Ever felt stressed out by the MRCGP SCA? Dr. Roger Neighbour has a lifeline for you. In a recent conversation with Dr. Erwin Kwun, Neighbour shared his wealth of knowledge to help trainees ace their MRCGP SCA exam.
The Essence of a Consultation
A consultation is a two-step dance:
- Identify the Problem: Get deep, get personal. Patients come with problems that affect their lives in multifaceted ways.
- Make a Plan: Make it smart, make it actionable. It’s not just about diagnosing; it’s about planning a realistic solution that fits the patient’s life.
As Dr. Neighbour puts it, “A consultation is everything that happens between coming with a problem and leaving with a plan.”
Time Management: Juggling Flaming Torches
Time management in a GP surgery can feel like juggling flaming torches while balancing on a unicycle. Here are some actionable tips from Dr. Neighbour:
- Segment Your Consultation: Spend six minutes gathering data and six minutes on management. Balance is key to not getting burned.
- Be Flexible: There’s no universal law that consultations must last exactly 10 minutes. Some might take less, others more. Adjust as needed.
Become a Detective
Effective data gathering is about being a detective. Here’s how:
- Patient-Centered Approach: Start with open-ended questions to understand the patient’s story first. Ask them, “How can I help you today?”
- Avoid Assumptions: Verify information provided during triage. Misunderstandings can throw the consultation off course.
Navigating Remote Consultations
Remote consultations are the new norm. Here’s how to navigate them:
- Preparation is Key: Read the patient’s notes beforehand but keep an open mind as initial information may be incomplete or incorrect.
- Clear Communication: Use explicit verbal cues to show you’re listening. On the phone, they can’t see you nodding.
- Personal Touch: End the call on a friendly note. It leaves a positive impression and fosters trust.
Breaking Bad News: Handling the Emotional Fallout
Delivering bad news can change a patient’s world in an instant. Dr. Neighbour suggests:
- Empathy and Intuition: Gauge the patient’s feelings and reactions. Understand that breaking bad news often means restarting the consultation to address new questions and emotions.
- Restart if Necessary: Once bad news is delivered, the patient becomes a different person emotionally. Be prepared to start the consultation anew.
Mastering consultation skills is crucial for GP trainees, not only to pass exams but also to provide quality care in real practice. By integrating patient-centered approaches, effective time management, and empathetic communication, you can enhance your consultation proficiency.
Bonus Tip
Realistic Expectations: There’s no perfect consultation. Examiners look for safe, thoughtful, and patient-centered approaches, not flawless execution.
How did this GPST pass SCA?
Dr Yoginee was consumed by self-doubts and fears. Check out how she conquered her fears and passed SCA on her first attempt.
