title: Starting off in general practice - consultation skill tips for new GP registrars.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  For many new registrars, starting general practice is highly challenging. The general practice environment is characterised by unfamiliar presentations, relative independence of decision-making, greater time pressures and clinical uncertainty. As a regional training provider, we deliver a 'consultation survival' session as part of an introductory workshop for registrars at the commencement of the first general practice training term. This focuses on key general practice consultation skills.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In this paper, we highlight a number of practical and evidence-based tips to help new registrars navigate the general practice consultation effectively.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We believe use of the practical tips described in this paper will help registrars and other learners new to general practice navigate the consultation effectively and support effective, patient-centred care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We discuss practical consultation tips including adequate preparation and 'housekeeping', use of silence, appropriate use of expressive touch, strategic use of the computer, appropriate examination, strategies to manage uncertainty, adequate explanation of the problem, shared decision-making, comprehensive follow-up and safety netting, time management, and asking about ideas, concerns and expectations.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, MPH, FRACGP, GP and Medical Educator, General Practice Training Valley to Coast, Mayfield, New South Wales.
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: Moses
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Starling
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D000066491:Clinical Decision-Making / Q000379:methods*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D018802:Patient-Centered Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011364:Professional Practice; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012017:Referral and Consultation