I have a love–hate relationship with acronyms (or, to be pedantic, more often than not initialisms). They help me remember facts, or avoid repeating long mouthfuls of text. Conversely, on the receiving end as a patient or a customer reading a technical report, they can just be gobbledygook!

As a pre-registration student, I recall being challenged for writing NAD on a record card – did this mean “nothing abnormal detected” or “not actually done”? It is vital to be clear, open and transparent and act with integrity and honesty to maintain trust and confidence in our profession. Our article explores a wide range of actual and perceived conflicts of interests and how best to address them, especially in an era of portfolio careers and extended roles across primary and secondary settings. 

Our article on a new ECSP (eye care support pathway) developed by RNIB and partners to help patients navigate their way through every stage of the eye care journey. The concept of “waiting well” is explained and how optometrists can support patients, especially at the start of their journey. With patients facing long waits for ophthalmology outpatient appointments in secondary care, there has never been a more pressing time to approach patient need holistically. 

After a legal challenge brought earlier this year by a patient who experienced psychotic symptoms after he was prescribed prednisolone for an eye infection, the big question in this edition is: which side effects should you discuss? 

Lessons learned from this case include the importance of effective communication when prescribing medication, and apologising when mistakes happen. The acronym BRAN provides a framework you can apply to any drug or intervention. B is for benefits, R is for risks, A is for alternatives and N stands for nothing. Do you ever discuss with your patients what happens if you/they do nothing? 

Doing nothing is not an option if you suspect abuse in a patient. The initialism NSPCC needs no explanation, and this year the charity highlighted shocking research that showed one in 15 children in the UK had been emotionally abused. Optometrists will see children who they suspect are victims of some form of abuse. Our article reminds optometrists, and indeed all practice staff, of their safeguarding responsibilities. Do you have the NHS safeguarding app on your phone? Have you completed your safeguarding training? Can you list 10 different types of abuse? A sobering, but important, read to refresh your thinking.

As children, how many of us learnt the order of the colours of the rainbow using ROY G BIV, or the mnemonic Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain? 

Love them or hate them? Acronyms applied wisely have a useful place in memory recall and effective communication, but overuse or inappropriate use can cause confusion and alienate unfamiliar audiences – so use with care. 

Happy Acuity reading and BFN!

Image credit | Caroline-Andrieu