Typical tasks identified from models
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establishing and building a relationship
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initiating (i.e. opening the consultation and setting the agenda)
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establishing, recognising and meeting patient needs
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gathering information
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eliciting and considering the patient’s world view
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conducting a physical examination
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formulating and explaining relevant diagnoses
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explaining, planning and negotiating
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structuring, signposting and prioritising
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closing (ending the interview and setting up the next meeting).
Important behavioural skills identified
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eye contact
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facial expression
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attentive listening
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screening (checking for other problems)
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appropriate balance of open and closed questions;
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faciliation (use of encouragement, silence etc.)
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empathic reflection
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responding to cues (both verbal and non-verbal)
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summarising
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signposting (indicating structure)
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determining the patient’s starting point when giving information
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chunking information
- checking the patient’s understanding.