and short-term treatment for severe or urgent medical conditions. This type of care is typically delivered in settings such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and urgent care facilities. It focuses on diagnosing and managing acute illnesses, injuries, or complications that require prompt attention.
Patients receiving acute care may experience conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or severe infections. The goal is to stabilize the patient's condition, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further complications. Once stabilized, patients may be transferred to other types of care, such as rehabilitation or long-term care, for ongoing treatment.