Abbreviations in physiotherapy: Difference between revisions
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'''Top Contributors''' - {{Special:Contributors/{{FULLPAGENAME}}}} | '''Top Contributors''' - {{Special:Contributors/{{FULLPAGENAME}}}} | ||
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= | = Introduction = | ||
Abbreviations assist healthcare professionals to make effective use of their time. These abbreviations should be recognised and agreed upon in order to ensure | Abbreviations assist healthcare professionals to streamline documentation and make more effective use of their time. These abbreviations should be recognised and agreed upon in order to ensure clear communication and prevent avoidable errors in patient care. | ||
== Abbreviations<ref> | |||
== Abbreviations == | |||
Approved abbreviations may vary widely by facility, area of practice, and geographical location. Below is a list of commonly used abbreviations that are relevant to physiotherapy practice.<ref>Castin, Meredith. The most common physical therapy abbreviations. Available from:https://www.webpt.com/blog/post/the-most-common-physical-therapy-abbreviations/ (accessed 04/29/2020).</ref><ref>Health Service Executive.https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/qid/quality-and-patient-safety-documents/abbreviations.pdf. NHO Abbreviations booklet.Available from: (accessed 29 April 2020)</ref><ref>Bottomley JM. Quick reference dictionary for physical therapy. Slack Incorporated; 2000.</ref> | |||
It is important to note however, that there are some exceptions, where '''abbreviations should not be used'''. These include: | |||
* Patient's name and resuscitation status | |||
* Drug names | |||
* Patient/Service user names | |||
* 'Right' or 'Left' - Except when used as part of an approved abbreviation | |||
* +++, > or < - Unless used as part of an official grading system | |||
Abbreviations should never be used on: | |||
# A consent form or | |||
# On an incident report | |||
=== Units: === | === Units: === | ||
Line 80: | Line 95: | ||
|s | |s | ||
|second | |second | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 120: | Line 129: | ||
| SL | | SL | ||
| Sublingually | | Sublingually | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 182: | Line 140: | ||
| '''DEFINITION''' | | '''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | | AAA | ||
| | | Abdominal [[Aortic Aneurysm]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |AAROM | ||
| | |active assist [[Range of Motion|range of motion]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ABD | |ABD | ||
Line 193: | Line 151: | ||
|ABG | |ABG | ||
| | | | ||
Arterial blood gas | [[Arterial Blood Gases|Arterial blood gas]] | ||
|- | |||
|ACDF | |||
|anterior cervical discectomy and fusion | |||
|- | |- | ||
|ACL | |ACL | ||
|anterior cruciate ligament | |[[Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)|anterior cruciate ligament]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ACTH | |ACTH | ||
|adrenocorticotropic hormone | |adrenocorticotropic hormone | ||
|- | |||
|ACJ | |||
|[[Acromioclavicular Joint|acromioclavicular joint]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|ACS | |ACS | ||
|Acute coronary syndrome | |[[Acute Coronary Syndrome|Acute coronary syndrome]] | ||
|- | |||
|AD | |||
|[[Assistive Devices|assistive device]] | |||
|- | |- | ||
|ADD | |ADD | ||
|adduction | |adduction | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ADL | |ADL | ||
|activities of daily living | |[[Activities of Daily Living|activities of daily living]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|AFO | |AFO | ||
Line 225: | Line 186: | ||
|Anterior superior iliac spine | |Anterior superior iliac spine | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |AKA | ||
|above knee amputation | |||
|above knee | |||
|- | |- | ||
|ALS | |ALS | ||
|amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | |amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |AMS | ||
| | |altered mental status | ||
|- | |- | ||
|AMA | |AMA | ||
|against medical advice | |against medical advice | ||
|- | |||
|Amb | |||
|ambulation | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Ant | |Ant | ||
|anterior | |anterior | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |A/P | ||
|anterior-posterior | |anterior-posterior | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Ab | |Ab | ||
|Antibody | |Antibody | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ACE | |ACE | ||
Line 267: | Line 219: | ||
|Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | |Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ||
|- | |- | ||
|AF | |AF, Afib | ||
|Atrial fibrillation | |Atrial fibrillation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |AR | ||
| | |acute rehabilitation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |AROM | ||
| | |active range of motion | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== B === | === B === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |B | ||
|below elbow | |bilateral | ||
|- | |||
|BEA | |||
|below elbow amputation | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | |BKA | ||
|below knee | |below knee amputation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|BOS | |BOS | ||
Line 301: | Line 253: | ||
=== C === | === C === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |||
|c (with a line over it) | |||
|with | |||
|- | |||
|C0/C1 | |||
|Atlanto-axial joint | |||
|- | |- | ||
|C1-7 | |C1-7 | ||
Line 319: | Line 277: | ||
|CBC | |CBC | ||
|Complete blood count | |Complete blood count | ||
|- | |||
|CC | |||
|chief complaint, current complaint | |||
|- | |- | ||
|CCA | |CCA | ||
Line 332: | Line 293: | ||
|Chronic fatigue syndrome | |Chronic fatigue syndrome | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |CGA | ||
| | |Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment or Contact Guard Assist | ||
|- | |- | ||
|CHF | |CHF | ||
|Congestive heart failure | |Congestive heart failure | ||
|- | |- | ||
|c/o | |c/o | ||
