Teach-Back Method: Using a Nursing Education Intervention to Improve Discharge Instructions on an Adult Oncology Unit

Background: Transitions from acute clinical care to the outpatient setting can be daunting. Clear explanations of discharge instructions from nurses and assessment of the patient’s understanding can have a positive impact.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of an education intervention on nurses’ use of the teach-back method, as well as the effects on patient satisfaction at discharge.

Methods: The setting was a 20-bed adult oncology unit. Nurses’ understanding of the teach-back method pre- and posteducation intervention was assessed using the Conviction and Confidence Scale. The effect of the intervention on patient satisfaction was assessed using the Press Ganey survey three months before and after teach-back education.

Findings: The results of this study indicated that nurses were more confident in their ability to use the teach-back method and integrated many teach-back competencies into clinical practice. Although few follow-up surveys were received, longer-term data indicated continued improvement in patient satisfaction and understanding of discharge instructions.