Simplified Consultation Model

It’s worth looking at the consultation in its simplest form for different reasons:

It’s a very simple structure to follow if you are just starting out in GP

If you are new to GP look at the simplified model and ask yourself this question roughly halfway through the time you have available. “Have I asked the questions I need to, before I try to say out loud what I think this is”?

Alternatively, if you have more experience, to look at your time efficiency

One of several different ways to look at time efficiency is to see whether you ask all your background questions before then moving onto your explanations; or whether there is a movement back and forth between asking questions, sharing ideas, asking more questions, sharing and possibly changing your ideas.

If you have some experience of consulting in general practice you may be wondering about this interest in asking enough questions before sharing explanations. An explanation given before enough basic information has been asked for can later in the consultation become clearly incorrect. Also the “to and fro” of collecting information then partial explaining, then more questions and more explaining has a tendency to lead to the doctor repeating information which is not time efficient in the consultation.

Lastly, to catch your attention, I find a very common reason for candidates struggling with “mock” CSA (clinical skills assessment) cases is an inability to complete a management plan within 10 minutes. I believe there are similar problems for candidates in the real exam situation. A structured approach where you collect enough data then share an explanation and plan is a good basis from which to try to ensure your future success in the exam and later in your daily work.

Simplified Consultation Model Presentation

Northallerton VTS -

Simplified Consultation Model