Line 356: | Line 308: | ||
|Carbon dioxide | |Carbon dioxide | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |COTA | ||
| | |Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |CN | ||
| | |cranial nerve | ||
|- | |- | ||
|COPD | |COPD | ||
Line 370: | Line 319: | ||
|CPAP | |CPAP | ||
|Continuous positive airway pressure | |Continuous positive airway pressure | ||
|- | |- | ||
|CPM | |CPM | ||
Line 385: | Line 328: | ||
|creps | |creps | ||
|Crepitations | |Crepitations | ||
|- | |- | ||
|CRF | |CRF | ||
|Chronic renal failure | |Chronic renal failure | ||
|- | |- | ||
|CSF | |CSF | ||
Line 400: | Line 337: | ||
|CT | |CT | ||
|Computerised tomography | |Computerised tomography | ||
|- | |||
|CTO | |||
|cervicothoracic orthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|CTS | |CTS | ||
|Carpal tunnel syndrome | |Carpal tunnel syndrome | ||
|- | |||
|CTx | |||
|cervical traction | |||
|- | |||
|CVA | |||
|Cerebrovascular accident | |||
|- | |- | ||
|CVP | |CVP | ||
|Central venous pressure | |Central venous pressure | ||
|} | |} | ||
== D == | == D == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 423: | Line 363: | ||
|D/C | |D/C | ||
|Discharge | |Discharge | ||
|- | |||
|DBP | |||
|diastolic blood pressure | |||
|- | |- | ||
|DDx | |DDx | ||
|Differential diagnosis | |Differential diagnosis | ||
|- | |- | ||
|DDD | |DDD | ||
Line 444: | Line 384: | ||
|DI | |DI | ||
|Diabetes Insipidus | |Diabetes Insipidus | ||
|- | |- | ||
|DJD | |DJD | ||
Line 459: | Line 396: | ||
|DOE | |DOE | ||
|Dyspnoea on exertion | |Dyspnoea on exertion | ||
|} | |} | ||
== E == | == E == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ECG | |ECG | ||
| | |electrocardiogram | ||
|- | |||
|ED | |||
|emergency department | |||
|- | |- | ||
|EEG | |EEG | ||
Line 477: | Line 414: | ||
|electromyogram, electromyography | |electromyogram, electromyography | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |EOB | ||
| | |edge of bed | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |ER | ||
| | |external rotation | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |EVD | ||
| | |extraventricular drain | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Ext | |Ext | ||
| | |extension | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |Ev | ||
| | |eversion | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== F === | === F === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Fx | |Fx | ||
|Fracture | |Fracture | ||
|- | |||
|FFH | |||
|fall from height | |||
|- | |- | ||
|FVC | |FVC | ||
Line 515: | Line 449: | ||
|F/U | |F/U | ||
|Follow up | |Follow up | ||
|- | |- | ||
|FSH | |FSH | ||
Line 536: | Line 467: | ||
|FHR | |FHR | ||
|Foetal heart rate | |Foetal heart rate | ||
|- | |- | ||
|FEV | |FEV | ||
Line 554: | Line 482: | ||
|FAS | |FAS | ||
|fetal alcohol syndrome | |fetal alcohol syndrome | ||
|- | |||
|FWW | |||
|front-wheeled walker | |||
|} | |} | ||
== G == | == G == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|GCS | |GCS | ||
|Glasgow coma scale | |Glasgow coma scale | ||
|- | |||
|GBS | |||
|Guilllain-Barré Syndrome | |||
|- | |- | ||
|GDM | |GDM | ||
Line 579: | Line 510: | ||
|Growth hormone | |Growth hormone | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |GHJ | ||
| | |glenohumeral joint | ||
|- | |- | ||
|GMFCS | |GMFCS | ||
|Gross Motor Function Classification Scale | |Gross Motor Function Classification Scale | ||
|- | |- | ||
|GRH | |GRH | ||
Line 596: | Line 524: | ||
|GSW | |GSW | ||
|gunshot wound | |gunshot wound | ||
|} | |} | ||
== H == | == H == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 608: | Line 533: | ||
|Hb | |Hb | ||
|Haemoglobin | |Haemoglobin | ||
|- | |- | ||
|HIV | |HIV | ||
Line 618: | Line 540: | ||
|Herniated intervertebral disc | |Herniated intervertebral disc | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |H/O | ||
| | |History of | ||
|- | |||
|HO | |||
|heterotrophic ossification | |||
|- | |- | ||
| | |HOB | ||
| | |head of bed | ||
|- | |- | ||
|HR | |HR | ||
|Heart rate | |Heart rate | ||
|- | |- | ||
|HRT | |HRT | ||
Line 638: | Line 560: | ||
|H Sit. | |H Sit. | ||
|High sitting | |High sitting | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Ht | |Ht | ||
|Height | |Height | ||
|- | |- | ||
|HTN | |HTN | ||
Line 658: | Line 574: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Hep A, B, C | |Hep A, B, C | ||
|Hepatitis A, B, C | |Hepatitis A, B, C | ||
|- | |- | ||
|HEP | |HEP | ||
Line 665: | Line 581: | ||
|HDL | |HDL | ||
|High density lipoprotein | |High density lipoprotein | ||
|- | |- | ||
|HCV | |HCV | ||
|Hepatitis C virus | |Hepatitis C virus | ||
|- | |||
|HKFO | |||
|hip-knee-ankle-foot arthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|H&C | |H&C | ||
| | |Huff and cough | ||
|- | |||
|HH | |||
|home health | |||
|- | |- | ||
|HI | |HI | ||
Line 689: | Line 608: | ||
== I == | == I == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |||
|I | |||
|Independence | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Ig | |Ig | ||
|Immunoglobulin | |Immunoglobulin | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |I:E | ||
|Inspiratory:expiratory (ratio) | |Inspiratory:expiratory (ratio) | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 714: | Line 636: | ||
|Internal carotid artery | |Internal carotid artery | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |I&D | ||
| | |incision and drainage | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |IFC | ||
|Interferential | |Interferential current | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Inf. | |Inf. | ||
|Inferior | |Inferior | ||
|- | |- | ||
|IMV | |IMV | ||
|Intermittent mandatory ventilation | |Intermittent mandatory ventilation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Inv. | |Inv. | ||
Line 765: | Line 672: | ||
|Intervertebral disc | |Intervertebral disc | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |IP | ||
| | |inpatient | ||
|- | |- | ||
|IR | |IR | ||
Line 774: | Line 681: | ||
|Infant respiratory distress syndrome | |Infant respiratory distress syndrome | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |IRF | ||
