Abstract
This study evaluated the efficacy of a skills checklist, which included a standardized instruction sheet based in part on Rutledge and Donaldson's recommendations for reducing the amount of time required to make a patient independent in the administration of an antibiotic. The use of a skills checklist was found to reduce the time it takes for a patient to become independent with their therapy by reducing the number of teaching visits, and thereby the total time of instruction. Time-saving and a decrease in the number of individuals providing instruction to a patient offer the prospect of lowering the cost of care. The skills checklist also improves communication between nurses providing instruction.