Effect of Ask3Teach3 on Patient Satisfaction on Medication Communication

Written by Annie Pajaro, Avril Keldo, & Tita Viray

doi: https://doi.org/10.13178/jnparr

Abstract

Introduction: Communication about medication is a vital domain in patient satisfaction and quality of care. A useful health literacy tool, the Ask3 Teach3 approach can increase the patient's understanding of medication using a standardized script to teach three main components of the new medication and patients are to respond to three relevant questions.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to examine if the implementation of the Ask3 Teach3 approach improved patient satisfaction related to medication communication.

Methods: Using a pre and post-study design, the Ask3 Teach3 approach was employed by twenty-one staff nurses to oncology unit patients receiving new medication during their hospital stay. Patient satisfaction with the healthcare experience including communication about medication was measured by Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey scores. Eleven survey results were compared before and after implementation of Ask3 Teach3 to determine the effect of the intervention on patient satisfaction on communication on medication.

Results: Patient satisfaction overall scores on medication communication increased by 37.5% from 62.5% to 100% after implementing the Ask3 Teach3 approach.

Conclusions: The project shows a potential benefit of Ask3 Teach3 in improving patient satisfaction on medication communication among oncology patients. It is suggested that having the Ask3 Teach3 approach structured and consistent with multiple reinforcement was supportive of quality of care and knowing that patients understood their medication gave mutual satisfaction to both patients and nurses.

Keywords: HCAHPS, Ask3Teach3, patient satisfaction, medication communication