Page 68 - Hospitalists - Risks When You're the Doctor in the House (Part One)

SVMIC Hospitalists - Risks When You’re the Doctor in the House

to discharge instructions builds confidence in the patients/

caregivers knowledge, attitude, and skills. In one study cited
in Medical Economics, teach back was done with heart failure

patients over a three-day period.

• Day 1 focused on knowledge aspects (eg, “What
medications do you take?” “What is your understanding of

heart problems?”)

• Day 2 focused on attitude aspects (e.g., “Why is it

important to watch your diet or weigh yourself daily?”)

• Day 3 focused on behaviors and skills (eg, “How are you

going to be able to take your medications daily or get to
your follow-up appointments?”)

In this small trial, a reduction was seen in the readmission rate

and the length of said subsequent hospital stay.

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