Author: Glossary
-
Disability analysis
The attempt to determine the relative importance of life events that contribute to functional impairments. Determining the relationship between occupational or other exposures and the development of chronic illness is often a complex task. For example, chronic obstructive lung diseases may result from non-occupational factors such as tobacco abuse, or from genetic illnesses such as…
-
Excess disability
The discrepancy that exists when a person’s functional limitations are greater than those warranted by the objective degree of impairment. Often excess disability is created by attitudes and policies that create barriers to a disabled person’s full participation.
-
Dirty bomb
A weapon that disperses into the environment low-level radioactive material bonded to a conventional explosive.
-
Dirofilaria immitis
Heartworm, a species of filariae that occurs in dogs but may infest humans.
-
Dirofilaria
A genus of filarial worms.
-
Dirigomotor
Controlling or directing muscular activity.
-
Direct-to-consumer advertising
The marketing and sales of drugs, diagnostic or therapeutic services, and other medically related products or services by their owner or manufacturer to the general public by means of television, radio, the Internet, and direct mail. The most commonly advertised drugs are medications for allergies, arthritis, depression, erectile dysfunction, gastroesophageal reflux, and high blood pressure.…
-
Direct reflex
A reflex in which response occurs on the same side as the stimulus.
-
Directly observed therapy
Oral administration of a drug or of drugs to a patient under supervision to ensure the drug is swallowed. DOT is especially important in treating patients with infectious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis) in which development of drug-resistant microorganisms is likely to threaten public health if the drug is not taken exactly as prescribed.
-
Direct light reflex
Prompt contraction of the sphincter of the iris when light entering through the pupil strikes the retina.