Managing routine consultations

Managing routine consultations

As a practice nurse you will often be on your own in a consultation with a patient. You will need to use a range of skills in order for that encounter to achieve the best outcome for both parties. For a practice nurse new to the role, matching the patient’s possible expectations can feel daunting, the demands of the relevant protocol challenging and the consultation has to be fitted into the allotted, sometimes short, time frame.

This resource, consisting of five assessment questions at basic level, is designed to help new and recently appointed practice nurses achieve ‘the good consultation’.

Complete this resource, including the further reading and some or all of the suggested activities to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your revalidation portfolio. Write up your reflections, considering how the activities reflect the NMC Code, and add to your revalidation portfolio.

Aims and objectives

On completion of this resource you should have an understanding of:

• Methods of developing a rapport in a short space of time
• Issues of confidentiality and consent that might occur during a consultation
• The options for structuring an effective encounter within your competence
• Prioritising and timekeeping in the context of patient-focussed care
• The key elements of record keeping in this setting.

Reading List

Moulton L. The Naked Consultation: a practical guide. Oxford; Radcliffe Publishing: 2007.

Nichols K. Psychological care for ill and injured people: a clinical guide. Maidenhead; Open University Press: 2003

Practice Nurse featured articles

Managing the routine consultation Kate Hunt

Medicolegal issues: the importance of good medical records Kate Taylor, Medical Protection

Medicolegal issues: Gaining consent Diane Baylls, Medical Protection