What should you do when presenting information to a patient with limited health literacy?

• A. Use plain language and confirm understanding with teach-back
• B. Use complex jargon to appear professional
• C. Rush through explanations
• D. Limit patient questions

Answer: (A)

When communicating with a patient who may have limited health literacy, using plain language and confirming understanding with teach-back is essential. Plain language means speaking in clear, everyday terms, using short sentences, and avoiding medical jargon or unexplained abbreviations. This helps the patient grasp what is being explained and what steps to take next.

Teach-back is a concrete way to verify understanding. After you explain, invite the patient to restate the information in their own words and describe the plan in their own words. If gaps appear, rephrase and simplify, then check again. This collaborative approach ensures the patient truly understands the instructions and can act on them.

In practice, use visuals or demonstrations when helpful, present one idea at a time, and pause to invite questions. This approach respects the patient’s autonomy and supports safer, more effective care.

Using complex jargon can create confusion, rushing through explanations can leave important details unclear, and limiting questions denies the patient the opportunity to clarify misunderstandings.