The TEACH program is a major vehicle to provide training to our Patient Aligned Care Teams in Veteran-centered communication and health coaching skills. The program’s content is drawn from research studies on the most effective patient education interventions. Approximately 80% of primary care and specialty clinic staff have received TEACH for Success training at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center with training to continue in 2014.

 

TEACH provides an opportunity for clinicians to enhance their communication skills and improve patients’ health outcomes and quality of life by helping Veterans:

• Become more successful in preventing disease

• Be more active in health promotion

• Better manage their health conditions/chronic disease and

• Take a more active role in health care

 

TEACH concentrates on face-to-face interaction between clinicians and patients. Classroom sessions use simulated patients and case scenarios to practice strategies and techniques designed for educating and coaching patients in brief encounters.

 

The acronym “TEACH” embodies a patient-centered philosophy and highlights the five critical skills sets for effective patient education:

Unit T—Tune into the Patient

Unit E—Explore the Patient’s Concerns, Preferences, and Needs

Unit A—Assist the Patient with Behavior Changes

Unit C—Communicate Effectively

Unit H—Honor the Patient as a Partner

 

TEACH meets The Joint Commission standards for assuring clinicians are prepared to deliver patient education services to patients and family members. TEACH also integrated Veterans Health Administration initiatives in patient-centered care, health care service standards, and partnerships with patients in helping clinicians develop or enhance skills to achieve these organizational goals. TEACH is designed to lead to greater success and increased satisfaction for clinicians and patients.