Skip to main content

Recommendations for terminology, abbreviations and symbols used in medicines documentation

One of the major causes of medication errors is the use of error-prone abbreviations and dose expressions. To promote patient safety, the Recommendations for Terminology, Abbreviations and Symbols used in Medicines Documentation sets out principles for safe, clear and consistent terminology for medicines, and safe terms, abbreviations and dose designations for medicines.

Abbreviations and terminology as safety issues

Medication errors are one of the most commonly reported clinical incidents in acute health care settings. Rates of serious harm are low, but many medication errors are preventable.

An abbreviation, term or symbol used by a prescriber may mean something quite different to the person interpreting the medicine order.

Abbreviations that appear unclear, ambiguous or incomplete may be misunderstood. When combined with other words or numerals, it may appear as something completely unintended. These terminologies are error‑prone and are a critical patient safety issue.

Recommendations for terminology, abbreviations and symbols used in medicines documentation
2016
Publication, report or update

This document is a revision of the Recommendations for Terminology, Abbreviations and Symbols used in the Prescribing and Administration of Medicines (2011). The revision is based on reported adverse events and international trends in error-prone abbreviations. This document aligns with information outlined in the National guidelines for the on-screen display of clinical medicines information.

Recommendations for terminology, abbreviations and symbols used in medicines documentation - Summary sheet
2016
Publication, report or update

The Summary sheet includes: 

  • Principles for safe, clear and consistent terminology for medicines
  • List of safe terms, abbreviations and dose designations for medicines

Back to top