Scottish Doctors 2

Mapping view

Scottish Doctors 3

Level 3

This could include: Level 4

General principles of good communication

Being able to listen and use other appropriate communication techniques including an appreciation of non-verbal communication / body language (one’s own and the interviewee’s).

Gathering and giving information with good record keeping and correspondence skills.

Mediating, negotiating and dealing with complaints.

Making oral presentations and writing reports / papers.

Telephone usage

Taking into account the age and mental ability of the patient / relative.

Taking into account religious / spiritual beliefs that may affect a consultation.

Recognising when communication is unsuccessful and another strategy e.g. use of an interpreter, is required

Communicating with patients / relatives

Answering questions and giving explanations and/or instructions.

Strategies for dealing with the "difficult" consultation including defusing aggression, breaking bad news and admitting lack of knowledge or mistakes.

Making requests e.g. post-mortem, organ donation.

Obtaining informed consent.

Confidentiality.

Educating patients and facilitating self-management of illness

Communicating with colleagues

Transfer of information orally, in writing and electronically.

The "art" of the good discharge summary and patient referrals.

Providing all necessary clinical information on request forms to laboratory-based colleagues.

Communicating with Police and Procurator Fiscal/Coroner

Under what circumstances there is a legal obligation to contact such authorities.

Proper procedure when such communication is necessary and how to relay appropriate information without breaking rules of confidentiality.

Providing evidence in court

Communicating with media and press

A clear understanding of who should give information to the media and press and what form it should take including the need to maintain confidentiality where individual patients are concerned.

Communicating as a teacher

Recognising the importance of sticking to what you know, knowing your own limitations and admitting when you don’t know.

Some basic teaching techniques e.g. demonstrating practical procedures, using various teaching aids, etc.

Preparation of content for electronic presentation

Communicating as a patient advocate

How to recognise when this is appropriate and how it may be accomplished effectively.