Easier to write. We spend 5 minutes talking about you at handoff (and I need to write down everything AS the other person is talking) then I have to write a mini essay about each person by morning. Abbreviations are highly specific to specialty (ROM = “range of motion” in most specialties but “rupture of membranes” in obstetrics), but much easier than writing things out. An example from my specialty might be:
SI / attempt r/o. BIBA GSW LA + lig marks neck (suspect DV but pt denies). WC placed, CT (-). Hx DM2 diet managed.
Which is to say
Ruling out a suicide attempt. The ambulance brought them to the ED for a gunshot wound to the left arm and strangulation marks on the neck. We’re pretty sure the spouse did it but the patient is refusing to talk about how it happened. The wound consult is in and they did a CT of their neck already, no severe injury noted. History of diabetes, but it’s type 2 and managed by diet (as opposed to insulin).
Easier to write. We spend 5 minutes talking about you at handoff (and I need to write down everything AS the other person is talking) then I have to write a mini essay about each person by morning. Abbreviations are highly specific to specialty (ROM = “range of motion” in most specialties but “rupture of membranes” in obstetrics), but much easier than writing things out. An example from my specialty might be:
Which is to say
…which is like 3 times as long.