How to Decipher Your Doctor's Handwriting

Reading the handwriting of the doctor, or doctors, that you work with can be a job within itself. Asking your doctor to reiterate what is written can time consuming and irritating for the both of you, however, it is important that you decipher the information properly.

According to Time magazine, more than 7,000 people die because of sloppy handwriting per year. Therefore, it may be difficult to understand another person's handwriting, however, there are ways you can figure out what it says before moving forward.

Be Persistent

Ask your doctor instead of assuming you know what it says, as going directly to the source is the only sure way to figure out what he or she is trying to say. Unfortunately, a busy doctor might not have the time or the patience to take a moment to read their own handwriting. If this is the case, try to address the situation as soon as possible.

Keep Track of Recurring Symbols and Abbreviations

Certain abbreviations and shortcuts are taken when doctors jot down whatever they may be writing. The International Nurses Association recommends that you be mindful of what doctors are writing what scripts or requests, and keep track of any recurring symbols or abbreviations they might use when writing. By doing so, you'll be able to decipher what they are saying easily, and you will limit the amount of times you'll have to address a doctor on what certain thigns say.

Below are a few examples that you may encounter on the job:

· P – Plan

· O/E – On Examination

· IUD – Intrauterine Device

· RTC – Return to Clinic

· U/S – Ultrasound

· D&C – Dilation and Curettage

Search It

If you are able to decipher part of the word, try and search it online and see if any terms appear. If nothing pops up, try asking your colleagues to see if they encountered the same issue as you did. They may end up having useful information on how to figure out what certain doctors are saying with their own personal experiences.

Related: Overcoming IV Anxiety

There's an App for That

No, really. There is an application that you can use to scan a section of writing and deciphers it for you. Of course, this cannot be relied on entirely. Ask for confirmation from your doctor that it is what they were trying to convey if they are willing to hear it.

Moving Forward

Although trying to understand what the doctor is trying to say can be difficult at times, don't be afraid to ask for help, whether it's from the doctor, or help from another colleague. It is important to figure out what is written, as it can affect the lives of all of your patients.

By using your common sense and medical skills, reading your doctor’s notes will be much easier. Deciphering these notes will be a skill that you will cultivate and master throughout your nursing career.

What tips can you offer to other nurses who struggle to decipher their doctors' handwriting?

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