No jargon The consultation process is based around effective communication and working in partnership with the patient, involving them in making decisions about their care. A full and frank discussion is more likely to ensure a positive patient experience and outcome. Time constraints should never compromise this and it is common for patients to re-attend if they are unsure about any advice given to them. The use of clear, simple and consistent language and avoiding complex explanations or medical jargon can help. It can be worthwhile checking a patient’s understanding of the advice given and plan agreed. This can be particularly helpful when safety netting to ensure they understand the next steps or implications of any red flag symptoms.


Good record keeping As always, GPs should keep clear, accurate and contemporaneous patient records. Good medical records can ensure that patients receive continuity of care and provide important information to others sharing that patient’s care. Medical records may also be required for legal purposes and are essential in successfully defending medical negligence claims.


Burnout Dealing with stress and being overworked may be an accepted fact of life for doctors, but there is a tipping point. Burnout can affect a doctor’s judgement, concentration and productivity. All of which can lead to mistakes. General practice cannot afford to lose any more GPs so it is important to recognise factors contributing to burnout and how these can be remedied. Practices should support their GPs but there are other resources out there. MDDUS recently supported the RMBF’s What’s up doc? campaign to help stressed doctors. Find out more at www.rmbf.org/ about/our-campaigns/whats-up-doc/


Adapt and change GPs work extremely hard and the pressures they face are very apparent. It may be time to bid farewell to the 10-minute consultation but making this a reality will not be easy. In the meantime, GPs will have to keep on being their resourceful selves in seeking out ways to continue providing safe, high quality patient care.


Dr Roopinder Brar is a GP and telephone adviser at MDDUS


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