Making Cardiac Education Digestible: Chunk and Check
What is it?
The Chunk and Check method involves breaking down more complex health information into manageable chunks. After giving each chunk of information, check that the patient has understood what you are saying through the Teach Back Method.
Why use this technique?
Allows patients to better process and understand health information given to them
Helps to convey and facilitate understanding of complex topics
Patients are less likely to become overwhelmed by the information given
Allows opportunity for patients to ask questions after each chunk of information
How to get started…
Ask the patient about their preferred learning style, and negotiate the learning agenda
Make it very clear that it’s safe to ask questions
Start by explaining the big picture, then break down information in manageable chunks
Augment with pictures and other multimedia strategies, as appropriate
Anticipate that the patient may have more questions later, and provide additional resources, with example links to material online or written material
What is Teach Back?
The Teach Back Method is used to confirm understanding of information after each chunk of information is presented
Involves asking the patient to explain back what has been covered, using their own words
This is not a quiz or test – rather an assessment of the healthcare provider’s ability to convey information in a way that a patient will understand
This method is shown to improve communication and the ability of patients to act on health information
Additional Resources
Explanation of the Teach Back Method:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzpJJYF_tKY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5jxeZWM3tw
Explanation of Chunk and Check:
https://vimeo.com/361798813
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5jxeZWM3tw
Other Resources:
http://www.healthliteracyplace.org.uk/tools-and-techniques/techniques/chunk-and-check/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpHnIZ_HvcA
VARK Learning Style Questionnaire: How do you learn best? www.vark-learn.com
