Which term describes a slight improvement in a patient's condition?

The term that describes a slight improvement in a patient's condition is "amelioration." This word derives from the Latin "ameliorare," which means to make better or improve. In medical terminology, it is commonly used to indicate that a patient's symptoms are becoming less severe or that their overall condition is improving in some way. This is particularly relevant in the context of ongoing conditions where treatment is aimed at enhancing the patient's quality of life by reducing the severity of their symptoms or facilitating recovery.

In contrast, terms such as deterioration, progression, and exacerbation indicate worsening of a condition or symptoms, rather than improvement. Deterioration implies a decline in health status, progression suggests that a disease is advancing, and exacerbation refers to a period when symptoms become more severe. Therefore, "amelioration" accurately captures the essence of slight improvement in a patient's condition.