A new framework for teaching the art of general practice consultation to registrars and supervised doctors

Abstract

Background Medicine is a science; conducting a consultation is an art form. Honing this art enhances patients’ satisfaction and good medical outcomes and can also improve general practitioners’ satisfaction in their role. A good consultation needs to be effective and efficient. Effectiveness occurs when the patient is heard, understood and acknowledged, and when the doctor is empathic, credible and delivers information and recommendations easily understood by the patient. Efficiency occurs when the consultation is time efficient and flows smoothly. Objective The aim of this article is to propose an adaptable, patient-centred consultation framework that is well suited to the modern context and practical for teaching to registrars and supervised doctors. Discussion The model for consultation presented articulates a structure of 10 components. The model can be the basis for teaching registrars and supervised doctors how to better structure their consultations. Later, it can be the basis for analysis and critique of reviewed consultations. While the model was developed for the face-toface context, this article also includes recommendations for how the framework may be adopted for telehealth consultations