What is the read-back protocol designed to ensure?

The read-back protocol is specifically designed to ensure the accuracy of verbal or telephone orders. This protocol mandates that when a healthcare provider receives a verbal or telephone order, they must repeat the order back to the person who provided it. This method serves as a verification step to confirm that the information has been heard and understood accurately, thus minimizing the potential for misinterpretation or error.

While avoiding miscommunication and verifying patient identity are essential components of safe patient care, they are broader concepts that encompass multiple communication practices. The read-back protocol specifically addresses the accuracy of verbal communications regarding orders, making it a focused strategy to reduce errors in that context. This emphasizes the importance of clear communication procedures in healthcare settings, particularly when dealing with potentially critical treatment instructions.