What is a key purpose of discharge teaching that includes teach-back?

• A. To ensure the patient can verbalize and demonstrate understanding of the plan for self-care after discharge.
• B. To complete hospital paperwork.
• C. To delay discharge with extra explanations.
• D. To meet staffing requirements.

Answer: (A)

Discharge teaching with teach-back focuses on making sure the patient can verbalize and demonstrate the plan for self-care after leaving the hospital. By asking the patient to explain in their own words or show how they’ll manage medications, follow-up appointments, wound or symptom monitoring, activity restrictions, and when to seek help, you verify true understanding. This method catches any gaps in knowledge before discharge, enhances safety, supports adherence to the plan, and can reduce the likelihood of return visits.

It isn’t about paperwork, delaying discharge, or staffing needs. Those are administrative or operational goals, not the patient-centered aim of ensuring the patient knows how to care for themselves at home.