An award-winning team of GP educators is helping GPs reduce stress and use time more effectively through an innovative, free set of training resources designed to promote calm, enjoyable consultations.
Winner of the 2021 RCGP Paul Freeling award, TALC (Teaching and Learning Consultation Skills) is a comprehensive set of online, video and podcast training resources that are now available through a new website: www.consultationskills.com.
With more than 28,000 podcast downloads, the free tools are proving popular with trainees and experienced GPs alike. The GP-authored resources cover everything from starting effectively to listening better, how to provide skilful explanations for delivering bad news, and how to say no nicely.
“I wish these resources had been available when I started training in the NHS. My consultations are now more effective and easier. I am using time more efficiently too," said postgraduate GP trainee Dr Fatima Bulama.
TALC is the brainchild of Manchester-based GP and medical educator Dr Avril Danczak, who authors most of the TALC resources and presents its highly popular podcasts. She is supported by a five-strong team including Wigan GP Dr Mohan Kumar, Associate Dean of Primary Care at Heath Education England.
Dr Danczak said: “Our aim is to help GPs and other health care professionals to enjoy a more satisfying working life, which is more important than ever given the current pressures on the NHS.
“The evidence is very clear that advanced consultation skills make care safer and more accurate, with increased patient and clinician satisfaction. The good news is that these practical skills, which are vital for making the best use of clinical knowledge, can be learned.”
TALC offers a structured set of resources based on decades of best practice in GP training and real-life experience. Nine modules cover everything from effective beginnings and endings to advanced planning of personalised care and the popular module ‘How can you go home with energy to spare?’
New modules are in development, including advanced skills for complex situations, which will cover scenarios including: domestic abuse, triadic consultations and a module called ‘Holding the Calm’ which covers the skills needed to enjoy work under pressure and over a lifetime of practice. All modules include advice for remote consulting.
