Using acronyms

PatientNotes.app is equipped to recognize most standard medical acronyms, and your professional profile typically presets acronyms relevant to your field.

Configuring Acronym Usage in your Profile Settings:

Within your profile settings, you have the option to add a prompt.

Additionally, you can incorporate this preference into your clinical notes and letter templates.

If the app does not automatically use acronyms as expected, you can manually manage their use:

1. Clarify Acronyms Initially:

   
   When introducing an acronym, first state the full term followed by the acronym in parentheses. This ensures clear comprehension for later references.
   • 
     Example: “Record any instances of Myocardial Infarction (MI) in the patient's history...”
   • Tip: Opt to use "MI" consistently in the document after its first mention, which is especially helpful in formal letters or reports.

2. 
   Handle Ambiguous Acronyms Carefully:

   
   Be mindful of acronyms with multiple meanings, a common occurrence in healthcare settings.
   • Example: When referring to "CRP", clarify if it means C-Reactive Protein or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Adding a definition or context in your prompt helps to eliminate ambiguity.

3. 
   Incorporate Acronyms into Your Prompts:

   • 
     Provide a list of acronyms you frequently use in your practice.
     • Example:
       • ACL: Anterior Cruciate Ligament
       • RIEL: Repeated Extension in Lysing
       • KTWT: Knee to Wall Test (documented in cm)
       • ASLR: Active Straight Leg Raise
       • PSLR: Passive Straight Leg Raise
       • HK: Hawkins Kennedy Test
       • Neers: Neers Impingement Test