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Consultation skill tips for new general practice registrars: An update
Simon Morgan1, Jessica V Wrigley2
1MBBS, FRACGP, MPH@TM, Medical Educator, GP Synergy, NSW; General Practitioner, Elermore Vale General Practice, NSW.
Background:
The consultation is the vehicle by which general practitioners (GPs) 'ply their trade'. Consultation skills comprise the range of skills that underpin the effective and safe doctor-patient encounter and include communication skills, relationship building, data gathering, identifying the patient agenda, shared decision making, time management and follow-up. Development of consultation skills is a fundamental element of Australian general practice training.
Objective:
We build upon a previous article and discuss a number of additional practical tips to support new (and not so new) registrars to navigate the general practice consultation safely and effectively.
Discussion:
We address consultation tips across a range of aspects of the consultation, including preparation, building rapport, patient-centred care, data gathering, managing uncertainty, management planning, follow-up and time management.
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