A study on the use of abbreviations among doctors and nurses in the medical department of a tertiary hospital in Malaysia
- Author:
Kwee Choy Koh
;
Kit Mun Lau
;
Siti Aisyah Mohd Yusof
;
Ahmed Ikhwan Mohamad
;
Farah Syazana Ahmad Shahabuddin
;
Nur Hazirah Ahmat
;
Pei Chiek Teh
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Abbreviations;
patient safety;
medical practice;
healthcare professionals
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2015;70(6):334-340
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Misinterpretation of abbreviations by
healthcare professionals has been reported to compromise
patient safety. This study was done to determine the
prevalence of abbreviations usage among medical doctors
and nurses and their ability to interpret commonly used
abbreviations in medical practice.
Methods: Seventy-seven medical doctors and eighty nurses
answered a self-administered questionnaire designed to
capture demographic data and information regarding
abbreviation use in medical practice. Comparisons were
made between doctors and nurses with regards to
frequency and reasons for using abbreviations; from where
abbreviations were learned; frequency of encountering
abbreviations in medical practice; prevalence of medical
errors due to misinterpretation of abbreviations; and their
ability to correctly interpret commonly used abbreviations.
Results: The use of abbreviations was highly prevalent
among doctors and nurses. Time saving, avoidance of
writing sentences in full and convenience, were the main
reasons for using abbreviations. Doctors learned
abbreviations from fellow doctors while nurses learned from
fellow nurses and doctors. More doctors than nurses
reported encountering abbreviations. Both groups reported
no difficulties in interpreting abbreviations although nurses
reported often resorting to guesswork. Both groups felt
abbreviations were necessary and an acceptable part of
work. Doctors outperformed nurses in correctly interpreting
commonly used standard and non-standard abbreviations.
Conclusion: The use of standard and non-standard
abbreviation in clinical practice by doctors and nurses was
highly prevalent. Significant variability in interpretation of
abbreviations exists between doctors and nurses.
- Full text:P020160224439088720974.pdf
