Applied Health Literacy: Using Teach-Back in Conversations about Clinical Research

Webinar

Presented on: October 30, 2025

On October 30, the MRCT Center hosted a webinar on Applied Health Literacy: Using Teach-Back in Conversations About Clinical Research. The session focused on how the Teach-Back method can improve participant understanding, support safe and equitable clinical research, and strengthen communication throughout the research process. The recording, slides, and a list of resources discussed during the session are provided below.

Overview

The webinar reviewed the essential elements of the Teach-Back method and discussed how study teams can simplify complex information, confirm understanding, and foster dialogue with participants and caregivers during recruitment, informed consent, and ongoing study engagement. Presenters emphasized the role of Teach-Back in enhancing clarity, reducing burden, and supporting participant-centered, high-quality research.

Speakers

Mary Ann Abrams, MD, MPH – Physician and Health Literacy Expert, Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Stephanie Shepherd, MBOE, BSN, RN – Clinical Educator, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Marian Ryan, PhD, MA, MPH – Chief Policy & Research Officer, Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA)

Moderator

Sylvia Baedorf Kassis, MPH – Program Director, MRCT Center

What the Session Covered

How Teach-Back supports participant comprehension, autonomy, and safety
Approaches to explaining complex study information in accessible, plain language
Strategies for confirming understanding in an ethical, respectful, and culturally responsive manner
Practical examples of how to integrate Teach-Back across recruitment, informed consent, and study follow-up processes

Webinar Recording

Webinar Slides

2025-10-30_HL-Month-Teach-back FINAL2 Download