As a carer, understanding medical terminology is important in providing the best possible support for those in your care. One of the most common abbreviations you might encounter when managing medication is QDS. This term is frequently used in prescriptions, medical charts, and care plans, but it can be confusing if you’re not familiar with it.
In simple terms, QDS stands for “quater die sumendum,” which is Latin for “to be taken four times daily.” This instruction is vital for ensuring that medications are administered consistently and at the correct intervals throughout the day.
In this guide, we’ll break down what QDS means, why it’s important, and how it fits into a broader care plan. We’ll also explain how carers can manage these medication instructions to provide the best care possible for their loved ones or patients. Understanding these key abbreviations will help you feel more confident in your caregiving role.
For tips on how to effectively record medication, be sure to check out our article on how carers should record medication.
Why are medical abbreviations so common?
Medical abbreviations have long been an essential tool in healthcare, initially used to streamline prescription writing by shortening the details of medication dosages, timing, and administration.
With doctors and GPs seeing a large number of patients daily, using shorthand not only saves time but also ensures essential information is recorded quickly and efficiently. These abbreviations are particularly helpful for pharmacists, as they reduce the risk of misreading handwriting or dealing with potential spelling mistakes and typos.
Over time, the use of medical abbreviations has expanded beyond prescriptions into everyday healthcare settings. Some abbreviations, such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computerised Tomography), have become so well-known that most people understand them without a second thought. Even simpler terms like BMI (Body Mass Index) are commonly used by healthcare professionals and patients alike.
However, many other abbreviations remain less familiar. They often appear on prescriptions or during medical consultations, leaving people wondering what they stand for.
What does qds mean in medical terms?
QDS is a common abbreviation found on drug prescriptions. It stands for quater die sumendum, a Latin phrase that translates to “to be taken four times daily.” This shorthand helps doctors and pharmacists efficiently communicate the frequency of medication administration.
There are several other abbreviations that indicate how often medication should be taken, including:
a.c. – before meals
a.m. – in the morning
o.d. – once a day
b.d.s. – twice a day
p.c. – after food
p.m. – in the afternoon or evening
p.o. – by mouth (oral administration)
q.1.d. – every day
q.1.h. – every hour
q.2.h. – every 2 hours
q.4.h. – every 4 hours
q.6.h. – every 6 hours
q.8.h. – every 8 hours
t.d.s. / t.i.d. – three times a day
These abbreviations help medical professionals provide clear and concise instructions for the administration of medication while allowing patients to take their prescribed doses at the right times.
Why do we take medications at certain times?
When medications are prescribed to be taken at various times throughout the day, it’s typically to maintain a consistent level of the drug in your system to ensure it works effectively. This is especially important for medications like pain relievers or strong analgesics, as their effects can wear off over time. Taking them as directed helps manage pain and maintain continuous relief.
Some medications can also irritate the stomach, so they’re often prescribed to be taken with food to minimise side effects such as indigestion or inflammation. For example, medications like these are typically taken during meals, such as breakfast or dinner, to make it easier to incorporate them into your daily routine while providing the necessary stomach lining to prevent discomfort.
However, some medications, like over-the-counter ibuprofen or antihistamines, can be taken at any time of day or night. While there’s more flexibility with timing, it’s still important to follow the recommended intervals between doses to avoid exceeding the safe dosage. For example, painkillers purchased from a pharmacy are usually recommended to be taken every 4 to 6 hours, as exceeding this can cause unwanted side effects or damage to your body. Always follow the guidelines to ensure the safe and effective use of your medication.
Remember – don’t rely on abbreviations
While medical abbreviations are helpful for communication between healthcare professionals, they should not be used by patients to guide their medication intake. If you’ve been prescribed medication, it’s crucial to follow the exact instructions provided by your doctor or as indicated on the packaging, dosette box, or in your care plan.
Abbreviations like QDS or BDS are meant to streamline communication in clinical settings but might not be fully understood by everyone. To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment, always adhere to the prescribed dosage and timing as outlined in the official instructions. If you ever have any doubts about how or when to take your medication, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or chemist for clarification.
Common medical abbrivations
Here are some other common medical abbreviations that you may come across in your role as a carer:
CMHN – Community Mental Health Nurse
CPN – Community Psychiatric Nurse
GP – General Practitioner (family doctor)
DN – District Nurse
HCA – Healthcare Assistant
RN – Registered Nurse
OT – Occupational Therapist
SLT – Speech and Language Therapist
CQC – The Care Quality Commission – a regulatory board that inspects health and social care providers
MAR – Medication Administration Record
LPA – Lasting Power of Attorney
NHS – National Health Service
PCT – Primary Care Trust
A&E – Accident and Emergency
IV – Intravenous (medication or fluids given through a vein)
SCN – Staff Nurse
SpR – Specialist Registrar
B12 – Vitamin B12 (often mentioned in medication or treatment plans)
DVT – Deep Vein Thrombosis
COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
MI – Myocardial Infarction (heart attack)
CHF – Congestive Heart Failure
TIA – Transient Ischemic Attack (mini-stroke)
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Call us on 0808 239 1525 and our friendly care experts will discuss your care and support needs. You can also fill out our online enquiry form or email info@prestige-nursing.co.uk. We provide impartial guidance and advice so you make the right choice for you and your family.
