A patient who cannot read the printed plan

Setting: A discharge discussion

The patient has been given a dense printed follow-up plan and quietly avoids reading it. A verbal explanation and accessible summary are available.

Task

Explore the concern behind this opening: I left my glasses at home. Could you just tell me which part matters?
Clarify the patient perspective using an appropriate follow-up, such as: How could we make this explanation easier for you to use?
Explain the supplied information and its limits in manageable sections.
Explore practical barriers and agree a workable next step from the supplied options.
Check the patient understanding and identify any unresolved question.

A patient who cannot read the printed plan supplied information

The patient has been given a dense printed follow-up plan and quietly avoids reading it. A verbal explanation and accessible summary are available.
We can explain the plan aloud and check it together. You do not need to read a long sheet in front of other people to show that you understand.
Handing you the leaflet is not enough for me to assume the plan is clear. I will not ask you to sign just to move the discussion along.
We can use a quiet area, cover one step at a time and make an agreed short reminder. You can choose whether anyone else helps you with it.
Use the discharge team's contact on the supplied card for questions; confirm the follow-up arrangement aloud before leaving.

Fictional scenario information supplied for exam communication practice only; not medical guidance for real patients.