ABPI
Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry: a trade association representing pharmaceutical companies in the United Kingdom.
Resource centre
Jargon buster
A practical, plain-English guide to terms that often appear in public involvement, health and care research.
About this glossary
Find the words behind the work
Research can use specialist language. This glossary gives short explanations of commonly used words and abbreviations, so people can take part in conversations with greater confidence.
It is a starting point rather than a complete guide. Meanings can vary between projects, and research teams should always explain terms that matter to a decision or discussion.
A entries
Definitions beginning with A
Definitions are written for general understanding and may need additional context in a specific study.
Abstract
A short summary of a research study and its results. It usually explains why the study was done, how it was carried out and what was found.
ACFs
Academic Clinical Fellowships.
Action research
A practical approach to improving a situation. People with knowledge of an issue work together to test possible changes, consider what happened and use that learning to decide what to try next.
Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC)
A committee that considers applications relating to the use of radioactive medicinal products in diagnosis, treatment or research. Some studies involving additional radiation exposure require the appropriate certification before they can proceed.
ADR
Adverse drug reaction, sometimes also called an adverse reaction.
Advanced therapy investigational medicinal product (ATIMP)
An advanced therapy medicinal product that is being tested or used in a clinical trial.
Advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP)
A category of medicine that can include gene therapies, cell therapies and tissue-engineered products.
Adverse event
An unfavourable health outcome that happens during or after a treatment or other intervention. It may not have been caused by the treatment or intervention.
Adverse reaction
An unintended response to a medicinal product where there is reason to think the product may have contributed to the response.
Advisory group
A group that helps a research project develop, review and monitor its work. It may include members of the public, carers, researchers and professionals with relevant experience.
AHPs
Allied health professionals.
Allocation concealment
A method used in trials to keep the allocation sequence hidden from people assigning participants to groups until the point of assignment. It helps reduce the risk of selection bias.
Amendment
A written change or clarification to a research document or plan. Depending on the study and the scale of the change, an amendment may need review or notification through the project’s governance process.
AMRC
Association of Medical Research Charities.
AMS
Academy of Medical Sciences.
Analysis (data analysis)
The process of examining research data to answer a study question. It can involve identifying patterns, comparing findings and drawing out themes.
Arm
One group within a trial. Different groups may receive different interventions or approaches so that researchers can compare outcomes.
Helpful context
Questions about research language
Why does research use so many abbreviations?
Abbreviations can save time for specialist teams, but they can also exclude people. A good meeting or document defines abbreviations the first time they appear and avoids unnecessary shorthand.
What should I do if a term is unclear?
Ask for an explanation in ordinary language and in relation to the project. It is reasonable to ask for a term to be repeated or written down.
Can public contributors help improve the language in a study?
Yes. Public contributors can review information, identify confusing wording and suggest clearer ways to explain a question, process or finding.
Is plain English the same as making information less accurate?
No. Plain English aims to keep the meaning accurate while using familiar words, short sentences and enough explanation for the intended reader.
How can research teams make jargon less of a barrier?
Define essential terms, share information early, allow time for questions and ask people reviewing materials to point out words that are unclear.
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