Consultation skill tips for new general practice registrars: An update.

Background: The consultation is the vehicle by which general practitioners (GPs) 'ply their trade'. Consultation skills comprise the range of skills that underpin the effective and safe doctor-patient encounter and include communication skills, relationship building, data gathering, identifying the patient agenda, shared decision making, time management and follow-up. Development of consultation skills is a fundamental element of Australian general practice training.

Objective: We build upon a previous article and discuss a number of additional practical tips to support new (and not so new) registrars to navigate the general practice consultation safely and effectively.

Discussion: We address consultation tips across a range of aspects of the consultation, including preparation, building rapport, patient-centred care, data gathering, managing uncertainty, management planning, follow-up and time management.