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 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. Below is a list of commonly used abbreviations that are relevant to | 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 == | |||
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 114: | Line 129: | ||
| SL | | SL | ||
| Sublingually | | Sublingually | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 177: | Line 141: | ||
|- | |- | ||
| AAA | | AAA | ||
| Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm | | Abdominal [[Aortic Aneurysm]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|AAROM | |AAROM | ||
|active assist range of motion | |active assist [[Range of Motion|range of motion]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ABD | |ABD | ||
Line 187: | Line 151: | ||
|ABG | |ABG | ||
| | | | ||
Arterial blood gas | [[Arterial Blood Gases|Arterial blood gas]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ACDF | |ACDF | ||
Line 193: | Line 157: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ACL | |ACL | ||
|anterior cruciate ligament | |[[Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)|anterior cruciate ligament]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ACTH | |ACTH | ||
Line 199: | Line 163: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ACJ | |ACJ | ||
|acromioclavicular joint | |[[Acromioclavicular Joint|acromioclavicular joint]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ACS | |ACS | ||
|Acute coronary syndrome | |[[Acute Coronary Syndrome|Acute coronary syndrome]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|AD | |AD | ||
|assistive device | |[[Assistive Devices|assistive device]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ADD | |ADD | ||
Line 211: | Line 175: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ADL | |ADL | ||
|activities of daily living | |[[Activities of Daily Living|activities of daily living]] | ||
|- | |- | ||
|AFO | |AFO | ||
Line 227: | Line 191: | ||
|ALS | |ALS | ||
|amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | |amyotrophic lateral sclerosis | ||
|- | |||
|AMS | |||
|altered mental status | |||
|- | |- | ||
|AMA | |AMA | ||
Line 239: | Line 206: | ||
|A/P | |A/P | ||
|anterior-posterior | |anterior-posterior | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Ab | |Ab | ||
Line 255: | Line 219: | ||
|Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | |Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | ||
|- | |- | ||
|AF | |AF, Afib | ||
|Atrial fibrillation | |Atrial fibrillation | ||
|- | |||
|AR | |||
|acute rehabilitation | |||
|- | |- | ||
|AROM | |AROM | ||
Line 262: | Line 229: | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== B === | === B === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 286: | Line 253: | ||
=== C === | === C === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 292: | Line 259: | ||
|c (with a line over it) | |c (with a line over it) | ||
|with | |with | ||
|- | |||
|C0/C1 | |||
|Atlanto-axial joint | |||
|- | |- | ||
|C1-7 | |C1-7 | ||
Line 307: | Line 277: | ||
|CBC | |CBC | ||
|Complete blood count | |Complete blood count | ||
|- | |||
|CC | |||
|chief complaint, current complaint | |||
|- | |- | ||
|CCA | |CCA | ||
Line 321: | Line 294: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|CGA | |CGA | ||
| | |Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment or Contact Guard Assist | ||
|- | |- | ||
|CHF | |CHF | ||
Line 335: | Line 308: | ||
|Carbon dioxide | |Carbon dioxide | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |COTA | ||
| | |Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant | ||
|- | |- | ||
|CN | |CN | ||
Line 364: | Line 337: | ||
|CT | |CT | ||
|Computerised tomography | |Computerised tomography | ||
|- | |||
|CTO | |||
|cervicothoracic orthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|CTS | |CTS | ||
Line 378: | Line 354: | ||
|} | |} | ||
== D == | == D == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 387: | Line 363: | ||
