{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20260920-75ad787a",
  "url": "/knowledge/close-a-critical-instruction-with-a-check-back",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0358",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Close a critical instruction with a check-back",
  "summary": "Sent is not the same state as understood.",
  "kind": "protocol",
  "body": "After giving the critical information, ask the receiver to repeat the key part in their own words or exact value. Compare the repeat-back with the intended message and correct discrepancies immediately. Keep the loop short: instruction, repeat-back, confirmation or correction.",
  "limits": [
    "Do not turn ordinary conversation into constant repetition; reserve check-backs for information where misunderstanding has meaningful cost."
  ],
  "topics": [
    "union-high-reliability-communication"
  ],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "RS-849376125F8EF20D"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "AHRQ TeamSTEPPS defines check-back as closed-loop communication used to verify that exchanged information was received and understood.",
      "source_id": "RS-849376125F8EF20D",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "Repeat-back is most useful for consequential information; using it mechanically for every exchange can add noise.",
      "locator": "Check-Back overview"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "A number, instruction, identifier or action is important enough that one misheard detail can create rework or harm."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "Do not turn ordinary conversation into constant repetition; reserve check-backs for information where misunderstanding has meaningful cost."
  ],
  "example": "For a production change, the receiver repeats the system, client, transport and execution window before starting.",
  "check": "Both people can point to the same critical value or action before execution begins.",
  "steps": [
    "Both people can point to the same critical value or action before execution begins."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "RS-849376125F8EF20D",
      "title": "Tool: Check-Back (or Repeat-Back)",
      "url": "https://www.ahrq.gov/teamstepps-program/curriculum/communication/tools/checkback.html"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [
    {
      "from": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0358",
      "to": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0364",
      "type": "useful_with",
      "url": "/knowledge/make-the-receiver-synthesize-the-handoff"
    }
  ],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-EDE4DDA550A31359",
      "title": "Close the communication loop when ambiguity can become an error",
      "url": "/collections/close-the-communication-loop-when-ambiguity-can-become-an-error"
    }
  ]
}