teachbacktekniikka

The teach-back technique is a communication strategy used primarily in healthcare settings to confirm patient understanding of medical information. It involves asking patients to explain in their own words what they have been told by their healthcare provider. This method helps identify any gaps in comprehension, misconceptions, or areas where further clarification is needed.

When using teach-back, the provider first explains a piece of information, such that medication instructions or a treatment plan. Then, instead of asking "Do you understand?", which often elicits a simple "yes," the provider asks an open-ended question like, "What will you tell your [family member] about this medication?" or "Can you show me how you will use this inhaler?" The patient's response is then evaluated for accuracy and completeness.

If the patient's explanation is inaccurate or incomplete, the provider does not simply repeat the information. Instead, they re-teach the concept using different words or a different approach, then ask the patient to explain it back again. This iterative process continues until the provider is confident that the patient understands the information. The teach-back technique is considered a best practice for improving patient safety and adherence to treatment. It is particularly useful for patients with low health literacy, language barriers, or cognitive impairments.