| | |inpatient rehabilitation facility | ||
|- | |- | ||
|IRV | |IRV | ||
Line 785: | Line 689: | ||
|ISC | |ISC | ||
|Intermittent self catheterisation | |Intermittent self catheterisation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ISWT | |ISWT | ||
|Incremental Shuttle Walk Test | |Incremental Shuttle Walk Test | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |ITB | ||
| | |Iliotibial band | ||
|- | |- | ||
|I/T | |I/T | ||
|Intermittent | |Intermittent | ||
|} | |} | ||
== J == | == J == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|JCA | |JCA | ||
| | |Juvenile chronic arthritis | ||
|- | |- | ||
|JDM | |JDM | ||
| | |Juvenile diabetes mellitus | ||
|- | |- | ||
|JRA | |JRA | ||
Line 831: | Line 723: | ||
== K == | == K == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|KAFO | |KAFO | ||
Line 846: | Line 732: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== L == | === L === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 853: | Line 739: | ||
|L 1-5 | |L 1-5 | ||
|Lumbar vertebrae 1-5 | |Lumbar vertebrae 1-5 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LBP | |LBP | ||
|Low back pain | |Low back pain | ||
|- | |||
|LBQC | |||
|large-based quad cane | |||
|- | |- | ||
|LBW | |LBW | ||
|Low birth weight | |Low birth weight | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LCL | |LCL | ||
Line 880: | Line 754: | ||
|LCM | |LCM | ||
|Left costal margin | |Left costal margin | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LDL | |LDL | ||
|Low-Density-Lipoprotein type | |Low-Density-Lipoprotein type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |LE | ||
| | |lower extremity | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |LFT | ||
| | |Liver function test | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LHF | |LHF | ||
|Left heart failure | |Left heart failure | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Ligs. | |Ligs. | ||
Line 923: | Line 779: | ||
|Lumbar puncture | |Lumbar puncture | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |LTx | ||
| | |lumbar traction | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LMN | |LMN | ||
|lower motor neuron | |lower motor neuron | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LOS | |LOS | ||
|length of stay | |length of stay | ||
|- | |||
|LSO | |||
|lumbrosacral orthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|LTG | |LTG | ||
|long term goal | |long-term goal | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br><br><br><br><br> | |||
== M == | == M == | ||
{| class="wikitable"width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 954: | Line 804: | ||
|MAP | |MAP | ||
|mean arterial pressure | |mean arterial pressure | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MAS | |MAS | ||
|Motor assessment scale | |Motor assessment scale | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |MaxA | ||
|Maximum | |Maximum assistance | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MCA | |MCA | ||
Line 976: | Line 823: | ||
|myocardial infarction | |myocardial infarction | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |MinA | ||
| | |minimal assistance | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Meds | |Meds | ||
|Medications | |Medications | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |M/L | ||
|Medial | |Medial-lateral | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Mhz | |Mhz | ||
|Megahertz | |Megahertz | ||
|- | |||
|MFR | |||
|myofascial release | |||
|- | |- | ||
|MMSE | |MMSE | ||
Line 999: | Line 843: | ||
|MMT | |MMT | ||
|Manual muscle testing | |Manual muscle testing | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |ModA | ||
| | |moderate assistance | ||
|- | |||
|ModI | |||
|modified independence | |||
|- | |- | ||
|MRI | |MRI | ||
|Magnetic resonance imaging | |Magnetic resonance imaging | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |MTP, MTrP | ||
| | |myofascial trigger point | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MTP | |MTP | ||
| | |Metatarsophalangeal | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MVA | |MVA | ||
Line 1,018: | Line 865: | ||
|MVD | |MVD | ||
|Mitral valve disease | |Mitral valve disease | ||
|- | |- | ||
|MS | |MS | ||
Line 1,031: | Line 872: | ||
| medial collateral ligament | | medial collateral ligament | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br><br><br><br> | |||
== N == | == N == | ||
{| class="wikitable"width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| NBM | | NBM | ||
| Nil | | Nil by Mouth | ||
|- | |- | ||
|NAD | |NAD | ||
Line 1,066: | Line 907: | ||
|NIPV | |NIPV | ||
|Non invasive pressure ventilation | |Non invasive pressure ventilation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|NP | |NP | ||
|Non productive | |Non productive | ||
|- | |||
|NPO | |||
|nothing by mouth | |||
|- | |||
|NT | |||
|not tested | |||
|- | |||
|NMES | |||
|neuromuscular electrical stimulation | |||
|- | |- | ||
|NWB | |NWB | ||
Line 1,083: | Line 927: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|NDT | |NDT | ||
|neurodevelopmental | |neurodevelopmental technique | ||
|} | |} | ||
-<br><br><br><br><br> | -<br><br><br><br><br> | ||
== O == | == O == | ||
{| class="wikitable"width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|O2 | |O2 | ||
|Oxygen | |Oxygen | ||
|- | |- | ||
|OPD | |||
|OPD | |||
|Outpatients Department | |Outpatients Department | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Ortho. | |Ortho. | ||
|Orthopaedics | |Orthopaedics | ||
|- | |- | ||
|OA | |OA | ||
| osteoarthritis | | osteoarthritis | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ORIF | |ORIF | ||
|open reduction, internal fixation | |open reduction, internal fixation | ||
|- | |||
|OOB | |||
|out of bed | |||
|- | |||
|OT | |||
|Occupational Therapy | |||
|} | |} | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== P == | == P == | ||
{| class="wikitable"width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|P | |p (with a line over it) | ||
