Consulting in a Nutshell, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 5Some particular challenges

DOI: 10.1201/9781032619200-5

In this book, I’m trying to describe a way of conducting your consultations that is as generalisable as possible; in other words, one that will work in most situations. But generalisable is not the same as universal. A formulaic ‘one size fits all’ approach will never suit general practice, where the fact that every patient and every problem are different is both its delight and its challenge. To consult rigidly ‘by the book’ – any book – would be disrespectful to patients and unfulfilling for the doctor. The essence of professionalism is tailoring one’s skills to the needs of ...