What does the term "baseline" refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, the term "baseline" refers to the initial set of measurements taken at the beginning of a patient's assessment or before a specific treatment begins. These measurements serve as a point of reference to evaluate changes in a patient's condition over time. By establishing a baseline, healthcare professionals can determine how a patient responds to treatment, track progress, and make informed decisions about ongoing care.

Understanding the importance of baseline measurements is crucial for effective patient management. They allow for a clearer analysis when future assessments are compared to the baseline data, as it provides context and helps to identify any significant changes or trends in the patient’s health status.