Teach-back and Feedback: How to Confirm Understanding

Health communication is effective only when the other person understands. But how do you know whether you communicated the message well? In this skills-building session, Helen Osborne teaches two techniques to confirm understanding: feedback (written information) and teach-back (verbal communication). Participants will not only learn what these techniques are and how to use them but also have an opportunity to practice. The goal is for participants to feel that confirming understanding is an essential part of their day-to-day practice. 

Topics include:

  • Assessing readability: What works and what doesn't
  • Formal and informal ways to get reader feedback
  • Practical yet not time-consuming ways to use teach-back

Helen Osborne is an expert who speaks professionally. She is long-time member of the National Speakers Association (NSA) and a board member of NSA's chapter in New England. Helen is an experienced and dynamic speaker who makes health literacy concepts come alive with stories, pictures, examples, and humor. She not only teaches lots of how-to information but also inspires audiences to make a long-lasting health literacy difference.

Helen takes the time to learn what makes each audience special. She will: 

  • Tailor presentations to your format. Whether you are looking for a 1-hour keynote, half- or full-day workshop, panel presentation, or round-table discussion, Helen will adapt her presentation to meet your needs. Groups often combine formats such as a keynote followed by a workshop, or a workshop followed by a round-table discussion.
  • Focus on your specific needs. Helen takes the time to learn about you and your organization. This way, she can tailor presentations to meet your specific learning needs. Helen does this by asking groups to complete a Pre-Program Questionnaire (PPQ) and then talking with 2 - 3 people likely to attend. 
  • Provide a master copy of her handout. Helen's handouts are much more than just a collection of slides. Her handouts are filled with valuable information that participants can, and do, refer to long after Helen's presentations end.
  • Offer, or help arrange for, discounts when purchasing multiple copies of her books: Health Literacy from A to Z: Practical Ways to Communicate Your Health Message; Health Literacy Handbook: The Event Planning Guide for Health Literacy Advocates; Podcasting Guide: A Little About Technology, A Lot About Getting Started With Audio Interviews. 
  • Work with you to obtain continuing education credits. This includes providing a timed agenda with specific behavioral objectives, along with Helen's CV.
  • Help promote your event. Helen will gladly review your marketing materials and be available for radio and television interviews.
  • Follow-up and offer ongoing support. Helen not only introduces ideas and skills but also helps participants implement what they learned. One way she does this is with a a complementary follow-up conference call for workshop attendees. 

"Thanks for a FANTASTIC workshop! The effort you put into tailoring it to our group and mission was apparent and very much appreciated." Jonathan Martin, Director of Programs for the National Marfan Foundation

To learn more and schedule a presentation, email Helen Osborne at Helen@healthliteracy.com or call 508-653-1199.