Communication Skills Resources
Communication skills are central to safe, effective general practice — but are often harder to apply consistently in real consultations than they appear in theory.
This section brings together practical, consultation-focused resources designed to support GP trainees in developing clear, structured, and patient-centred communication. The emphasis is on how communication shapes clinical reasoning, shared decision-making, and patient outcomes, particularly in complex or uncertain presentations.
Each resource is designed for self-directed learning or use in supervision, reflecting the level of judgement and adaptability expected for independent practice.
Determining a Patient’s Understanding
Do patients actually understand what has been discussed — or have we assumed they do?
This resource focuses on how to elicit and check patient understanding in a way that is natural, proportionate, and clinically useful. It distinguishes between exploring what a patient already thinks and confirming what they have taken from the consultation, with particular attention to long-term conditions where assumptions can develop over time.