Teach-Back Method Leads to Better Patient-Clinician Communication

SPS: Health

Open communication is a cornerstone of ethical social work, particularly in inpatient health care settings. A powerful, low-cost technique that social workers can use to ensure patients fully grasp health information is the teach-back method, says a Section Connection article for the NASW Specialty Practice Section for Health.

This process enhances clear, structured patient education, leading to better communication between the patient and clinician, say the authors, Jennifer Silver, MSW; and John V. Silipigni, LCSW, CCM, ACM-SW.

The method is highly recommended by major health organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Agency on Healthcare Research and Quality, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement.

The writers note research indicates that health care providers often overestimate how well patients understand the details of their care. Incorporating the teach-back method into patient interactions may require practice, but it significantly improves the value of a visit. The process involves four key stages designed to ensure comprehension.

First, the provider explains the diagnosis or treatment information to the patient. Next, the provider asks the patient to restate the information in their own words. If the patient's explanation is inaccurate, the third stage begins, where the provider corrects the mistake and asks the patient to explain the instructions again.

This cycle of correction and restatement repeats until the patient gets it right. Finally, the “loop is closed” when the patient has successfully and satisfactorily demonstrated their understanding of the information.