The Teach-Back Method
Introduction
- Up to 80% of healthcare information is forgotten immediately, and 50% of information is recalled incorrectly.
The Teach-Back Method is a simple yet powerful communication tool used to confirm patient understanding.
- It involves asking patients to repeat back the information you have given them, using their own words.
- This allows healthcare providers to assess comprehension and offer clarification when needed.
NOTE: What may seem clear to one person can easily be misunderstood by another.
The Teach-Back Process
STEP 0: Establish a Baseline
Before using Teach-Back, it is helpful to understand the patient’s baseline knowledge.
- They may already know some of the information, or you may mistakenly assume they understand more than they actually do.
STEP 1: Explain
Use plain, everyday language to explain or demonstrate the concept.
Avoid medical jargon.
- For example, instead of saying “Your X-ray was negative,” say “Your X-ray did not show anything serious.”
STEP 2: Check Understanding
Ask the patient to explain the information back to you in their own words.
- Avoid yes/no questions, as these can lead patients to say “yes” just to please you, even when they do not truly understand.
Use open-ended, non-judgmental questions to create a shame-free environment where patients feel safe to ask questions and clarify confusion.
STEP 3: Clarify
Listen carefully to what the patient is telling you.
- Identify any misunderstandings, and re-explain the concept as needed.
- If any part of the explanation is missing or incorrect, focus on clarifying that specific point.
STEP 4: Re-assess and Re-clarify
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the patient has a clear and accurate understanding.
STEP 5: Close the Loop
Once the patient has understood all parts, ask them to summarize the information again in their own words.
- This reinforces learning and helps them retain the information in the correct sequence.
What Teach-Back Is Not
Teach-Back is not a memory test or a way to have someone repeat your words back to you verbatim.
- It is not a test of intelligence or literacy.
- Rather, it is a way to check how well you have explained something.
If a patient misunderstands, the responsibility lies with the communicator, not the patient.
- In those cases, reframe your explanation, use different teaching strategies, or consider the patient’s learning style.
Teach-Back is not a one-size-fits-all approach or a memorized script.
- It requires flexibility, empathy and adaptability.
Additional Tool: Chunk and Check
People often struggle with long or complex instructions.
- Most individuals can only retain about two to three key points at a time, so focus on the most important messages.
When teaching multiple concepts, use the Chunk and Check method:
- Break the information into small “chunks” or segments.
- After each chunk, use Teach-Back to check understanding before moving on.
Summary
The Teach-Back method is an effective tool for improving patient understanding, reducing medical errors and enhancing health outcomes.
To strengthen your communication further, use additional strategies such as:
- Motivational interviewing
- Open body language
- Making eye contact
- Providing easy-to-read handouts, checklists, or visuals
- Involving family members or friends as part of a support system
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