Yes, the term washback can be used in contexts beyond testing, although it is most commonly associated with education. Washback refers to the impact or influence one thing has on another, particularly when one process affects subsequent processes or behaviors. In a broader sense, you can use washback to describe unintended or secondary effects in various areas, even if it’s less common in everyday language.
For example:
Political washback: The ripple effect that political decisions have on public opinion, policy, or international relations.
Environmental washback: The indirect impact of environmental policies or practices, such as when industrial regulations affect wildlife or community health.
Economic washback: When a particular economic policy or event influences consumer behavior or business practices in a related area.
Washback is often discussed in research or technical contexts, where people are examining the side effects or downstream effects of a primary action. It’s a useful term when you're looking to describe secondary impacts that weren't initially anticipated but play a significant role in shaping outcomes or behavior.