Education for medications and side effects: a two part mechanism for improving the patient experience

AimA nursing study aimed to increase patient understanding of new medications and their side effects, and positively impact Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey scores for medications communication.BackgroundHospital patients' understanding of new medications and side effects is a major satisfaction indicator when formal surveys serve as quality measures. Medical/surgical unit survey scores at a 328-bed Texas hospital were below average.MethodsNurses implemented medication information labels for patient drinking mugs. Briefing and teach back paired use of the labels with standard medication information sheets.ResultsWhen both mechanisms were used in earnest, HCAHPS unit quarterly scores for medications communication improved from 55% (n = 55) to 79% (n = 207). Mann–Whitney U confirmed the change was significant (U = 4370.0, p = 0.001). The change has persisted over three calendar quarters.ConclusionsIntuitive medications reminders and medication information sheets used in tandem are significantly more effective than when used independently.