Category: Communication

Sexual Health Consultations- navigating challenges and building a strong Doctor-Patient relationship 

As a medical student, Sexual Health can seem daunting at first. You need to ask a series of personal questions in quick succession, often followed by an intimate examination. But with the right approach, patients’ Sexual Health can be looked after smoothly and confidently, optimising their overall health and wellbeing.   Potential challenges in a Sexual

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July 22, 2025 No Comments

Breaking Bad News

As a resident doctor, you will have face situations where you have to convey potentially distressing information, whether it is explaining a diagnosis or blood results to a patient or giving difficult news to relatives. Breaking bad news well is an essential communication skill which can strengthen the relationship between a patient and a doctor

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February 2, 2025 2 Comments

Dealing with difficult colleagues

This is a tricky area to cover as it can be challenging to us both personally and professionally when things don’t go well with a colleague, particularly when we know that this might impact patient care and/or our own mental health. The longer these negative interactions go on, the more likely they are to significantly

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February 2, 2025 No Comments

Clinical recordings and the Correct Consent

In all specialities of medicine patient clinical recordings, whether this is photographs or visual investigations, are imperative1. Not only are they required for diagnosis and treatment of the patient, but use also extends to teaching and research publications1. Under the data protection act (2018)2 and in accordance with patient safety, it is important that patient

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September 12, 2021 No Comments

Mental Capacity

Mental Capacity is the ability to make your own decisions at the time at which the decision needs to be made. The mental capacity act was designed to protect and empower people who lack the mental capacity to make their own decisions about their care and treatment. It applies to those aged 18 and over.

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August 30, 2021 No Comments

Leadership

Although it can be scary to take on a leadership role, it is an essential role of resident doctors and a great opportunity to develop your skills. The scenarios in which resident doctors frequently lead include the ward round, MDT discussions & teaching students. Never undervalue your role in these scenarios. What it means to

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September 28, 2020 No Comments

Understanding Types of Homes

Patients may live or be discharged to a variety of social care settings and understanding these is important for any resident doctor. This can help you have conversations with patients and their families about services patients may already have in place on admission or will have on discharge. If you’re looking to understand the multidisciplinary

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May 30, 2020 No Comments

Paediatrics: Communication & Consent

As an FY1 you will likely manage paediatric patients during their admission, often in other specialties like general surgery. Difficult communication scenarios can occur & being prepared and responding to them well can instil confidence in our patients & their parents as well as help us feel more confident in approaching them. Do look at

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February 14, 2020 No Comments

Management of the Aggressive Patient

At times as a resident doctor, you will be faced with the management of patients displaying aggression. There are many causes for aggressive behaviour, from pain to frustration at delays in medical care, and it should be thought of as a way of expressing distress. It is therefore important to try to understand the cause

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February 10, 2020 No Comments

Communicating with Relatives

We commonly find ourselves needing to communicate with the next of kin & relatives. In this article, we cover the general aspects of this. Please note there are specific articles on dealing with complaints, breaking bad news or discussing DNAR. Do you have consent? Remember that you don’t need the patient’s consent to gather information

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January 28, 2020 No Comments

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