Consultations

. What happens during a consultation

A medical consultation is a comprehensive process that typically includes three phases: 

• Before the meeting: This involves gathering relevant information and preparing to speak with our registered nurse.

• During the meeting: The patient and our registered nurse discuss symptoms, medical history, and possible treatment options.

• After the meeting: This phase involves follow-up activities, such as scheduling more tests, referral of prescriptions, or arranging future appointments. 

The consultation itself often follows this structure:

1. Information gathering: Our registered nurse listens to the patient's description of their symptoms and asks specific questions to gain a full understanding.

2. Medical assessment: Our registered nurse may perform a physical examination to check for signs related to the patient's concerns.

3. Shared decision-making: Our registered nurse explains potential diagnoses in relation to the services we offer and works with the patient to agree on the best course of action. This includes discussing treatment options, risks, and next steps. 

Types of medical consultations

Medical consultations can be categorized based on how they are delivered and the type of care provided:

• In-person consultations: The traditional and most common form, where the patient meets the registered nurse from our practice which we work under Confidental Smiles located at Sandhurst

• Telephone consultations: Patients discuss their health concerns with our registered nurse over the phone. This is useful for follow-ups, minor issues, and general advice.

• Video consultations (telemedicine): Using video-conferencing technology, patients can have a face-to-face consultation with our registered nurse remotely. This offers greater convenience while allowing for visual cues.

• E-consultations: These are asynchronous exchanges, where patients can send questions to our registered nurse online via our contact us form and receive a response, often via text, email, or a portal.

The importance of consultations

Medical consultations are essential for the following reasons:

• Diagnosis and treatment: They enable accurate diagnosis for the services we offer and the creation of effective treatment plans, which are crucial for achieving positive health outcomes.

• Therapeutic relationship: They help build trust and rapport between the patient and our team, leading to more open communication and better adherence to care plans.

• Personalized care: By considering the patient as a whole—including their personal circumstances and lifestyle—our registered nurse can create a personalized treatment plan.

• Patient education: Consultations empower patients by helping them understand their condition, treatment options, and how to take an active role in their own health.

• Continuity of care: They ensure that care is consistent, informed by past medical history, and well-coordinated across different healthcare settings