Providing feedback on observed consultations is one of
the most important tasks for a GP supervisor to undertake.
Consultation observation and feedback is the prime method for helping the
supervised doctor develop consultation and communication skills, skills central
to a GP’s work. It is not possible to reliably assess these skills based on
second-hand information, such as that provided by patients about a supervised
doctor’s consultations. You must observe the consultations yourself. Feedback on
direct observation has repeatedly been found to be a powerful learning
experience.
Although clinical knowledge and skills, particularly examination skills, are
also assessed and taught during consultation observation, the focus of this
module will be on the use of consultation observation to observe/assess/provide
feedback on communication and consultation skills.