|after | |||
|- | |||
|P | |||
| poor (used in muscle testing) | | poor (used in muscle testing) | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Paed | |Paed | ||
|Paediatrics | |Paediatrics | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |P/A | ||
| posterior/anterior | | posterior/anterior | ||
|- | |- | ||
|para | |para | ||
|paraplegia | |paraplegia | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PCL | |PCL | ||
|posterior cruciate ligament | |posterior cruciate ligament | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PEEP | |PEEP | ||
|positive end expiratory pressure | |positive end expiratory pressure | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PF | |PF | ||
| plantar flexion | | plantar flexion | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PNF | |PMHx | ||
|past medical history | |||
|- | |||
|PNF | |||
|proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation | |proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PNI | |PNI | ||
|peripheral nerve injury | |peripheral nerve injury | ||
|- | |- | ||
|POMR | |POC | ||
|plan of care | |||
|- | |||
|POMR | |||
| problem-oriented medical record | | problem-oriented medical record | ||
|- | |- | ||
|post. | |post. | ||
|posterior | |posterior | ||
|- | |- | ||
|post-op | |post-op | ||
|after surgery | |after surgery | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PRE | |PRE | ||
|progressive resistive exercise | |progressive resistive exercise | ||
|- | |- | ||
|pre-op | |pre-op | ||
|before operation | |before operation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PROM | |PROM | ||
|passive range of motion | |passive range of motion | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PSIS | |||
|PSIS | |||
|posterior superior iliac spine | |posterior superior iliac spine | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PTB | |PTB | ||
|patellar tendon bearing | |patellar tendon bearing | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PVD | |pt | ||
|patient | |||
|- | |||
|PT | |||
|physiotherapy/ physical therapy, physiotherapist/ | |||
physical therapist | |||
|- | |||
|PTA | |||
|physical therapist assistant | |||
|- | |||
|PVC | |||
|premature ventricular contractions | |||
|- | |||
|PVD | |||
|peripheral vascular disease | |peripheral vascular disease | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PWB | |PWB | ||
|partial weight bearing | |partial weight bearing | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |PD | ||
| | |Parkinson's Disease | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PDMS | |PDMS | ||
|Peabody Developmental Motor Scale | |Peabody Developmental Motor Scale | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PE | |||
|pulmonary embolism | |||
|PE | |||
| | |||
|- | |- | ||
|PEDI | |PEDI | ||
|Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory | |Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PEEP | |PEEP | ||
|Positive end expiratory pressure | |Positive end expiratory pressure | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PEFR | |PEFR | ||
|Peak expiratory flow rate | |Peak expiratory flow rate | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PENS | |PENS | ||
|Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator | |Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PFR | |||
|PFR | |||
|Peak flow rate | |Peak flow rate | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PFT | |PFT | ||
|Pulmonary function test | |Pulmonary function test | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PICA | |||
|PICA | |||
|Posterior inferior cerebral artery | |Posterior inferior cerebral artery | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PIP | |PIP | ||
|Proximal interphalangeal | |Proximal interphalangeal | ||
|} | |} | ||
== Q == | == Q == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 1,253: | Line 1,089: | ||
== R == | == R == | ||
{| class="wikitable"width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 1,268: | Line 1,104: | ||
|RDS - | |RDS - | ||
|Respiratory distress syndrome | |Respiratory distress syndrome | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Rh -ve - | |Rh -ve - | ||
Line 1,301: | Line 1,113: | ||
|RHD - | |RHD - | ||
|Rheumatic heart disease | |Rheumatic heart disease | ||
|- | |- | ||
|R/O - | |R/O - | ||
| | |rule out | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |RR | ||
| | |Respiratory rate | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |RPE | ||
| | |Rating of percieved exertion | ||
|- | |- | ||
|RTI | |RTI | ||
|Respiratory tract infection | |Respiratory tract infection | ||
|} | |} | ||
== S == | == S == | ||
{| class="wikitable"width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |S | ||
| | |supervision | ||
|- | |- | ||
|S1-5 | |S1-5 | ||
|Sacral vertebrae (1-5) | |Sacral vertebrae (1-5) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SpO2 | ||
|Oxygen saturation<br> | |Oxygen saturation<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SAH | |||
|SAH | |||
|Subarachnoid haemorrhage<br> | |Subarachnoid haemorrhage<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SBP | ||
| | |systolic blood pressure | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SBA | ||
| | |stand by assistance | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SBQC | ||
| | |small-based quad cane | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SDH | ||
| | |Subdural haemorrhage/haematoma<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SIJ | |SIJ | ||
| | |Sacroiliac joint<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |S/L | ||
|Side lying <br> | |Side lying <br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SLAP | |SLAP | ||
|Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion<br> | |Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SLE | |SLE | ||
|Systemic lupus erythematosus<br> | |Systemic lupus erythematosus<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SLR | |||
|SLR | |||
|Straight leg raising <br> | |Straight leg raising <br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SLS | |SLS | ||
