2. Industry terminology
It is important that you use correct industry terminology in verbal, written and digital communications in your work role.
Note that abbreviations used in documentation may differ between healthcare organisations. It is important to only use approved abbreviations in your documentation whilst you are a student on placement and when you are working as an AHA. Orientation to an approved abbreviation list should be completed during workplace induction.
This table explains some of the most common acronyms and abbreviations you will encounter.
Documentation terminology
Acronym/abbreviation |
Definition | Acronym/abbreviation | Definition |
1/7
| One day | Max | Maximal |
1/12
| One month | Min | Minimal |
1/52
| One week | Mob | Mobilise |
4PS
| Four point stick | Mod | Moderate |
4WF
| Four wheeled frame | N + V | Nausea and vomiting |
4WW | Four wheeled walker
| O | Objective |
A | Action | OTF | Over toilet frame |
ADL | Activity of daily living | P | Plan |
AM | Morning | pADL | Personal activity of daily living |
Ax | Assessment | PHx | Past history |
Ax1 | One person assist | PM | Afternoon |
Ax2
| Two person assist | Pt/pt | Patient |
c/o | Complains of | PUS | Pick up stick |
cADL | Community activity of daily living | Px | Pain |
CHx | Current history | ROM | Range of motion |
dADL | Domestic activity of daily living | Rx | Treatment |
Ex | Exercise | S | Subjective |
GF (also known as FASF)
| Gutter frame (or forearm support frame) | S/v | Supervision |
HEP | Home exercise plan | SHx | Social history |
HOPC | History of presenting complaint | SPS | Single point stick |
I | Independent | SS | Shower stool |
Mane | In the morning | w/c | Wheelchair |