Become a 'Great Explainer'

For people and patients to understand complex health matters, it takes a good explainer. If health professionals do not communicate well, it is not easy for others to understand and apply the information shared.

In the health literacy field, we can learn from Richard Feynman (1918-1988) who was nicknamed "The Great Explainer" and is famous for his Feynman Technique. He pioneered quantum computing and nanotechnology and won the Nobel Prize in Physics. Nonetheless, he was also recognized for his ability to transmit the knowledge to others in ways they could grasp.

The Feynman Technique is a fast and simple learning method based on four steps:

1. Identify the Topic
2. Teach It to a Child and Practice Recall
3. Review Your Explanation
4. Simplify & Refine

The Feynman Technique breaks down concepts to their most basic elements and put them back again. It provides a solid foundation for new information and ensures that communication is facilitated in an understandable manner and in ways where people can make judgements on their own. It trains the practice of using plain language.

The idea is to try to give all the information to help others to judge the value of your contribution; not just the information that leads to judgment in one particular direction or another. - Richard P. Feynman

When adopting the Feynman Technique health professionals can improve their communication skills and, thereby, the impact of the related health literacy approaches such as Plain Language, Teach-Back, Chunking and Shared-Decision Making.

• Plain language strives to be easy to read, understand, and use. It avoids verbose, convoluted language and jargon.
• Teach-Back is a simple yet effective communication tool often used by healthcare providers to confirm whether a patient or caregiver understand what is being explained to them. If understood, they can explain or "teach-back" the information accurately.
• Chunking means collecting different parts or chunks of information and grouping them in a larger piece of information, so that it is easier to remember.
• Shared-Decision Making is a collaborative process that involves a person and their healthcare professional working together to reach a joint decision about care.

Feynman was curious and humorous. His way of perceiving the world and his fellow humans is a great inspiration. In his video notes Bill Gates explains why he considers Richard Feynman the “best teacher he never had”.

You can learn more about the Feynman Technique here.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to improve health literacy for all.

Best regards,

Kristine S?rensen

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