|D/C | |D/C | ||
|Discharge | |Discharge | ||
|- | |||
|DBP | |||
|diastolic blood pressure | |||
|- | |- | ||
|DDx | |DDx | ||
Line 419: | Line 398: | ||
|} | |} | ||
== E == | == E == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ECG | |ECG | ||
| | |electrocardiogram | ||
|- | |- | ||
|ED | |ED | ||
Line 445: | Line 424: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|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 467: | Line 449: | ||
|F/U | |F/U | ||
|Follow up | |Follow up | ||
|- | |- | ||
|FSH | |FSH | ||
Line 509: | Line 488: | ||
== G == | == G == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 515: | Line 494: | ||
|GCS | |GCS | ||
|Glasgow coma scale | |Glasgow coma scale | ||
|- | |||
|GBS | |||
|Guilllain-Barré Syndrome | |||
|- | |- | ||
|GDM | |GDM | ||
Line 527: | Line 509: | ||
|GH | |GH | ||
|Growth hormone | |Growth hormone | ||
|- | |||
|GHJ | |||
|glenohumeral joint | |||
|- | |- | ||
|GMFCS | |GMFCS | ||
Line 542: | Line 527: | ||
== H == | == H == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 560: | Line 545: | ||
|HO | |HO | ||
|heterotrophic ossification | |heterotrophic ossification | ||
|- | |||
|HOB | |||
|head of bed | |||
|- | |- | ||
|HR | |HR | ||
Line 596: | Line 584: | ||
|HCV | |HCV | ||
|Hepatitis C virus | |Hepatitis C virus | ||
|- | |||
|HKFO | |||
|hip-knee-ankle-foot arthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|H&C | |H&C | ||
Line 617: | 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 | ||
Line 642: | Line 636: | ||
|Internal carotid artery | |Internal carotid artery | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |I&D | ||
| | |incision and drainage | ||
|- | |- | ||
|IFC | |IFC | ||
Line 653: | Line 647: | ||
|IMV | |IMV | ||
|Intermittent mandatory ventilation | |Intermittent mandatory ventilation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Inv. | |Inv. | ||
Line 683: | Line 671: | ||
|IVD | |IVD | ||
|Intervertebral disc | |Intervertebral disc | ||
|- | |||
|IP | |||
|inpatient | |||
|- | |- | ||
|IR | |IR | ||
Line 689: | Line 680: | ||
|IRDS | |IRDS | ||
|Infant respiratory distress syndrome | |Infant respiratory distress syndrome | ||
|- | |||
|IRF | |||
|inpatient rehabilitation facility | |||
|- | |- | ||
|IRV | |IRV | ||
Line 698: | Line 692: | ||
|ISWT | |ISWT | ||
|Incremental Shuttle Walk Test | |Incremental Shuttle Walk Test | ||
|- | |||
|ITB | |||
|Iliotibial band | |||
|- | |- | ||
|I/T | |I/T | ||
Line 704: | Line 701: | ||
== 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 726: | Line 723: | ||
== K == | == K == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 736: | Line 733: | ||
=== L === | === L === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 745: | Line 742: | ||
|LBP | |LBP | ||
|Low back pain | |Low back pain | ||
|- | |||
|LBQC | |||
|large-based quad cane | |||
|- | |- | ||
|LBW | |LBW | ||
Line 757: | Line 757: | ||
|LDL | |LDL | ||
|Low-Density-Lipoprotein type | |Low-Density-Lipoprotein type | ||
|- | |||
|LE | |||
|lower extremity | |||
|- | |- | ||
|LFT | |LFT | ||
Line 775: | Line 778: | ||
|LP | |LP | ||
|Lumbar puncture | |Lumbar puncture | ||
|- | |- | ||
|LTx | |LTx | ||
Line 787: | Line 787: | ||
|LOS | |LOS | ||
|length of stay | |length of stay | ||
|- | |||
|LSO | |||
|lumbrosacral orthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|LTG | |LTG | ||
Line 819: | Line 822: | ||
|MI | |MI | ||
|myocardial infarction | |myocardial infarction | ||
|- | |||
|MinA | |||
|minimal assistance | |||
|- | |- | ||
|Meds | |Meds | ||
Line 828: | Line 834: | ||
|Mhz | |Mhz | ||
|Megahertz | |Megahertz | ||
|- | |||
|MFR | |||
|myofascial release | |||
|- | |- | ||
|MMSE | |MMSE | ||
Line 834: | 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 | ||
Line 854: | Line 872: | ||
| medial collateral ligament | | medial collateral ligament | ||
|} | |} | ||
<br><br><br><br> | |||
== N == | == N == | ||
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
Line 895: | Line 913: | ||
|NPO | |NPO | ||