|Single leg | |Single leg stance<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |s/p | ||
| | |status-post | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SPC | ||
| | |Single point cane <br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |STM | ||
| | |Soft tissue mobilization<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |STS | ||
| | |sit to stand | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SVC | ||
| | |Superior vena cava<br |- |> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |sx | ||
| | |surgery | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SACH | |SACH | ||
|solid ankle cushion heel<br> | |solid ankle cushion heel<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SCI | |SCI | ||
| spinal cord injury<br> | | spinal cord injury<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SCJ | ||
|sternoclavicular joint<br> | |sternoclavicular joint<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |SNF | ||
| | |skilled nursing facility | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SOAP | |SOAP | ||
Line 1,466: | Line 1,208: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|SOB | |SOB | ||
| | | shortness of breath<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|STG | |STG | ||
|short term goal<br> | |short-term goal<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|sup. | |sup. | ||
|superior<br><br> | |superior<br><br> | ||
|} | |} | ||
== T == | === T === | ||
{| class="wikitable"width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TENS | |||
|TENS | |||
|Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation | |Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TFA | |TFA | ||
|Transfemoral amputation | |Transfemoral amputation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TFL | |TFL | ||
|Tensor fasciae latae | |Tensor fasciae latae | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Tx | |||
|Tx | |||
|Traction | |Traction | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 1,516: | Line 1,243: | ||
|TIA | |TIA | ||
|Transient ischaemic attack | |Transient ischaemic attack | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TKA | |TKA | ||
Line 1,525: | Line 1,249: | ||
|TKR | |TKR | ||
|Total knee replacement | |Total knee replacement | ||
|- | |||
|TLSO | |||
|thoracolumbrosacral orthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|TLR | |TLR | ||
Line 1,535: | Line 1,262: | ||
|tonic neck reflex<br> | |tonic neck reflex<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |TA, TrA | ||
|Transversus abdominis | |Transversus abdominis | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TRH | |TRH | ||
Line 1,564: | Line 1,270: | ||
|TSH | |TSH | ||
|Thyroid stimulating hormone<br> | |Thyroid stimulating hormone<br> | ||
|- | |||
|TotalA | |||
|total assistance | |||
|- | |- | ||
|TTA | |TTA | ||
|Transtibial amputation<br> | |Transtibial amputation<br> | ||
|- | |||
|TTP | |||
|tenderness to palpation | |||
|- | |||
|TUG | |||
|Timed up and go | |||
|- | |- | ||
|TV | |TV | ||
|Tidal volume <br> | |Tidal volume <br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TBI | |TBI | ||
|Traumatic brain injury | |Traumatic brain injury | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TB | |TB | ||
|Tuberculosis | |Tuberculosis | ||
|- | |- | ||
|T1-12 | |T1-12 | ||
|Thoracic vertebrae (1-12) | |Thoracic vertebrae (1-12) | ||
|} | |} | ||
== U == | === U === | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |||
|UE | |||
|upper extremity | |||
|- | |- | ||
|UVR | |UVR | ||
|Ultraviolet radiation | |Ultraviolet radiation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|US U/S | |US, U/S | ||
|Ultra sound | |Ultra sound | ||
|- | |- | ||
|U/O | |U/O | ||
|Urine output | |Urine output | ||
|- | |- | ||
|UMN | |UMN | ||
|Upper motor neuron | |Upper motor neuron | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ULTT | |ULTT | ||
|Upper limb tension test | |Upper limb tension test | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |UTI | ||
| | |urinary tract infection | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br><br> | <br><br> | ||
== V == | === V === | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
Line 1,648: | Line 1,345: | ||
|VF | |VF | ||
|Ventricular fibrillation | |Ventricular fibrillation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|VS | |VS | ||
Line 1,671: | Line 1,353: | ||
=== W === | === W === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 1,677: | Line 1,359: | ||
|WB | |WB | ||
|Weight bearing | |Weight bearing | ||
|- | |||
|WBAT | |||
|weight bearing as tolerated | |||
|- | |- | ||
|W/C | |W/C | ||
|Wheelchair | |Wheelchair | ||
|- | |- | ||
|wk | |wk | ||
Line 1,698: | Line 1,380: | ||
|Wee-FIM | |Wee-FIM | ||
|Paediatric functional independence measure | |Paediatric functional independence measure | ||
|- | |||
|WFL | |||
|Within functional limits | |||
|- | |- | ||
|WNL | |WNL | ||
Line 1,709: | Line 1,394: | ||
=== Y === | === Y === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 1,715: | Line 1,400: | ||
|y/o | |y/o | ||
|Years old | |Years old | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Z === | === Z === | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<br> <references /> | <br> <references /> | ||
[[Category:Help]] | [[Category:Help]] | ||
[[Category:Medical]] | [[Category:Medical]] | ||
[[Category:Acute Care]] |
Latest revision as of 21:40, 3 October 2023
Original Editor - Ruairi O'Donohoe
Top Contributors - Garima Gedamkar, Ruairi O'Donohoe, Rewan Elsayed Elkanafany, Karen Wilson, Kim Jackson, Lauren Heydenrych, Scott Buxton, Ewa Jaraczewska, Venkata Nagaraj Mummadisetty, Leana Louw, Lucinda hampton and Aminat Abolade
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Abbreviations assist healthcare professionals to streamline documentation and make more effective use of their time. These abbreviations should be recognised and agreed upon in order to ensure clear communication and prevent avoidable errors in patient care.
