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CONSULTATION SKILLS
Dr Lynda Carter explains how to incorporate consultation models into your 10-minute consultation
The best way to use consultation models is to read them all, see which you like and take the best out of each to develop your own model.
Consultation models are not rules; they are learning aids to help you develop your own consultation skills. Havingyour own model ensures you have an internal guide to draw on during the consultation to achieve the best outcome for your patient. It also means you have a range of different techniques to use in difficult consultations.
Consultation models are also a great way to help prepare for the clinical skills assessment (CSA). One of the six blueprint areas tested in the CSA is a person-centred approach using recognised communication techniques that enhance understandingofapatient'sillnessand promote a shared approach to managingproblems.
The following summary includes the models that I believe are the most useful with abrief explanation, highlights and questions to use in consultations.
Helmann's Folk model, 1981
This model sees the consultation entirely from the patient's perspective using a series of questions such as: 'what has happened?' and *why me?'
* This model centres on the patient's story using empathy to address the patient's questions.
* Empathy is first recognising the patient's distress and secondly expressing the empathy. Statements to demonstrate empathy include: ? can see how sad/frustrated/angry/ frightened/upset you are.'
Pendleton et al, 1984
This seven task...