|nothing by mouth | |nothing by mouth | ||
|- | |||
|NT | |||
|not tested | |||
|- | |||
|NMES | |||
|neuromuscular electrical stimulation | |||
|- | |- | ||
|NWB | |NWB | ||
Line 903: | Line 927: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|NDT | |NDT | ||
|neurodevelopmental | |neurodevelopmental technique | ||
|} | |} | ||
-<br><br><br><br><br> | -<br><br><br><br><br> | ||
Line 911: | Line 935: | ||
|'''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> | ||
Line 939: | Line 963: | ||
|'''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 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|PDMS | |PD | ||
|Parkinson's Disease | |||
|- | |||
|PDMS | |||
|Peabody Developmental Motor Scale | |Peabody Developmental Motor Scale | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 1,011: | Line 1,051: | ||
|pulmonary embolism | |pulmonary embolism | ||
|- | |- | ||
|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 | ||
|- | |- | ||
Line 1,043: | Line 1,077: | ||
== Q == | == Q == | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 1,070: | Line 1,104: | ||
|RDS - | |RDS - | ||
|Respiratory distress syndrome | |Respiratory distress syndrome | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Rh -ve - | |Rh -ve - | ||
Line 1,103: | 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 sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
Line 1,140: | Line 1,132: | ||
|'''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 | ||
| | |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 | |||
|SVC | |||
|Superior vena cava<br |- |> | |Superior vena cava<br |- |> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|sx | |sx | ||
|surgery | |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 1,272: | 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> | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 1,287: | Line 1,223: | ||
|'''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 1,322: | Line 1,243: | ||
|TIA | |TIA | ||
|Transient ischaemic attack | |Transient ischaemic attack | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TKA | |TKA | ||
Line 1,331: | Line 1,249: | ||
|TKR | |TKR | ||
|Total knee replacement | |Total knee replacement | ||
|- | |||
|TLSO | |||
|thoracolumbrosacral orthosis | |||
|- | |- | ||
|TLR | |TLR | ||
Line 1,341: | Line 1,262: | ||
|tonic neck reflex<br> | |tonic neck reflex<br> | ||
|- | |- | ||
| | |TA, TrA | ||
|Transversus abdominis | |Transversus abdominis | ||
|- | |- | ||
|TRH | |TRH | ||
Line 1,370: | 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) | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 1,398: | Line 1,301: | ||
|'''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> | ||
Line 1,454: | Line 1,345: | ||
|VF | |VF | ||
|Ventricular fibrillation | |Ventricular fibrillation | ||
|- | |- | ||
|VS | |VS | ||
Line 1,477: | Line 1,353: | ||
=== W === | === W === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 1,483: | Line 1,359: | ||
|WB | |WB | ||
|Weight bearing | |Weight bearing | ||
|- | |||
|WBAT | |||
|weight bearing as tolerated | |||
|- | |- | ||
|W/C | |W/C | ||
|Wheelchair | |Wheelchair | ||
|- | |- | ||
|wk | |wk | ||
Line 1,504: | Line 1,380: | ||
|Wee-FIM | |Wee-FIM | ||
|Paediatric functional independence measure | |Paediatric functional independence measure | ||
|- | |||
|WFL | |||
|Within functional limits | |||
|- | |- | ||
|WNL | |WNL | ||
Line 1,515: | Line 1,394: | ||
=== Y === | === Y === | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable sortable" width="200" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" | ||
|'''ABBREVIATION''' | |'''ABBREVIATION''' | ||
|'''DEFINITION''' | |'''DEFINITION''' | ||
Line 1,521: | Line 1,400: | ||
|y/o | |y/o | ||
|Years old | |Years old | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Z === | === Z === | ||
== References == | == References == |
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, Ewa Jaraczewska, Lauren Heydenrych, Scott Buxton, 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.