Set-up
- Identify key “need-to-know” concepts and “need-to-do” tasks for teach-back.
- Include family members/caregivers or other support persons when present and appropriate.
Teach-back
- Be respectful and address cultural and communication needs.
- Use plain language.
- Use words that show you are taking responsibility for being clear.
- Ask the person, in a caring way, to explain back (or show back), using their own words. Do this after each “need-to-know” concept or “need-to-do” task (Chunk and Check).
- If the person is not able to teach back accurately, explain in a different way and re-check.
- Use non-shaming open-ended questions.
Support
- Use reader-friendly plain language materials to support learning, sharing, and finding information.
- Document use of and the person’s response to teach-back.
Download a PDF version of the brief version here.
Should you prefer an expanded version, click here.