Improvement of Patient Education Practice in Home Health Care Using the Teach-Back Method

Abstract

Patient education is essential in promoting patient-empowerment. It empowers the patient to take ownership of their health and supports patient-centered care. Effective patient education improves engagement in self-care, compliance with medications and treatments, and optimal patient outcomes. Patient education is an essential aspect of home health care (HHC). The HHC providers consist of interdisciplinary healthcare professionals, including licensed nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and medical social workers. These professionals educate patients on how to manage their disease and illness in their home setting. It is fundamental for healthcare providers to utilize best practices in patient education. The teach-back method is an evidence-based strategy to ensure effective learning has been achieved. The primary goal of this quality improvement (QI) practice inquiry project (PIP) was to improve patient education practice in HHC through the integration of the teach-back method.