Abbreviations[edit | edit source]
Approved abbreviations may vary widely by facility, area of practice, and geographical location. Below is a list of commonly used abbreviations that are relevant to physiotherapy practice.[1][2][3]
It is important to note however, that there are some exceptions, where abbreviations should not be used. These include:
- Patient's name and resuscitation status
- Drug names
- Patient/Service user names
- 'Right' or 'Left' - Except when used as part of an approved abbreviation
- +++, > or < - Unless used as part of an official grading system
Abbreviations should never be used on:
- A consent form or
- On an incident report
Units:[edit | edit source]
Centimeter | cm |
Gram | g |
Kilocalorie | kcal |
Kilogram | Kg |
Litre | L |
Milligram | mg |
Millilitre | ml |
Millimetre | mm |
Millimole | Mmol |
Frequency and time:[edit | edit source]
b.d./b.i.d. | Twice daily |
Mane | In the morning |
Nocte | At night |
p.r.n. | When required |
q.d.s./q.i.d. | Four times daily |
STAT | Immediately |
Tarde | In the evening |
t.d.s./t.i.d. | Three times daily |
h | Hour |
Mins. | Minute |
s | second |
Routes of Administration:[edit | edit source]
IV | Intravenously |
IM | Intramuscularly |
NG | Nasogastric |
PEG | Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrotomy |
PO | Per Oral (oral by mouth) |
PV | Per vaginal |
SC | Subcutaneously |
PR | Per Rectum |
SL | Sublingually |
A[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
AAA | Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm |
AAROM | active assist range of motion |
ABD | abduction |
ABG | |
ACDF | anterior cervical discectomy and fusion |
ACL | anterior cruciate ligament |
ACTH | adrenocorticotropic hormone |
ACJ | acromioclavicular joint |
ACS | Acute coronary syndrome |
AD | assistive device |
ADD | adduction |
ADL | activities of daily living |
AFO | ankle foot orthosis |
AIDS | acquired immune deficiency syndrome |
ASIS | Anterior superior iliac spine |
AKA | above knee amputation |
ALS | amyotrophic lateral sclerosis |
AMS | altered mental status |
AMA | against medical advice |
Amb | ambulation |
Ant | anterior |
A/P | anterior-posterior |
Ab | Antibody |
ACE | Angiotensin converting enzyme |
ADH | Anti-diuretic hormone |
ADHD | Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder |
AF, Afib | Atrial fibrillation |
AR | acute rehabilitation |
AROM | active range of motion |
B[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
B | bilateral |
BEA | below elbow amputation |
BKA | below knee amputation |
BOS | base of support |
BP | blood pressure |
bpm | beats per minute |
C[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
c (with a line over it) | with |
C0/C1 | Atlanto-axial joint |
C1-7 | Cervical vertebrae 1-7 |
CABG | Coronary artery bypass graft |
CAD | Coronary artery disease |
Cal | Calorie |
CBC | Complete blood count |
CC | chief complaint, current complaint |
CCA | Common carotid artery |
CCU | Coronary care unit |
CES | Cauda equina syndrome |
CFS | Chronic fatigue syndrome |
CGA | Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment or Contact Guard Assist |
CHF | Congestive heart failure |
c/o | Complains of |
CO | Cardiac output |
CO2 | Carbon dioxide |
COTA | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant |
CN | cranial nerve |
COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease |
CPAP | Continuous positive airway pressure |
CPM | continuous passive motion machine |
CPR | Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation |
creps | Crepitations |
CRF | Chronic renal failure |
CSF | Cerebrospinal fluid |
CT | Computerised tomography |
CTO | cervicothoracic orthosis |
CTS | Carpal tunnel syndrome |
CTx | cervical traction |
CVA | Cerebrovascular accident |
CVP | Central venous pressure |
D[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
DASH | Disability of arm, shoulder, hand |
D/C | Discharge |
DBP | diastolic blood pressure |
DDx | Differential diagnosis |
DDD | Degenerative disc disorder |
Dec | Decreased |
DF | Dorsiflexion |
DHS | Dynamic hip screw |
DI | Diabetes Insipidus |
DJD | Degenerative joint disease |
DM | Diabetes mellitus |
DOB | Date of birth |
DOE | Dyspnoea on exertion |
E[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
ECG | electrocardiogram |
ED | emergency department |
EEG | electroencephalogram, electroencephalograph |
EMG | electromyogram, electromyography |
EOB | edge of bed |
ER | external rotation |
EVD | extraventricular drain |
Ext | extension |
Ev | eversion |
F[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
Fx | Fracture |
FFH | fall from height |
FVC | Forced vital capacity |
FWB | Full weight bearing |
F/U | Follow up |
FSH | Follicle stimulating hormone |
FRC | Functional residual capacity |
Flex | Flexion |
FIM | Functional independence measure |
FHS | Foetal heart sounds |
FHR | Foetal heart rate |
FEV | Forced expiratory volume |
