Acronyms & Abbreviations

A.I.D.E.T

  • A= Acknowledge the patient, by their last name if possible
  • I= Introduce yourself, your job title, and any other relevant information that may put the patient more at ease.
  • D= Duration of procedure. Describe how long the procedure will take, how long they're going to be there, how long they may have to wait for test results, etc.
  • E= Explain the tests, any type of pain involved, what happens next, and so on. Connect key words with patient safety and "excellent service."
  • T=Thank you. Thank the patient for their time and for choosing our hospital. 

Lean: Lean concepts were exemplified by Toyota in the 1930s when Kiichiro Toyoda introduced the Toyota Production System (TPS). Lean methods eliminate unnecessary resources so that we can operate more efficiently. 

A3: This term simply represents the size of paper used. However, what is done on that paper is problem solving in a structured approach to resolve known and observed problems. 

5S: A method used to provide workplace organization and housekeeping that stands for the following:

  • Sort
  • Straighten
  • Shine
  • Standardized
  • Sustain

ART: Accreditation Readiness Team

CBL: Computer Based Learning

CCU: Cardiac Care Unit

CHA: Carolinas Healthcare

CLC: Children's Learning Center

CVICU: Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit

EAP: Employee Assistance Program

EFC: Employee Fitness Center

EMS: Emergency Medical Services

EOC: Environment of Care

EOC: Emergency Operation Center

EOH: Employee Occupational Health (also EHS -- for Employee Health Services)

EPIC: Electric Health Record software

FSA: Flexible Spending Account

HC: Home Care

HIM: Health Information Management

HIPAA: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act

HRA: Health Risk Assessment

ICD-10: International Classification of Diseases version 10

LEM: Leader Evaluation Manager

LTD: Long Term Disability

MICU: Medical Intensive Care Unit

NEO: New Employee Orientation

NHNHRMC: Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center

NL: Net Learning

OCR: Office of Civil Rights

OIG: Office of Inspector General

ORTHO: Novant Health New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital

PCU: Progressive Care Unit

PDO or PTO: Paid Days Off or Paid Time Off

PG: Physician Group

PHI: Protected Health Information

PICU: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

PMH: Pender Memorial Hospital, now Novant Health Pender Medical Center

PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

PRN: "pro re nata" Latin meaning "when necessary"

SDS: Safety Data Sheet

SEAHEC: South East Area Health Education Center

SNF: Skilled Nursing Facility

SOE: Standards of Excellence

STICU: Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit

The Tower: The main hospital

WOW: Work Only Weekends