The most common "not-so-good-for-you" substance abbreviation I can think of is ETOH, but I am curious if any of your systems use anything else as well. For instance, THC for marijuana. In the past I've always just written it out if the patient stated it, never thought anything of it until now. Looked in protocol "approved abbreviations" and ETOH was the only one I could find.
So, I am curious, why are others not as common? I've always been under the impression that ETOH is used in front of patients to avoid offending the patient with words like "alcohol" and "drunk", and potentially causing a mood swing that may lead to a physical swing. Or is ETOH just a way to more professionally document your findings? I'm sure the same patient would be just as offended knowing you are giving them up as a heroin or marijuana user in a radio report.
Thanks!
So, I am curious, why are others not as common? I've always been under the impression that ETOH is used in front of patients to avoid offending the patient with words like "alcohol" and "drunk", and potentially causing a mood swing that may lead to a physical swing. Or is ETOH just a way to more professionally document your findings? I'm sure the same patient would be just as offended knowing you are giving them up as a heroin or marijuana user in a radio report.
Thanks!