• How can eliminating abbreviations reduce errors? Using abbreviations reduces the length of many words, so it really helps healthcare professionals save time spent writing notes. Abbreviations, however, do not always provide positive contributions due to misunderstandings, misunderstandings and misinterpretations which lead to errors in practice. Similarities in abbreviations, for example, could cause a serious error. For example, the qd that a member would like to indicate as every day could be mistakenly interpreted as qid which means four times a day. Such an error could result in an overdose when a certain drug is taken four times a day instead of just once. Although some abbreviations can be easily understood clearly and accurately as to the meaning they convey, the use of abbreviations generally invites potential errors, particularly error-prone abbreviations (ISMP, 2007) which can best be avoided by eliminating abbreviations.•Should written policies be developed for the use of abbreviations? If so, what should the policies contain? Despite the errors that can potentially be generated by the use of abbreviations, the use of this abbreviated form to write certain medical words and prescriptions has been part of the practice and has not been eradicated. It would therefore be in everyone's interest to be well guided by written policies on the use of abbreviations. Standard policies on the use of abbreviations have been developed by organizations such as The Joint Commission (ISMP, 2007). JCAHO has also committed to reaching out to health care providers and organizations to help eliminate errors resulting from the use of abbreviations (AARC, 2005). Org...... middle of paper ......consultation of abbreviations not only by medical professionals but also by those who are strongly interested in learning some forms of the written language used in the medical field. ReferencesAARC. (2005). JCAHO seeks your input on medical abbreviations. Retrieved January 4, 2009, from http://www.aarc.org/headlines/medical_abbreviations.aspISMP. (2001). In the long term, calligraphy courses for doctors won't do much for patient safety. Retrieved January 4, 2009, from http://www.ismp.org/Newsletters/acutecare/articles/20010110.asp?ptr=yISMP. (2007). ISMP list of error-prone abbreviations, symbols, and dose designations. Retrieved January 4, 2009, from http://www.ismp.org/tools/errorproneabbreviations.pdf The Joint Commission. (2009). "Do not use" list. Retrieved January 4, 2009, from http://www.jointcommission.org/PatientSafety/DoNotUseList/