Example: “Mr. Johnson, as your doctor, one of my top priorities is to ensure I’m explaining things in a way you understand. I want to make sure my instructions about how to take your new medication are clear. Would you mind telling me in your own words how you will take this new medication?”
Now that you know what teach-back is and understand how helpful it can be, start incorporating it into your practice. Think about a few concepts that you teach again and again, such as disease management, medication changes, and self-care instructions. Next, think about how you could use teach-back in these scenarios. Practice what you will say when you ask patients to engage in teach-back. Finally, commit to using teach-back with your next few patients. The more you practice, the easier it becomes.
For more information on teach-back, visit www.teachbacktraining.org.
Dr. Dorrah is regional medical director for quality and the patient experience, Baylor Scott & White Health, Round Rock, Texas.