I am a family carer for my husband who is currently in hospital. The nurse informed me that an OT will be visiting to assess him. I don’t know what the term OT means and didn’t like to ask the nurse as they were busy.
We understand that it can be confusing when medical professionals use abbreviated terms. Please don’t worry about asking a member of staff if you are unsure during any conversations you may have with them, they are there to help.
In response to your initial query, an OT is an Occupational Therapist. They help people overcome challenges completing everyday tasks or activities. In doing so, where appropriate they can provide necessary equipment to assist a patient.
In addition, here are some other abbreviations that you may hear used in a hospital setting.
PT – Physiotherapist
SALT – Speech and Language Therapist
HCA – Health Care Assistant
RN – Registered Nurse
TTA’s / TTO’s – Medication to take home
O/D – Once a day
B/D – Twice a day
TDS – Three times a day
QDS- Four times a day
For a more extensive abbreviation list, please visit the NHS website
