How to give test results to a patient
Other platforms explain it with text and video. In VMS you practice it on the patient.
How results are shared shapes how patients feel and what they do next. Normal, abnormal and uncertain results all need clear explanation.
Step by step
Prepare
Review the result, what it means and the next steps before you meet. [1]
Check what they know
Ask what they understand about why the test was done. [1]
Give the headline first
Say the main finding in one clear sentence, then add detail. [2]
Use plain words and numbers
Explain what normal is and how the result compares. Avoid jargon. [2]
Respond to emotion
Pause and acknowledge feelings before moving on. [1]
Agree next steps
Explain any further tests or treatment and when they will hear more. [1]
Use teach-back
Ask the patient to say in their own words what the result means for them. [2]
Common errors
- Leading with technical details.
- Leaving pending results unexplained.
- Not checking understanding.
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.