An abbreviation is a short form of a word or phrase. The following examples were contained in the editorial and research sections of the recent edition of the BJGP: CYP (children and young people), NHCs (Neighbourhood Health Centres), MHPs (mental health presentations), EDs (emergency departments), SDM (shared decision making), PP (patient preference), SAS (special allocation scheme), SMD (severe and multiple disadvantage), EI (early intervention), SMI (severe mental illness), ID (intellectual disabilities), PH (postural hypotension), PBA (person-based approach).
Certain abbreviations are easily recognised, such as NHS, GP, and GMC; however, reading an article with too many unnecessary or specialised abbreviations can be confusing and irritating for the general reader.
- © British Journal of General Practice 2026
