Staff Education Tool: Error-Prone Abbreviations Poster

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices provides a free, downloadable poster organizations can use to remind staff members of the importance of eliminating error-prone abbreviations.

The one-page poster, developed by ISMP and FDA, gives an example of a potentially confusing prescription, and then provides the following educational message:

"Some educational abbreviations, symbols and dose designations should not be used. They are often misread and lead to serious mistakes."

Download the abbreviations poster (pdf) for use in your organization.

Note: View our database providing 150 reports that link to free, downloadable and adaptable tools for use in surgery centers, hospitals and other organizations by clicking here.

Related Articles on Abbreviations:

8 Steps to Prevent Medication Errors in Surgery Centers

30 Safe Practices for Better Healthcare

Patient Safety Tool: ISMP's List of Error-Prone Abbreviations, Symbols and Dose Designations