Healthcare Communication
Good healthcare starts with clear communication.
Healthcare communication is the way you, your family, and your healthcare team share information so everyone understands what is happening, what the plan is, and what comes next.
Why Communication Matters
During healthcare visits, a lot of information may be shared quickly about your symptoms, diagnosis, medications, tests, treatments, and plan for going home.
Clear communication helps you and your care team understand one another and stay focused on the plan.
Ask Questions and Check Your Understanding
It is okay to ask questions at any point during your care. You might ask:
- “What is happening with my health?”
- “What is the plan?”
- “Why is this test or medication being used?”
- “What happens next?”
If something is unclear, ask your healthcare professional to explain it again or use simpler words.
Teach-back
Teach-back means explaining the information in your own words. It is not a test. It helps you and your healthcare professional check that the explanation was clear.
“So I take this medication twice a day and call if I get dizzy. Is that right?”
Teach-back is not a memory test. It helps your healthcare professional check whether the instructions were explained clearly. If something is confusing, they can explain it another way.
You can also ask, “Can I explain the plan back to you to make sure I have it right?”
Communication During Handoffs
A handoff happens when your care passes from one healthcare professional or team to another. This may happen at a shift change, when you move to another unit, or when you leave the hospital.
Important information about your condition, medications, and care plan should be shared with the next team. You can ask:
“What information is being passed to the next team?”
During a bedside shift report, when appropriate, you may have an opportunity to hear about your care plan and share important concerns with the nurse taking over.
“Is there anything important I should tell the next nurse or healthcare team?”
You may meet several people during your care, each with a different role. If you are not sure who can answer your question, ask:
“Who should I contact about this?”
You know what feels normal for you. Tell your team if your symptoms change, your pain gets worse, a medication looks different than expected, or the plan does not make sense to you.
You might say:
- “Can you help me understand why this changed?”
- “I'm worried about something. Can we talk about it?”
- “This is different from what I expected. Can you check it?”
Speaking up gives your team a chance to review your concern with you.
If a medication looks different than expected, ask your nurse or pharmacist to verify it before you take it.
If you have an urgent medical concern, seek prompt assistance rather than waiting for a routine portal message or appointment. For a medical emergency, call 911 in the United States.
Before leaving a clinic, emergency department, or hospital, ask:
- What is my plan now?
- Which medications should I take? Did any change or stop?
- What symptoms should I watch for, and when should I get help?
- What follow-up appointments or tests do I need?
- Who should I contact if I have questions?
- Are any test results still pending, and who will explain them to me?
- What should I do if I cannot safely follow the care plan at home?
Review your written instructions before you go.
Bring Someone With You If You Want
With your permission, a family member, friend, or caregiver can help you listen, take notes, and ask questions. You do not need to know medical words to ask a question. You can also ask for an interpreter or other communication support if you need it.
You can request a qualified medical interpreter if you prefer to communicate in another language. In the United States, healthcare providers covered by federal language-access requirements must provide necessary language assistance without charge.
You can also ask about hearing, vision, or other communication support. A trusted family member may help with support and questions, but is not a substitute for a qualified medical interpreter when one is needed.
Angela's Care, Step by Step
Tap each stage to see what happens.
Step 1
Speak Up
Angela tells her nurse: “I'm worried about going home because I live alone.”
The nurse listens, asks about Angela's concerns, and learns that Angela is unsure how she will manage her care after discharge.
Your Care, In Real Life
Angela tells her nurse she's worried about going home because she lives alone. The nurse listens, answers her questions, and explains the plan. Then the nurse asks Angela to explain the plan back in her own words. Angela misses one step, so the nurse goes over it again until it's clear.
Who may be involved
- Nurses and providers explain your plan and answer questions.
- Interpreters can help if you prefer a language other than English.
- Family or caregivers may join the conversation if you choose.
What you can do
- Share your concerns, even if they seem small.
- Ask questions until you understand.
- Repeat the plan back in your own words to make sure you have it right.
Common questions
- What if I don't understand a medical word?
- Ask your team to explain it in plain language. They want you to understand.
- Is teach-back a test?
- No. It's a way for your care team to check how well they explained things.
- Can I ask for an interpreter?
- Yes. Many healthcare settings offer interpreter services. Ask your care team.
Knowledge Check
Let's see what you've learned!
Keep asking questions — you are part of your healthcare team.
Continue Learning
Transitions of Care
What happens when your care moves from one place or team to another.