Effectiveness of Teach-back in Orthopedic Treatment Decision Discussions

The goal of this study is to analyze patient:provider communication surrounding the discussion of difficult clinical conversations such as knee replacement options. This study will also examine how using the teach-back communication technique can improve communication between patients and providers. Orthopedic residents, fellows, physician assistants, and attendings that agree to participate will be consented. Patients, who are likely to engage in a difficult clinical conversation, such as those who have a clinical indication for a Total Knee Replacement or a Partial Knee Replacement, will be recruited from participating providers clinical schedules. Patient:provider interactions will be recorded and then the providers will attend a 1 hour education lecture about how to use teach-back. After attending the lecture, additional patient:provider interactions will be recorded and analyzed via a qualitative approach. Additionally, providers will participate in a semi-structured interview to capture their perceptions of teach-back and what challenges and benefits they may derive from using it.