Eliminating abbreviations can reduce errors because we have to take care of our patients and protect them. Its all about patient safety.
How Can Eliminating Abbreviations Reduce Errors?
The problem with using abbreviations is that they can have several meanings. Using them can cause confusion, by defining the abbreviation first, then using it throughout the article will decrease, but not completely eliminate, the error rate. An example of a common abbreviation is OSP. It could stand for Oregon State Police, Ohio State Police, orthodontal surgical procedure, etc. Without knowing what is being said, a person could certainly get the wrong impression of who or what is being said when an abbreviation is used.
