RULES OF USAGE
Healthcare
AP style splits “ healthcare ” into two words , but we use one word . This is true for similar words , such as childcare and daycare , as well .
Note that mental health care is three separate words .
Acronyms
Acronyms are a useful tool for communicating complex terms quickly .
• Always write out the words associated with an acronym on first reference , followed by the acronym in parentheses . This is true even for medical conditions that are commonly known by their acronym . On subsequent references , use the acronym instead of the full term . Acronyms are not necessary if you only reference the term once .
• Limit acronyms where possible to keep the reader ’ s burden light . Each time we introduce an acronym , we ’ re essentially coining a new term for readers to remember on subsequent references .
• Terms associated with acronyms are not always capitalized themselves . Only capitalize the term associated with an acronym if it is a proper noun . Common nouns remain lowercase , even if they have an associated acronym . Consider something like “ quality and patient safety .” This term is often shortened to QPS , but that doesn ’ t mean that the words themselves need to be capitalized .
• In spaces where the word count is limited , you may use acronyms widely known by that audience . For example , if you are writing an ad that is limited to 60 characters and is directed toward fetal care experts , you can shorten “ neonatal intensive care unit ” to NICU .
Examples : Adeline had thrombotic microangiopathy ( TMA ), a treatable condition associated with bone marrow transplantation .
The U . S . Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) recently approved two new treatments for sickle cell disease ( SCD ). The FDA expects that these new therapies will significantly improve quality of life for kids with SCD .
Brand Guidelines 2024-08 27