TEACH™
Communication and teach-back
- TTell simply
- EExplain purpose
- AAsk for demonstration (teach-back)
- CClarify misunderstandings
- HHonor family input
What it solves
TEACH is the communication framework built around the teach-back method, so caregiver education actually sticks instead of being assumed.
When to use it
Use TEACH during caregiver education, home-program handoff, and end-of-session debriefs, any time understanding matters and you cannot afford to assume it.
In practice
Do not assume understanding, verify it. Tell in plain language, explain why it matters, ask the caregiver to demonstrate or explain it back, clarify the gaps, and honor what the family adds. Teach-back has direct evidence behind it for retention and accuracy in patient education.
TEACH™ is one of 14 frameworks in the Playbook
Read the full treatment in Chapter 3 of the Pediatric PT Playbook (Communication With Children and Families), with the cases, scripts, and documentation to match.
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