9/4/2025
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Posted by Provider Relations
in
Provider News,
Provider Quality
As part of an ongoing series, Fidelis Care will highlight some best practices we learn from our partners across the State in the interest of providing the best experience possible for our members.
For this month’s highlight, we’re looking at the Teach-Back Method, a communication technique where providers ask patients to repeat back key information in their own words. This helps confirm understanding, identify confusion, and reinforce learning—especially around diagnoses, medications, and follow-up care.
How It Works
After explaining a concept or instruction, you may want to say: “I want to make sure I explained this clearly. Can you tell me how you’ll manage your condition at home?”
If the patient struggles, you can rephrase the instruction/concept and try again.
Why It Matters
Using Teach-Back consistently can lead to measurable improvements in patient care and experience:
- Closes Care Gaps: Patients better understand preventive screenings, follow-up visits, and chronic condition management—leading to higher completion rates.
- Improves Medication Adherence: Patients are more likely to take medications correctly when they understand the purpose, dosage, and side effects.
- Boosts CAHPS Scores: Teach-Back supports higher ratings in key CAHPS domains like:
- Communication with providers
- Clarity of instructions
- Understanding of care plans
- Confidence in managing health
By making Teach-Back part of routine care, you can enhance patient safety, reduce readmissions, and improve both clinical and experience metrics.