{ clinical education }
Using the Teach-Back Method in Patient Education
by TIM GOODHEART, DDS, MBA, FAGD M
ultiple studies have shown that 40 percent to 80 percent of the health- care information patients
receive is misunderstood, misinterpreted or mostly forgotten. Dentists and staff share information and instructions with patients every day, and the idea that half or more of this information is improperly understood or forgotten is, at the least, a source of frustration. At the most, it can be the cause of seri- ous doctor-patient conflicts or lead to patient endangerment.
One of the simplest ways to significantly reduce that number in the communica- tion gap is the use of the “Teach-Back” method, also known as the “Show-Me” method or “Closing the Loop”. Teach-back has been used with suc- cess in the medical area for many years. Teach-back is a simple way to confirm:
That you have successfully explained to the patient what they need to know; and,
That the patient has heard and understood you. Patient under- standing is confirmed when they explain it back to you.
Additionally, it also can help dentists and staff to identify what explanations and strategies are working best and those that aren’t. It provides us immediate feedback to know if we are using too much “lingo” or being too vague, scientific or unclear. The feedback is rapid, allowing us to immediately correct potential misunderstand- ings. Ultimately, we end up with fewer miscommunications and errors and less chance for things to go sideways.
Teach-back can be used to communicate treatment procedures and consents, to provide instructions for home care instructions, taking medications and post-op, and as a way to provide information to parents or caregivers responsible for elderly patients—really, the list is almost endless. It’s very easy for doctor and staff to learn, and ultimately helps to reduce our stress and let the patient participate in their own care. We can reduce the instances of a patient claiming
44 focus | SEP/OCT 2014 | ISSUE 5
they were not told something or that they did not understand.
I’ve been using teach-back in my office for several months now and have been amazed at how many times people flat-out aren’t hearing us or are not really understanding—even though they are nodding and saying “Yes”. We think they are getting it when they are not.
What is Teach-back?
Asking patients to repeat in their own words what they need to know or do, and asking them in a non-shaming way.
A chance to check for understanding before the patient leaves and re-teach or review any information, as needed.
Here are some examples of how Teach-Back can be used. After giv- ing instructions or explanation, the Teach-Back conversation can be started in many different ways:
“I want to be sure I explained everything clearly. Can you please explain back to me what you heard me say, so I can be sure I did a good job?”
“We’ve gone over a lot of information today. Just so I know I didn’t miss anything let’s review what we’ve discussed. Can you tell me what we’ve talked about so I know I’ve gotten it right?”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56