Terminology

Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is an infection acquired in the hospital or other healthcare setting.

Examples include catheter-associated infections and HAP.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is an example of a nosocomial infection. HAP is a new pneumonia arising two or more days after admission to hospital.

NICE Guideline (NG139) - Pneumonia (hospital-acquired): antimicrobial prescribing

BMJ Best Practice - HAP

Hospital-Based Complex Clinical Care (HBCCC) provides hospital care (nursing and medical input) for patients who cannot be looked after anywhere else due to their frailty and complexity. The medical input should involve consultant geriatrician input as well as day to day input which varies between facilities (some GP, some specialty or junior doctor).

Criterion for eligibility is "cannot be looked after anywhere else" as assessed by consultant geriatrician. Eligibility should be reviewed every three months, and patients who no longer meet the criterion should be moved on (usually nursing home).

The high-dependency unit (HDU) offers a level of care (Level 2) between ward-level (Level 1) and ICU-level (Level 3).

A HDU is for "patients needing single organ support (excluding mechanical ventilation) such as renal haemofiltration or ionotropes and invasive BP monitoring. They are staffed with one nurse to two patients." (reference).

HFpEF is heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

NICE CKS - Heart failure: chronic

BMJ Best Practice - Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler–Weber–Rendu syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder that leads to abnormal blood vessel formation:

• Telangiectasia: in the skin and mucous membranes (red or purple spots under the skin)
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): in organs such as the lungs, liver and brain

The most common problem is nosebleeds (epistaxis), acute GI blood loss, and chronic GI blood loss, leading to IDA.

Management may include iron supplementation, blood transfusion, laser treatment for telangiectasia and embolisation or surgery for AVMs.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) damages cells in the immune system. Once acquired, HIV persists for life. There is no cure, but antiretroviral drugs can control infection and stop transmission to others. HIV can be transmitted in a number of ways, all of which are preventable.

HIV can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Sexwise - HIV

NICE CKS - HIV infection and AIDS

The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis is a hormone-based system that regulates the body’s reaction to stress.

High-resolution computerised tomography (HRCT) is a high-resolution form of CT, used most commonly for interstitial lung diseases.

Radiopaedia - HRCT

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a form of hormone therapy used to treat symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flushes and night sweats, vaginal dryness, reduced sex drive, and bone loss.

NICE Guideline (NG23) - Menopause: diagnosis and management