Learning Activities

During this activity, you will practice your teach-back skills. Try your best to follow the three steps of the teach-back method, apply plain language to the prompt below, and ensure your patient understands the information you are providing.

Remember: you are testing your ability to provide the information, not your patient’s ability to understand. To view another example on how and why to utilize Teach-Back, check out this video on YouTube: What the Heck is Teach Back? – DTA Healthcare Solutions

1. Find a partner

2. Assign roles (i.e., provider or patient)

3. Practice applying plain language to the statement and using the teach-back method

4. Switch roles, so the other partner can practice too

COVID-19 Scenario:

Provider: “After assessing the results of your antigen test, you have tested positive for COVID-19. Since you have confirmed, you will need to spend at least 5 days in isolation to protect others who are more likely to experience worse symptoms or complications. When your symptoms improve, you can reintegrate into your normal life, but should consider taking extra COVID-19 mitigation measures during the process.”

Patient: “Okay, so I have COVID-19?”

Provider: “Yes, you have tested positive for COVID-19. I know we talked about a lot of information, and I want to make sure I provided it in a way that makes sense to you. Would you be able to tell me the instructions I gave you?”

Patient: (Respond by stating some of the information with some confusion)

Provider: “I’m sorry, I must not have explained this well. Let me try again. (Restate information in another way, using different words, analogies, or comparisons)”

Patient: “So, when I go home, I’m supposed to stay away from the rest of my family for 5 days or until I feel better. And then, when I am around my family and friends again, I should wear a mask?”

Provider: “Yes! Now that I was able to explain the information in a better way, do you feel ready to go home and rest?”

Patient: “Yes, I feel ready to rest and keep my family safe. Thank you!”

Teach-Back Method Activity #2

Mpox (monkeypox) Scenario:

Provider: “Would you be able to tell me the symptoms you are experiencing?”

Patient: “Sure. It started when I thought I had the flu. Then, I got some pimples on my hands. They got much worse and now they are itchy, and I don’t feel well at all.”

Provider: “Thank you for telling me. From what you’ve described, your symptoms align with those of mpox. Symptoms of mpox usually start within 3 weeks of exposure and can continue for 2-4 weeks. Some additional symptoms you may experience are swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, muscle aches, headaches, and respiratory symptoms.”

Patient: “Wow, that sounds scary. I’m glad I came in today.”

Provider: “It can be overwhelming to hear a new diagnosis, and I know we covered a lot of important information. When you talk about this with your friends or family, how will you explain this to them?”

Patient: (Repeat some of the information)

Provider: I’m sorry I didn’t do a good enough job explaining everything. If it’s okay with you, I’d like to try again. (Repeat all the information using different word choices and plain language)

Patient: “That makes more sense. So, (repeat all the information back to the provider)”

Provider: “That’s exactly right! Now let’s talk about some precautions you should take.”

Plain Language Practice Activity

Now let’s put those plain language skills to the test! Using the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Scale, please use what you've learned to revise this statement to a U.S. 6th grade reading level. You can also see readability scores within a Word document by toggling to the “Home” tab, selecting “Editor,” then clicking on “Document stats” under “Insights.” This will bring up a report window that shows the Flesch-Kincaid grade level and other useful information.

“The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the disease and how the virus spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by staying at least 1 meter apart from others, wearing a properly fitted mask, and washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently. Get vaccinated when it’s your turn and follow local guidance.”

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