title: Education for medications and side effects: a two part mechanism for improving the patient experience.
abstract: A 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.
  
  
  
  Hospital 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.
  
  
  
  Nurses implemented medication information labels for patient drinking mugs. Briefing and teach back paired use of the labels with standard medication information sheets.
  
  
  
  When 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.
  
  
  
  Intuitive medications reminders and medication information sheets used in tandem are significantly more effective than when used independently.
authors.affiliation: St. David's South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Sally W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Gillam
authors.affiliation: Infant Guard LLC, Austin, TX, USA. Electronic address: agillam@infant-guard.com.
authors.forename: Andrew R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Gillam
authors.affiliation: St. David's South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Tricia L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Casler
authors.affiliation: St. David's South Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Katelyn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Curcio
mesh_terms: D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D007318:Inservice Training / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017010:Reminder Systems; D013781:Texas
keywords: HCAHPS Survey; Medication side effects patient education; Medication teach back; Patient education; Patient satisfaction