ETACCT

Question 1

E

Answer 1

Elicit the baseline understanding.

The clinician should ask the patient directly about their ideas and understanding of the disease and medicines that are of concern.

Question 2

T

Answer 2

Tell the core message.

The clinician should deliver their information in a clear and brief way, because patients getting new information tend to remember things presented in short bundles. [A medicine, like metoprolol, will decrease the risks of heart attack and stroke that untreated hypertension can have]

Question 3

A

Answer 3

Ask the patient his understanding of the core message.

[e.g. that hypertension can result in heart attack and stroke and that it is important to take a medication to treat it. They may not know the medication metoprolol]

Question 4

C

Answer 4

Care by responding to the emotional impact.

Use empathic communication (reflect, legitimize and explore)

Question 5

C₂

Answer 5

Counsel the patient about the details of the educational message.

[e.g. metoprolol is a type of medicine called a beta blocker. It works on the heart’s force of contraction to lower the blood pressure. Metoprolol is easy to take in one dose, usually before meals or at bedtime. It is in general very well tolerated but some people can experience some side effects like lightheadedness.]

Question 6

T₂

Answer 6

Teach/Tell back.

The patient will be asked to tell back the information just discussed so that the clinician can ensure effective transfer of information.