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Communication and consultation skills

This competency is about communication with patients, and the use of recognised consultation techniques.

Insufficient Evidence

From the available evidence, the doctor’s performance cannot be placed on a higher point of this developmental scale.

Needs Further Development

Develops a working relationship with the patient, but one in which the problem rather than the person is the focus.

Competent

Explores the patient’s agenda, health beliefs and preferences.

Elicits psychological and social information to place the patient’s problem in context.

Excellent

Incorporates the patient’s perspective and context when negotiating the management plan.

Produces management plans that are appropriate to the patient’s problem.

Works in partnership with the patient, negotiating a mutually acceptable plan that respects the patient’s agenda and preference for involvement.

Whenever possible, adopts plans that respect the patient’s autonomy.

Provides explanations that are relevant and understandable to the patient, using appropriate language.

Explores the patient’s understanding of what has taken place.

Uses a variety of communication techniques and materials to adapt explanations to the needs of the patient.

Achieves the tasks of the consultation but uses a rigid approach.

Flexibly and efficiently achieves consultation tasks, responding to the consultation preferences of the patient.

Appropriately uses advanced consultation skills such as confrontation or catharsis to achieve better patient outcomes.