Start Using Teach-back

These resources will assist you in starting to use teach-back, gaining confidence in its use, and building the habit of using teach-back every time it is indicated.

The 10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively

10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively

  • The essential 10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively. Click here to download.

10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively – Detailed

  • More detail on the essential 10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively. Click here to download.

Tools and Resources

My Plan to Start Using Teach-back – Fillable Sheet

  • Use this worksheet as guidance to make your plan for starting to use teach-back. Click here to download.

Conviction, Consistency, and Confidence Self-assessment Tool

  • Use for baseline and periodic self-assessment of your conviction about, consistency of, and confidence in using teach-back. Click here to download.

Need-to-Know Need-to-Do Guidance

  • Descriptions, worksheet, and examples to help you focus on the vital few things people need to know or do, and avoid overwhelming them by teaching too much that is not necessary at the time.

Need-to-know Need-to-do Concepts
Click here to download.

Need-to-know Need-to-do Worksheet
Click here to download.

Need-to-know Need-to-do Worksheet - Example- Clinical
Click here to download.

Need-to-know Need-to-do Worksheet - Example - Public Health
Click here to download.

PDSA Example

  • An example of a teach-back Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) - an iterative, four-stage problem-solving model used for improving a process or carrying out change. Click here to download.

PDSA Template

  • Here’s a tool for planning, conducting, and analyzing a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) - an iterative, four-stage problem-solving model used for improving a process or carrying out change. Click here to download.

PDSA template

Teach-back Observation Tool 2.0 (for self-reflection)

  • For periodic self-reflection on areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in your use of teach-back. Click here to download.

Culture and Respect

  • Conveying respect and being aware of and addressing cultural and language differences are vital when using teach-back. Click here to download.

Working with Interpreters

  • Work with a qualified interpreter while using plain language and teach-back. Click here to download.

Documentation and Collaboration

  • 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 (Teach-back and Working with Qualified Interpreters)

Internal Medicine Physician with Spanish-speaking Adult and Qualified Interpreter – How to Use Inhaler – Spanish

Explaining with Plain Language - Spanish (2:51)

Asking for Teach-back – Spanish (0:22)

Not Able to Teach-back - Spanish (0:56)

Re-explaining and Checking Again - Spanish (1:29)

Able to Teach Back - Spanish (2:07)

Working with Qualified Interpreters

Qualified Interpreting for Quality Health Care: A Training Video for Clinical Staff on How to Work with Interpreters (19 minutes)

Working Effectively with Professional Interpreters (20 minutes)

AHRQ TeamSTEPPS: LEP Safety: Success (6:10 minutes)

Guidance and resources here will help you get started learning about teach-back and its importance, and using key teach-back elements and skills.

Learn About Teach-back

This guidance and the Teach-back Interactive Learning Module help you start learning about and building comfort with using teach-back and its key elements.

Start Using Teach-back

Resources to assist you in starting to use teach-back, gaining confidence in its use, and building the new habit of using it every time it is indicated to help a patient, client, or family member understand and use important health information.

Overcome Challenges

Resources to help with common questions and challenges when learning to use teach-back.

Teach-back Interactive Learning Module

This Module helps learners identify and use key elements of teach-back and plain language to promote health equity, safety, and quality, and advance organizational health literacy.

Learn More or Start the Module

10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively 10 Elements for Using Teach-back Effectively – Detailed My Plan to Start Using Teach-back – Fillable Sheet Conviction, Consistency, and Confidence Self-assessment Tool Need-to-Know Need-to-Do Guidance PDSA Example PDSA Template Teach-back Observation Tool 2.0 (for self-reflection) Culture and Respect Working with Interpreters Documentation and Collaboration

Updated by Advancing Health Literacy Franklin County through funding from the Office of Minority Health. Operated by the Institute for Health Care Advancement.

Please note: Content on teachbacktraining.org can be used for your personal, professional, and institutional needs to further the mission of promoting teach-back. Please see Permission and Attribution.