What is a good consultant? A worm's eye view.

Abstract

may need to be arranged. The provision ofalternative accommodation and ofpractical and financial help varies throughout Britain, and often the Support burden is placed on the partners and families. In small communities the burden may weigh heavy, particularly ifconfidentiality is to be ensured. Support must be subtle, consistent, and Loved ones can also suffer the stigma ofthe disease and may be ostracised confidential by neighbours and colleagues. Partners may harbour the fear ofdeveloping Possible members of support network: the illness themselves. They all need support and an outlet for their fears Attending nursing and medical staff and frustrations. Support groups will provide an opportunity to discuss Families and friends problems, express feelings, and share experiences. Counsellors and psychologists Caring for people with HIV infection or AIDS is not difficult ifcommon Social services sense is applied. No special training is required-simply first class clinical Support groups, such as Terrence Higgins competence, a willingness to learn and to understand, and a desire to care Trust, Body Positive, etc wt opsin with compassion.

Communication in medicine*

“…Some years ago, the British Medical Journal published a series of articles entitled 'What is a good consultant?'. A medical student answered that one parameter on which a consultant may be assessed is 'communication' (Newton, 1987):…”

A multisource feedback tool to assess ward round leadership skills of senior paediatric trainees: (1) Development of tool

“…The ward round can become a ritual rushed activity when workload is heavy, especially with pressure to discharge patients to make beds available. Little or no teaching may take place, with students and trainees suffering late starts, cancellations and inappropriate comments, humiliation and negative reinforcement of their efforts by stressed consultants 2 3. Decisions about patient care are often made ‘on the hoof’ with missing information, in less than perfect conditions and with frequent distractions 3 4.…”

“…1 As well as the vital issue of patient safety,3 4 the consultant leading a ward round is a powerful role model for junior trainees and medical students 5. It is therefore essential that the consultant behaves appropriately, demonstrates exemplary knowledge, skills and attitudes and provides a role model of good medical practice 4–6.…”