Readback

Readback is a communication verification technique in which one participant repeats back what they have heard or read to confirm accuracy.

In aviation, readback is a standard practice in air traffic control communications. Controllers issue clearances, instructions, altitudes, headings, and speeds, and pilots repeat them back verbatim. Controllers then acknowledge or request clarifications. Readbacks reduce mishearing, miscopying, and ambiguity, and they support situational awareness and safety in busy radio environments.

In healthcare, readback refers to confirming critical orders, medications, and patient identifiers during telephone or in-person exchanges. Hospitals implement readback policies to verify dosing, routes, patient names, and chart numbers, particularly for high-risk medications or new orders. Proper readback procedures help prevent errors and facilitate accountability, though they require training and a culture that supports asking for clarifications.

Readback is also used in other sectors such as manufacturing, law enforcement, emergency response, and various radio networks where clear, verifiable transmission is essential. Limitations include potential time costs, the risk of overreliance on rote repetition, and the need for clear communication skills. Effective readback programs typically pair standardized phrases with in-the-moment verification and documentation.