[Acronyms and abbreviations in the clinical history]

The authors identify the acronyms, initials and abbreviations which have been produced in the different services at this hospital, establishing unified utilization criteria and creating a valid list for the center's administrative statutes. The authors conclude that there is an excessive utilization of abbreviations in clinical files, more than 30 per file on average, and the professional staff is barely aware that they are abusing these abbreviations. To effect changes in habits regarding their use will require time and perseverance.