SPEX 1 Consulting like a GP
(*being paused from January 2026*)
| Overview |
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- Introduction to ‘Consulting like a GP’
- 3 half day sessions in ST1/2
- Specific communication skills development
- ‘Think like a GP’
SPEX 1 Consulting like a GP is an additional communication skills course that complements the VTS, designed for Doctors in Training (DiT) who are identified as needing extra support.
| Session 1: SPEX Start - Foundations for Excellent Consulting |
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This is a pre-recorded video presentation that introduces the SPEX programme, outlines key consultation theory, and provides practical guidance and tips to help DiT consult more effectively. It also introduces self-assessment tools and supports the development of a personalised learning plan to improve consultation skills.
Following this session, participants will be expected to record a variety of consultations prior to Session 2, rate them using the Consultation Rating Tool, and work with their Educational Supervisor (ES) to identify key areas for development - focusing on ‘red/amber’ areas using the RAG rating system.
| Session 2 (SPEX 1:2) |
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This session involves small group work with an actor to practice skills identified as ‘red/amber’.
This will be led by an experienced SPEX educator and is a safe environment where doctors will be able to learn from each other and develop skills to use in their consultations.
At the end of the session participants will be asked to identify areas to work on with their ES and skills to use to help this. They will be encouraged to practice these and record up to two consultations to bring to session three in order to show to their small group.
| Session 3 (SPEX 1:3) |
|---|
In this session we will observe recorded consultations from each Doctor in Training in the small group, demonstrating effective use of skills developed from Session 2 in the patient consultation. We will discuss application of knowledge, consultation skills and areas to continue to develop.
We hope by the end of these sessions doctors will feel comfortable in assessing their own consultations and identifying areas to develop further.
We encourage participants to continue to practice their skills in their placement going forward which will help them in preparation for MRCGP exams.
Theory of Consultation Skills - Useful Resources
- Consultation overview
- RAG rating
- Damien Kenny Consultation Navigation Tool
- Microskills
- Four stages of competence diagram
Video Recording Information
- Patient consent is required for any consultations that are recorded. Find a sample patient consent form at the bottom of the RCGP COT webpage
- Bradford VTS: Recording consultations recording consultations - Bradford VTS
- GMC: Making and using visual and audio recordings of patients - Making and using visual and audio recordings of patients - ethical guidance summary - GMC (gmc-uk.org)
Recorded Consultation Analysis
- North West England Consultation Toolkit on RCGP website
- PDF version
- Presentation video on how to use the toolkit