Using "teach-back" to promote a safe transition from hospital to home: an evidence-based approach to improving the discharge process

J Pediatr Nurs. 2013 May-Jun;28(3):282-91. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2012.10.007. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Abstract

The "teach-back" process is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, evidence-based strategy which can empower nursing staff to verify understanding, correct inaccurate information, and reinforce medication teaching and new home care skills with patients and families. The Evidence-Based Practice Fellows at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin designed and implemented an educational intervention for nurses on "teach-back" which encouraged nurses to check for patients' and caregivers' understanding of discharge instructions prior to discharge. Pre and post survey data collected from nurses specifically demonstrated the positive effect "teach-back" could have on preventing medication errors while also simultaneously identifying areas for further study.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Humans
  • Medication Errors / prevention & control
  • Nurse's Role
  • Nursing Staff, Hospital*
  • Patient Discharge / standards
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Pediatric Nursing / organization & administration
  • Retention, Psychology