Consultation skill tips for new general practice registrars: An update

Abstract

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.