What is the term for a forecast of the likely course of a disease?

The term "prognosis" refers to the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease or condition. It involves an assessment of how the disease is expected to progress in an individual patient, including potential recovery or potential complications. Prognosis takes into account various factors such as the type of disease, stage at diagnosis, response to treatment, and overall health of the patient.

In contrast, diagnosis pertains to identifying the nature of a medical condition based on the evaluation of symptoms and clinical findings. Symptoms are the observable or reported indications of a disease from the patient's perspective, while assessment typically encompasses the overall evaluation of a patient's condition, which may include both diagnosis and treatment options. However, none of these terms specifically denote the forecast of the course of a disease as prognosis does. Therefore, prognosis is the most accurate term to describe the expected trajectory of a health condition.