Learn more about each of the 10 Elements.
See the 10 Elements for Effective Teach-back with added detail.
The 10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively
Vital: Key elements for using Teach-Back effectively.
- Using words to show you are taking responsibility for being clear is essential to teach-back, especially by fostering a non-shaming environment. Click here to download.
- Asking the person, in a caring way, to explain back (or show back), using their own words what was taught helps reveal what they understand or remember. Click here to download.
- When someone cannot teach back, it is important to re-explain differently and check for understanding again. If they cannot teach back after several attempts, different support or an alternative plan of care may be needed. Click here to download.
Important: The other elements for using Teach-Back effectively.
- Avoid overwhelming patients, families, and clients by teaching too much that is not necessary at the time. Focus only on the vital few things people need to know or do. Click here to download.
- Including family members, caregivers, or other support persons in teaching and teach-back provides additional assistance to the patient or client when needed. Click here to download.
- Conveying respect and being aware of and addressing cultural and language differences are vital when using teach-back. Click here to download.
- It is vital to use words that are easy to understand and relatable, so people can focus on the message and not struggle with what is being said. Click here to download.
- Non-shaming open-ended questions help people feel respected and reveal more about their understanding or needs. Click here to download.
- Reader-friendly plain language materials support learning, sharing, finding and reinforcing information. Click here to download.
- Everyone in the health service or care continuum can further support patients, families, and clients in subsequent care delivery, plans, and settings when staff know how well people are able to teach back. Click here to download.
Videos
Pediatrician with Teen and Parent - How to Use Inhaler – English
Explaining without Plain Language - English (:45)
Explaining with Plain Language - English (1:35)
Asking for teach-back - English (:12)
Not able to teach back - English (:45)
Re-explaining and checking again – English (:52)
Able to teach back – English (:56)
Click below to learn more about the essentials of teach-back, and who, where, when, and how to use it.
10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively – DetailedUse Words to Show You Are Taking Responsibility for Being ClearAsk the Person to Explain Back in Their Own WordsWhen People Cannot Teach-back AccuratelyIdentifying the KeyNeed-to-Know Need-to-Do Concepts and Tasks for TeachingInclude Family MembersCulture and RespectUsing Plain Language with Teach-backAsking Non-shaming Open-ended questionsUsing Reader-friendly Materials with Teach-backDocumentation and Interprofessional Collaboration