Checking you have been understood

It is important that you have a two-way conversation with the consumer, and you both understand what has been said. You should make sure that you give the consumer comprehensive information so they can make an informed decision.

It is a good idea to give the consumer an opportunity for a follow-up conversation, to give them a chance to think about what you have discussed and ask any further questions.

Checking you have been clear is the third step in the Three Step Model to better health literacy published by the Health Quality & Safety Commission.

Further details are available at:

The Health Quality & Safety Commission’s three steps to better health literacy

http://safer.nz/STBHL

United States evidence

http://safer.nz/PMC3037129

Checklist

After your conversation with the consumer, you should make sure that you have given them information on:

) the balance of risk to their health, and that of the fetus, of taking these medicines

) the importance of using two forms of contraception

) the need to plan a pregnancy 6-12 months in advance

) the importance of taking 5mg daily of folic acid, 12 weeks before trying to get pregnant and for 12 weeks after conception

) the need to seek urgent medical advice in the event of an unplanned pregnancy.