FEV1 | Forced expiratory volume in one second |
FET | Forced expiratory technique |
FES | Functional electrical stimulation |
FAS | fetal alcohol syndrome |
FWW | front-wheeled walker |
G[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
GCS | Glasgow coma scale |
GBS | Guilllain-Barré Syndrome |
GDM | Gestational diabetes mellitus |
GFR | Glomerular filtration rate |
GFSH | Growth factor stimulating hormone |
GH | Growth hormone |
GHJ | glenohumeral joint |
GMFCS | Gross Motor Function Classification Scale |
GRH | Growth releasing hormone |
GTT | Glucose tolerance test |
GSW | gunshot wound |
H[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
Hb | Haemoglobin |
HIV | Human immunodeficiency virus |
HIVD | Herniated intervertebral disc |
H/O | History of |
HO | heterotrophic ossification |
HOB | head of bed |
HR | Heart rate |
HRT | Hormone replacement therapy |
HS | Heart sounds |
H Sit. | High sitting |
Ht | Height |
HTN | Hypertension |
Hx | History |
HGH | Human growth hormone |
Hep A, B, C | Hepatitis A, B, C |
HEP | Home exercise program |
HDL | High density lipoprotein |
HCV | Hepatitis C virus |
HKFO | hip-knee-ankle-foot arthosis |
H&C | Huff and cough |
HH | home health |
HI | Head injury |
HBV | Hepatitis B Virus |
HBH | hand behind head |
HBB | Hand behind back |
I[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
I | Independence |
Ig | Immunoglobulin |
I:E | Inspiratory:expiratory (ratio) |
ICU | Intensive Care Unit |
ICS | Intercostal space |
ICP | Intracranial pressure |
ICD | Intercostal drain |
ICA | Internal carotid artery |
I&D | incision and drainage |
IFC | Interferential current |
Inf. | Inferior |
IMV | Intermittent mandatory ventilation |
Inv. | Inversion |
IPPV | Intermittent positive pressure ventilation |
IPPR | Intermittent positive pressure respiration |
IVC | Inferior vena cava |
IPPB | Intermittent positive pressure breathing |
IFC | interferential current |
IVSD | Interventricular septal defect |
IVD | Intervertebral disc |
IP | inpatient |
IR | internal rotation |
IRDS | Infant respiratory distress syndrome |
IRF | inpatient rehabilitation facility |
IRV | Inspiratory reserve volume |
ISC | Intermittent self catheterisation |
ISWT | Incremental Shuttle Walk Test |
ITB | Iliotibial band |
I/T | Intermittent |
J[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
JCA | Juvenile chronic arthritis |
JDM | Juvenile diabetes mellitus |
JRA | Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis |
jt | joint |
JVP | jagular venous pressure |
K[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
KAFO | knee ankle foot orthosis |
L[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
L 1-5 | Lumbar vertebrae 1-5 |
LBP | Low back pain |
LBQC | large-based quad cane |
LBW | Low birth weight |
LCL | Lateral collateral ligament |
LCM | Left costal margin |
LDL | Low-Density-Lipoprotein type |
LE | lower extremity |
LFT | Liver function test |
LHF | Left heart failure |
Ligs. | Ligaments |
LOC | Loss of consciousness |
LOW | Loss of weight |
LP | Lumbar puncture |
LTx | lumbar traction |
LMN | lower motor neuron |
LOS | length of stay |
LSO | lumbrosacral orthosis |
LTG | long-term goal |
M[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
MAP | mean arterial pressure |
MAS | Motor assessment scale |
MaxA | Maximum assistance |
MCA | Middle cerebral artery |
MCP | Metacarpophalangeal |
MD | Muscular dystrophy |
MI | myocardial infarction |
MinA | minimal assistance |
Meds | Medications |
M/L | Medial-lateral |
Mhz | Megahertz |
MFR | myofascial release |
MMSE | Mini mental state examination |
MMT | Manual muscle testing |
ModA | moderate assistance |
ModI | modified independence |
MRI | Magnetic resonance imaging |
MTP, MTrP | myofascial trigger point |
MTP | Metatarsophalangeal |
MVA | Motor vehicle accident |
MVD | Mitral valve disease |
MS | multiple sclerosis |
MCL | medial collateral ligament |
N[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
NBM | Nil by Mouth |
NAD | No abnormality detected |
NCV | Nerve conduction study |
Neb. | Nebuliser/nebulised |
NIBP | Non-invasive blood pressure |
NICU | Neonatal intensive care unit |
NIDDM | Not insulin dependent diabetes mellitus |
NIHSS | National Institute of Health Stroke Scale |
NIMV | Non invasive mask ventilation |
NIPV | Non invasive pressure ventilation |
NP | Non productive |
NPO | nothing by mouth |
NT | not tested |
NMES | neuromuscular electrical stimulation |
NWB | Non weight bearing |
NSMDA | Neurosensory Motor Developmental Assessment |
NDT | neurodevelopmental technique |
-
O[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
O2 | Oxygen |
OPD | Outpatients Department |
Ortho. | Orthopaedics |
OA | osteoarthritis |
ORIF | open reduction, internal fixation |
OOB | out of bed |
OT | Occupational Therapy |
P[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
p (with a line over it) | after |
P | poor (used in muscle testing) |
