Abbreviations

Here is a list of useful abbreviations for occupational therapists:

ABR: absolute bed rest	ORTH: orthopedic
ADHD: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder	PARA: paraplegia
ADL: activities of daily living	PCA: personal care attendant
AKA: above knee amputation	PDD: pervasive developmental disorder
ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis	PMH: past medical history
BKA: below knee amputation	POC: plan of care
BMR: basal metabolic rate	PROM: passive range of motion
BP: blood pressure	q2h: every two hours
CAT: computer-assisted tomography	qd: everyday
CBI: closed brain injury	qh: every hour
c/o: complains of	qid: four times daily
CP: cerebral palsy	qn: every night
D: dependent	RA: rheumatoid arthritis
DJD: degenerative joint disease	ROM: range of motion
DOB: date of birth	SAD: seasonal affective disorder
ECF: extended care facility	SCI: spinal cord injury
ECG: electrocardiogram	SED seriously emotionally disturbed
EEG: electroencephalogram	SI: sensory integration
EENT: eye, ear, nose and throat	SOB: shortness of breath
HHA: home health agengy	SZ: schizophrenia
I: independent	TBI: traumatic brain injury
LOC: loss of consciousness	TDD: telecommunication device for the deaf
MS: multiple sclerosis	THR: total hip replacement
NKA: no known allergy	TKR:  total knee repair
NPO: nothing by mouth	W/C: wheelchair
OA: osteoarthritis	WFL: within functional limits
OOB: out of bed	WNL: within normal limits

Terminology: the nervous system

Medical terms are divided into three parts: a prefix, a word root and a suffix. Study the information in this website and practise doing the following quiz about terminology of the nervous system.

Anencephalic

Prefix	Word root	Suffix
an (without)	encephal (inside the head, brain)	ic (pertaining to)

Parkinson's disease

Watch this video about a new treatment for Parkinson's disease. Find out more information about Deep Brain Stimulation and other new therapies to treat this disease.

Networking

This Twitter account is a complementary tool to improve your English language skills in OT. Just use your Twitter account or create a new one to make the most of it.

Office time

Office hours from 4th February to 17th May will be held on Wednesdays (8:30-11:00 / 12:00-14:00) and Fridays (8:30-10:00).

Office time during exam period

Office hours from 17th January to 1st February will be held on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 to 13.

Europass Curriculum Vitae

Working abroad as an occupational therapist can open a wide range of professional opportunities.

The Europass website includes all the instructions you need to write your Curriculum Vitae in the language of your choice.