What is the action of giving a formal statement or report about a patient's health called?

The action of providing a formal statement or report regarding a patient's health is referred to as documentation. This process is critical in the healthcare field as it serves to create a permanent record of a patient's health status, treatment plans, and the care they receive. Documentation is essential for various reasons, including ensuring continuity of care, facilitating communication among healthcare providers, and meeting legal and regulatory requirements.

In the context of patient care, documentation can include everything from initial assessments, progress notes, treatment summaries, and discharge summaries. It helps in tracking changes in a patient's condition, supporting clinical decisions, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Alternatively, assessment relates to the systematic evaluation of a patient to gather health information, while consultation typically refers to seeking input or advice from another healthcare professional about a patient's care. Evaluation is generally associated with analyzing data or outcomes but does not specifically denote the formal recording process that documentation entails.