Paed | Paediatrics |
P/A | posterior/anterior |
para | paraplegia |
PCL | posterior cruciate ligament |
PEEP | positive end expiratory pressure |
PF | plantar flexion |
PMHx | past medical history |
PNF | proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation |
PNI | peripheral nerve injury |
POC | plan of care |
POMR | problem-oriented medical record |
post. | posterior |
post-op | after surgery |
PRE | progressive resistive exercise |
pre-op | before operation |
PROM | passive range of motion |
PSIS | posterior superior iliac spine |
PTB | patellar tendon bearing |
pt | patient |
PT | physiotherapy/ physical therapy, physiotherapist/
physical therapist |
PTA | physical therapist assistant |
PVC | premature ventricular contractions |
PVD | peripheral vascular disease |
PWB | partial weight bearing |
PD | Parkinson's Disease |
PDMS | Peabody Developmental Motor Scale |
PE | pulmonary embolism |
PEDI | Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory |
PEEP | Positive end expiratory pressure |
PEFR | Peak expiratory flow rate |
PENS | Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulator |
PFR | Peak flow rate |
PFT | Pulmonary function test |
PICA | Posterior inferior cerebral artery |
PIP | Proximal interphalangeal |
Q[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
quad. | Quadraplegia |
quads. | Quadriceps |
R[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
ROM | Range Of Movement |
RA | Rheumatoid arthritis |
Rehab – | rehabilitation |
RDS - | Respiratory distress syndrome |
Rh -ve - | Rhesus factor negative |
Rh +ve - | Rhesus factor positive |
RHD - | Rheumatic heart disease |
R/O - | rule out |
RR | Respiratory rate |
RPE | Rating of percieved exertion |
RTI | Respiratory tract infection |
S[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
S | supervision |
S1-5 | Sacral vertebrae (1-5) |
SpO2 | Oxygen saturation |
SAH | Subarachnoid haemorrhage |
SBP | systolic blood pressure |
SBA | stand by assistance |
SBQC | small-based quad cane |
SDH | Subdural haemorrhage/haematoma |
SIJ | Sacroiliac joint |
S/L | Side lying |
SLAP | Superior labrum anterior-posterior lesion |
SLE | Systemic lupus erythematosus |
SLR | Straight leg raising |
SLS | Single leg stance |
s/p | status-post |
SPC | Single point cane |
STM | Soft tissue mobilization |
STS | sit to stand |
SVC | Superior vena cava |
sx | surgery |
SACH | solid ankle cushion heel |
SCI | spinal cord injury |
SCJ | sternoclavicular joint |
SNF | skilled nursing facility |
SOAP | – subjective, objective, assessment, plan |
SOB | shortness of breath |
STG | short-term goal |
sup. | superior |
T[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
TENS | Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation |
TFA | Transfemoral amputation |
TFL | Tensor fasciae latae |
Tx | Traction |
THA | Total hip arthroplasty |
THR | Total hip replacement |
TIA | Transient ischaemic attack |
TKA | Total knee arthroplasty |
TKR | Total knee replacement |
TLSO | thoracolumbrosacral orthosis |
TLR | Tonic labyrinthine reflex |
TMJ | temporomandibular joint |
TNR | tonic neck reflex |
TA, TrA | Transversus abdominis |
TRH | Thyrotropin-releasing hormone |
TSH | Thyroid stimulating hormone |
TotalA | total assistance |
TTA | Transtibial amputation |
TTP | tenderness to palpation |
TUG | Timed up and go |
TV | Tidal volume |
TBI | Traumatic brain injury |
TB | Tuberculosis |
T1-12 | Thoracic vertebrae (1-12) |
U[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
UE | upper extremity |
UVR | Ultraviolet radiation |
US, U/S | Ultra sound |
U/O | Urine output |
UMN | Upper motor neuron |
ULTT | Upper limb tension test |
UTI | urinary tract infection |
V[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
VAS | Visual Analogue Scale |
VBI | Vertebrobasilar insufficiency |
VC | Vital capacity |
VEP | Visual evoked potential |
VF | Ventricular fibrillation |
VS | Vital signs |
W[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
WB | Weight bearing |
WBAT | weight bearing as tolerated |
W/C | Wheelchair |
wk | week |
Wt | Weight |
2WF | Two-wheeled frame |
4WF | Four-wheeled frame |
Wee-FIM | Paediatric functional independence measure |
WFL | Within functional limits |
WNL | Within normal limits |
w/o | Without |
X[edit | edit source]
Y[edit | edit source]
ABBREVIATION | DEFINITION |
y/o | Years old |
Z[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Castin, Meredith. The most common physical therapy abbreviations. Available from:https://www.webpt.com/blog/post/the-most-common-physical-therapy-abbreviations/ (accessed 04/29/2020).
- ↑ Health Service Executive.https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/qid/quality-and-patient-safety-documents/abbreviations.pdf. NHO Abbreviations booklet.Available from: (accessed 29 April 2020)
- ↑ Bottomley JM. Quick reference dictionary for physical therapy. Slack Incorporated; 2000.