Who should not use medical abbreviations?

Medical abbreviations should not be used in the following situations:

- When communicating with patients. Abbreviations can be confusing for patients, especially if they are not familiar with medical terminology. When speaking or writing to patients, it is important to use plain language that they can easily understand.

- When writing legal or financial documents. The use of abbreviations in legal or financial documents can be risky, as they can potentially be misinterpreted. It is important to spell out all words in these types of documents to avoid any confusion.

- When communicating with non-medical professionals. Unless you are certain that the person you are communicating with is familiar with medical abbreviations, it is best to spell out all words. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings.

By using plain language when communicating with patients and the public, we can help to ensure that everyone is aware of their health information and can make informed decisions about their care.