Understanding the Meaning of 'BE' in Medical Prescriptions

Medical prescriptions can sometimes contain abbreviations that may be confusing for patients and healthcare professionals alike. One such term is 'BE', which can have multiple meanings depending on the context. In this article, we will explore the different contexts in which 'BE' is applied and discuss the importance of avoiding unnecessary jargon in medical communication.

The Context of 'BE'

'BE' in a doctor's prescription most commonly stands for 'both eyes' in the case of ophthalmic medications or 'both ears' for medications that are applied to the ears. For example, if the prescription is for eye drops, you can be sure that it is for both eyes unless otherwise specified. Similarly, if the medication is for ear drops, it will be applied to both ears if instructed as 'BE'.

However, 'BE' can also stand for 'barium enema', which is a diagnostic procedure in gastrointestinal medicine. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the context of the prescription before administering the medication.

Personal Experiences and Misunderstandings

In my experience, I have encountered some physicians using custom abbreviations that are not common among other healthcare professionals. For instance, I once needed to clarify the meaning of an abbreviation on a prescription, but the physician in question was quite unfriendly and dismissive. Despite questioning him, he insisted that the pharmacy would understand the meaning. This is not always the case, and pharmacists often have to seek clarification from the prescribing physician.

In another instance, a pharmacist in the ICU whom I approached for clarification regarding an ambiguous abbreviation had no idea what it meant. This highlights the importance of clear communication in medical settings to avoid any potential errors.

Context Matters in Prescription Reading

To avoid confusion, it is essential to ensure that the prescription context is clear. If the prescription is for an ophthalmic preparation, it is usually safe to assume that 'BE' means 'both eyes'. Similarly, if it is for an otologic (ear) preparation, 'BE' typically means 'both ears'. However, if there is any doubt, it is always best to contact the prescribing physician for clarification.

Erasing Jargon from Medical Reports

Recently, a study emphasized the need to eliminate outdated jargon in medical reports, such as Latin abbreviations. On one occasion, a physical therapist used entirely abbreviations in a report, which took me several minutes to decipher. It was not an efficient use of my time, and I communicated my concerns to the therapist politely. This experience highlights the importance of clear and concise communication in the medical field. The article 'IT'S TIME TO THROW OUT OLD-FASHIONED LATIN ABBREVIATIONS' provides a strong argument for doing away with needless jargon in medical reports and prescriptions.

While abbreviations like 'BE' can sometimes be useful, they can also lead to misunderstandings. It is crucial to strike a balance between efficiency and clarity in medical communication to ensure patient safety and ease of care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, 'BE' is an abbreviation that can have multiple meanings—'both eyes', 'barium enema', and 'both ears', but it is most commonly used to mean 'both eyes' in the context of ophthalmic medications or 'both ears' in the case of otologic treatments. However, it is essential to ensure that the context is clear and to avoid unnecessary jargon in medical communication to prevent misunderstandings and potential errors in patient care.

We hope this article has helped you better understand the meaning of 'BE' in medical prescriptions and the importance of clear communication in the healthcare field.