Medical Terminology
1. How can eliminating abbreviations reduce errors?
I think that eliminating medical abbreviations would reduce errors because many abbreviations are very similar and people get confused between them, however, if abbreviations were eliminated it would make it very difficult on medical professionals. They would have to write out very lengthy medical terms. According to Dr. Darryl S. Rich, “to minimize the potential for error and to maximize patient safety, prescribers need to avoid such specifically dangerous abbreviations and phrases.” (www.jointcommission.org/SentinelEvents/SentinelEventAlert/sea_23.htm) Simple electronic prescription programs can eliminate errors caused by handwriting and transcription errors, assist with dosing, and provided quick access to drug information. (http://jaapa.com/issues/j20040201/articles/0204wmederrors.html)
2. Should written policies be developed for abbreviation usages? If yes, what should the policies contain? If no, explain.
Yes. The JCAHO has recently mandated the accredited organizations to develop and enforce sure a list. Many organizations are developing written policies stating which abbreviations should not be used and medical professionals are trained to write legible when using other abbreviations. The Joint Commission has come up with a do not use list. (www.jointcommission.org/PatientSafety/DoNotUseList)
3. When are abbreviations acceptable? Who should use them and why?
Medical professionals should use abbreviations and acronyms only when you really need them. You should introduce an abbreviation or acronym by putting it in parentheses immediately after the words it stands for and you should always confirm that others correctly understand your abbreviation or acronym. (www.boston.com/jobs/healthcare/oncall/articles/2008/04/10/in_other_words)
4. According to the information in the online articles, do you think enough steps have been taken to reduce errors? Explain why you agree or disagree.
I
I think that eliminating medical abbreviations would reduce errors because many abbreviations are very similar and people get confused between them, however, if abbreviations were eliminated it would make it very difficult on medical professionals. They would have to write out very lengthy medical terms. According to Dr. Darryl S. Rich, “to minimize the potential for error and to maximize patient safety, prescribers need to avoid such specifically dangerous abbreviations and phrases.” (www.jointcommission.org/SentinelEvents/SentinelEventAlert/sea_23.htm) Simple electronic prescription programs can eliminate errors caused by handwriting and transcription errors, assist with dosing, and provided quick access to drug information. (http://jaapa.com/issues/j20040201/articles/0204wmederrors.html)
2. Should written policies be developed for abbreviation usages? If yes, what should the policies contain? If no, explain.
Yes. The JCAHO has recently mandated the accredited organizations to develop and enforce sure a list. Many organizations are developing written policies stating which abbreviations should not be used and medical professionals are trained to write legible when using other abbreviations. The Joint Commission has come up with a do not use list. (www.jointcommission.org/PatientSafety/DoNotUseList)
3. When are abbreviations acceptable? Who should use them and why?
Medical professionals should use abbreviations and acronyms only when you really need them. You should introduce an abbreviation or acronym by putting it in parentheses immediately after the words it stands for and you should always confirm that others correctly understand your abbreviation or acronym. (www.boston.com/jobs/healthcare/oncall/articles/2008/04/10/in_other_words)
4. According to the information in the online articles, do you think enough steps have been taken to reduce errors? Explain why you agree or disagree.
I