Non-Mathematical arrows and equal sign used within a Nemeth w/UEB transcription

[Michael Gunner]

Hi Lindy,

This question has been coming up in the pharmacy materials that are being transcribed.

Should directional arrows and/or the equal sign be transcribed as Nemeth when they have no mathematical meaning?

There are two references that I have found one is NC4.4 & 4.4.6 which indicates that Nemeth should be used. However, others have (and I find it hard to disagree) that since the arrows and equal sign are being used essentially as abbreviations UEB would be the better option.

If Nemeth is used, what should be done with the surrounding text? These symbols are considered comparison signs. The Nemeth rules would indicate that everything being compared is uncontracted and enclosed within the Nemeth indicators. As you will see in the attached examples, this approach doesn't seem practical. Can the arrow or equal sign be enclosed in the Nemeth indicators without the surrounding text.?

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Mike

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[Michael Gunner]

Here is two additional examples. Unfortunately I do not have the print. The first is a pronunciation guide appearing in a Nemeth w/UEB book. The second is words equivalents used in literary context.   For example oste/o = bone, -cyte = cell, -genesis = producing.

There are opposing views as to which code to you on these examples as well.

Thanks!

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[Lindy Walton]

Hi Mike.

This is a difficult question for me to answer.

I agree that mathematical symbols which have no mathematical meaning should be handled differently. But the Nemeth code book doesn't address this beyond certain symbols used in literary-only context such as a decimal point in a section number where the UEB "dot" is used.

However, I do not think the UEB symbols should be used for the equals sign or for the arrows in your example.

So what to do with symbols that are used to replace words? I am going out on my favorite limb again and suggesting that non-mathematical symbol be replaced by the word it represents, enclosed between TN indicators. You must be certain what the symbol means.

For example,

Sympathetic stimulation (tnelevatedtn HR, tnelevatedtn BP, tnelevatedtn intracranial pressure)

Patient self-reporting by numerical rating scale tnequalstn gold standard for assessing pain tnleads totn challenge in the ICU

State in a TN or on the TN page that you are replacing certain symbols with words.

I don't think this violates Rule 4.4.6.

Please correct me -- anyone -- if this is not a good idea.

- Lindy

[Michael Gunner]

That is a solution I had not thought of. My original inclination was to treat those symbols as freestanding using 4.4.6 as a guide. However, there was pushback form other transcribers who thought UEB was the correct way and yet others who thought the whole "unit" should just enclose in Nemeth indicators and uncontracted. I am hopeful that others are following this thread will chime in with their thoughts.

Thank you!!

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