Introduction

The use of abbreviations and acronyms is a two-edged sword: as much as they serve a very real function in speeding communication and comprehension between those familiar with them, they irritate and turn off those who do not understand them. They are inevitable, however, and more are constantly being coined.

Each group usually understands its own jargon, but what are pithy swiftscripts to one discipline may be impenetrable ciphers to another. And for want of comprehension of parts of an interdisciplinary communication, the message of the whole may be lost.

This compilation of over 3800 abbreviations and acronyms currently used in healthcare informatics and healthcare in the United Kingdom, therefore, aims to demystify and enlighten.

The first edition was published (in paper-based form) in 1995 since when many more have come into use, which we have endeavoured to add to the database. Omissions are inevitable, however, and users of this dictionary are warmly invited to advise the webmaster of any errors or suggest any additions by email to: webmaster@bjhc.co.uk or by post/fax (see contacts page).