How to explain a procedure to a patient
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
Patients who understand a procedure feel less anxious and make better decisions. Clear explanations are also the base of informed consent.
Step by step
Prepare the setting
Sit down in a quiet space, introduce yourself and confirm the patient. Ask if they want family present. [1]
Ask what they know
Start with "What have you been told about this procedure?" Build from there. [1]
Explain the purpose
Say why the procedure is needed and what it can show or fix, in plain words. [2]
Describe what happens
Walk through before, during and after. Tell them what they will feel, such as pressure or a pinch, and how long it takes. [2]
Cover risks and choices
Name common and serious risks, the benefits and other options, including doing nothing. [1]
Check understanding
Use teach-back: "Can you tell me in your own words what we will do?" Clarify anything missed. [2]
Invite questions
Ask "What questions do you have?" instead of "Any questions?" and give time to answer. [2]
Common errors
- Using medical jargon.
- Giving too much information at once.
- Not checking understanding with teach-back.
Practice it in VMS
In VMS you do this on the patient, not on paper: every step goes on the checklist with a score, and in Teach mode Blocky tells you what comes next.
VMS cases that train this skill
Sources
- AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs)
- AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back)
Facts and steps follow AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities (Core EPAs); AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit (Teach-Back). VMS is not affiliated with these organizations. Updated: 2026-10-11.