Israr Khan General Practitioner, Walsall, UK

Foreword. Preface. About the author. Acknowledgements. List of abbreviations. Introduction. About the MRCGP. Overview of the CSA. Data-gathering, technical and assessment skills History-taking Performing a physical examination. Interpreting results of investigations provided Clinical management skill. Diagnosis. Management. Communication and interpersonal skills Non-verbal communication skills. Verbal communication skills. A systematic template for structuring a consultation in 10 minutes Introduction. Open consultation: presenting complaint (PC) History of presenting complaint (HPC). Red flags. Patient health beliefs, understanding and preferences: ideas, concerns and expectations (ICE). Past medical history (PMH)/Past surgical history/Previous hospital admissions. Drug history (DH) and allergies. Family history (FH). Psychosocial history (PSH). Physical examination. Results of Investigations. Clinical management: diagnosis and management. Summarise. Safety-net. Follow-up. Further information. Take responsibility for any gaps in understanding shown by the patient. Deal with any extras issues. Close consultation. Difficult/Challenging consultations. Managing a patient demanding antibiotics for a self-limiting viral illness. Managing a patient demanding an X-ray clinically not indicated. Breaking bad news: a structured approach. Ethical dilemma: conflicts of interest regarding driving and epilepsy. Risk Assessment. Assessment of a psychotic patient. Counselling for smoking cessation. 'I want a PSA test': appropriate counselling. Explaining a procedure/investigation: a basic structure. References. Index.