Verbal Order Read Back

When a doctor or Advance Practice Provider (like a Physician Assitant or Nurse Practitioner)issues a verbal order, the person taking the order is usually supposed to read it back to confirm understanding. Clinicians often feel its unncessary: We’re in a hurry.We’ve got things to do.

Verbal order readback (VORB) is an invitation. It’s an invitation to reduce confusion or dispel doubts. With VORB, the person receiving the order and the person giving the order have the opportunity to dance. Do you understand what I want? Do I understand what you’re reporting? We get to do this before we step on each other’s toes. Or, more importantly, before we hurt the patient or family.

VORB isn’t a bad communication device for a family, either. I’m not ignoring you. We’re just not understanding each other. This is human. Let’s start over.

It’s easy to get frustrated if either person thinks they’re not being taken seriously or the other person isn’t paying attention. The purpose of verbal order read back – at work or home - is to make sure that we’re all growing in the same direction. I intended to say rowing but it came out growing. Sometimes I yell at spell check. But, when I read it back this time, growing sounded better.