Assessing the Teach Back Method with Medications during Hospitalizations to Improve Patient and Nurse Perception of Patient Understanding

Problem: Patient misunderstanding of medications leads to various problems ranging from adverse effects to hospitalizations to even death. Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible to educate and verify understanding of patient’s medication education. However, patient surveys show that patients are not always receiving medication communication or understanding their medications at discharge. Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project was to implement a standardized evidence-based Teach Back method of education for medications administered to hospitalized patients. The main purpose was to improve patient understanding of medications. Methods: A Midwestern healthcare system’s oncology and solid organ/transplant unit implemented the Teach Back method, an evidence-based educational method, to ensure patient understanding of medications. The method verified understanding by using open-ended questions. Patient perception was assessed by patient surveys. RN perception was assessed using questionnaires. Results: Statistical significance was achieved with RNs expressing their method of education was more effective after the project implementation. Other statistical significance was found in that RNs used additional tools to educate patients, verified patient understanding, and always used the evidence-based method. Positive impact was found from the patient perspective with 66.7% of patients reporting they always received communication about medications. Conclusions: Implementation of the evidence-based standardized Teach Back method improved nurse perception of patient understanding and nurse satisfaction. Clinical significance was found throughout the project