Communication tools and techniques

Infoforwellbeing
National
Tap each title to expand. Work through each section in numerical order

1. The 5 tools

There are five tools you can use to ensure that the information you are providing is understood.  Click on each icon to find out more.

Left to right Image 1 of 5 Silhouette of person standing behind a lectern Tool 1 of 5 Teachback, Image 2 of 5 Checklist with blue ticks Tool 2 of 5 chunk and check,Next row Image 3 of 5 is a camera Point 3 of 5 use pictures, Image 4 of 5 Speech bubble Point 4 of 5 simple language, Next row Image 5 of 5 printed document Point 5 of 5 help with written information Teachback Chunk and check Pictures Language Written information

2. Video from Jason Leitch

The National Clinical Director, Jason Leitch 4, explains how to use these tools (Duration 1min 31s):

3. Health literacy universal approach

 It is good practice to assume that everyone may struggle to understand health information because:

  • You can’t tell by looking at someone if they have understood.
  • They may not want to admit that they do not understand.
  • Having high literacy skills does not mean that the person will understand complex medical information.
  • Anxiety can reduce a person’s ability to process information.
  • Everyone benefits from clear communication.

4. Workbook exercise (3)

Workbook Workbook Exercise (3)

Can you think of simpler language to explain these terms:

  • Oedema
  • Nasal
  • Podiatry
  • Quarantine
  • Atrophy

 TIP: The Plain English campaign Go to website has a handy A – Z guide to medical terms 5.

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