A comparative study on how medical students learn about the use of abbreviations in medical practice
- Author:
Farah Syazana Ahmad Shahabuddin
;
Nur Hazirah Ahmat
;
Ahmed Ikhwan Mohamad
;
Kit Mun Lau
;
Siti Aisyah Mohd Yusof
;
Pei Chiek The
;
Kwee Choy Koh
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Abbreviations;
medical students;
medical practice;
medical errors;
patient safety
- MeSH:
Students, Medical
- From:International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education
2015;9(2):13-21
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background: Misinterpretation of abbreviations by
healthcare workers has been reported to compromise
patient safety. Medical students are future doctors.
We explored how early medical students acquired the
practice of using abbreviations, and their ability to
interpret commonly used abbreviations in medical
practice.
Method: Eighty junior and 74 senior medical students
were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire
designed to capture demographic data; frequency and
reasons for using abbreviations; from where abbreviations
were learned; frequency of encountering abbreviations
in medical practice; prevalence of mishaps due to
misinterpretation; and the ability of students to correctly
interpret commonly used abbreviations. Comparisons
were made between senior and junior medical students.
Results: Abbreviation use was highly prevalent among
junior and senior medical students. They acquired the
habit mainly from the clinical notes of doctors in the
hospital. They used abbreviations mainly to save time,
space and avoid writing in full sentences. The students
experienced difficulties, frustrations and often resorted to
guesswork when interpreting abbreviations; with junior
students experiencing these more than senior students.
The latter were better at interpreting standard and nonstandard
abbreviations. Nevertheless, the students felt
the use of abbreviations was necessary and acceptable.
Only a few students reported encountering mishaps in
patient management as a result of misinterpretation of
abbreviations.
Conclusion: Medical students acquired the habit of
using abbreviations early in their training. Senior
students knew more and correctly interpreted more
standard and non-standard abbreviations compared to
junior students. Medical students should be taught to
use standard abbreviations only.
- Full text:P020150903528372783775.pdf
