Medical Consultation Techniques

The ability to adapt your approach based on the situation and individual patient. This is crucial in medicine where every encounter is unique.

Genuine and authentic relationships built on trust and respect. This fosters open communication and helps patients feel comfortable sharing their concerns.

The ability to manage uncertainty in medical encounters. This involves acknowledging doubts, seeking information, and making decisions based on available evidence.

A structured learning process involving five distinct phases: Prepare, Perform, Confront, Collect, and Try. Students cycle through these phases to improve communication skills.

The first phase of the CORE Learning Path where students prepare for simulated patient encounters (SPCs).

The second phase of the CORE Learning Path where students engage in simulated patient encounters (SPCs), applying their communication skills in practice.

The third phase of the CORE Learning Path where students reflect on their performance during SPCs, identifying areas for improvement and potential biases.

The fourth phase of the CORE Learning Path where students gather feedback from simulated patients, educators, and peers, learning new techniques and strategies.

Showing understanding and concern for the patient's feelings.

Restating what the patient said in your own words to ensure understanding.

Asking questions that encourage the patient to elaborate and share information.

Summarizing the key points of the conversation to ensure understanding and guide the discussion.

Observing the patient's body language and facial expressions to gain insight into their feelings.

Asking specific questions about a particular aspect of the patient's situation.

Making the patient feel comfortable and safe during the consultation.

Paying attention to what the patient is saying, both verbally and nonverbally.

A doctor's ability to tailor communication to different patient needs.

Giving patients clear, concise explanations about their diagnosis and treatment plan.

Using open-ended questions and empathetic listening to gather the patient's full story.

Understanding and reacting to the patient's emotions, both verbal and nonverbal.

Taking notes during patient encounters to keep track of important details and information.

Giving clear and friendly directions during physical examination.

Summarizing the key information gathered during history taking.

The whole set of factors that influence a person's health or feelings of health. This includes things like their thoughts on illness, past experiences, coping skills, living conditions, social class, education, support network, job, financial stability, and their body's physical state.

All the aspects, circumstances, and experiences of both the patient and the doctor that are relevant to communication, disease, or care planning.

Factors related to the present encounter between a patient and a doctor, like who is present, the environment of the room, the doctor's specialty, and the nature of the consultation.

Factors that can be observed through how the doctor and patient interact, such as their body language and word choice.

The initial stage of a medical consultation where the doctor gathers information about the patient's presenting complaint, medical history, social history, and other relevant factors.

The doctor analyzes all the collected information to form a tentative diagnosis, considering the patient's history, examination findings, and their personal perspective.

Factors that are harder to notice, like a patient's emotional state due to something they read or experienced before the appointment.

The doctor communicates their findings and possible diagnosis to the patient, ensuring they understand the situation and treatment options.

Factors that can affect communication, such as being rushed for time, needing urgent care, or having limited language skills.

A set of principles for managing emergencies, involving airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure (ABCDE) to ensure prompt and effective care.

The doctor openly discusses treatment options with the patient, exploring their preferences and concerns, and together they agree on a course of action.

The doctor addresses the patient's feelings, concerns, and expectations before concluding the consultation to ensure a positive and satisfying experience.

The concept that healthcare involves a multi-faceted understanding of a person's health, considering biological, psychological, and social factors.

The doctor acknowledges and addresses the patient's health literacy level, using language and explanations that are understandable to them.

The doctor effectively and constructively refuses the patient's request for unnecessary medical interventions, such as antibiotics, when not medically justified.

The doctor needs to be familiar with a range of topics and know how to collect information before making a diagnosis. This includes collecting information about specific symptoms, the patient's medical history, social history, lifestyle, and any relevant environmental factors.

A biopsychosocial model emphasizes that health and illness are influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. This means understanding the interaction of these factors helps to provide comprehensive care.

In the case of Mr. Claramita, his knee pain and back pain are considered biomedical factors. These are physical conditions that cause pain and discomfort.

Mr. Claramita's anxiety and depression are examples of psychological factors. These are emotional states that influence his well-being.

Mr. Claramita's lack of social support and isolation from his family are social factors. These relate to his relationships and environment influencing his health.

Mr. Claramita's stress affects his emotional state, leading to anger and arguments. This is an example of how emotions can impact behavior.

Mr. Claramita's coping skills include drinking beer and withdrawing. These behaviors are coping strategies, but they aren't healthy and don't address the underlying issues.

Mr. Claramita's depression and metabolic syndrome are considered comorbidities. These are additional conditions that co-exist with his primary health concerns.

The BPS approach helps doctors to understand the whole person, not just their symptoms. It is a comprehensive understanding of what's affecting the patient's health and well-being.