The idea that diagnostic certainty requires a ‘perfect’ medical history is flawed — let me explain
When I observe young GP registrars with patients, I see the immense weight they carry. I remember that feeling acutely: the pressure to make the…
Tag: Communication
The doctor–patient tango: How I avoid a misstep before the consult turns frosty
Dr John Launer recently shared his favourite question to throw in mid-consultation: “How is this conversation going for you so far?” It helps him figure…
It took me years to get off my high horse and properly communicate with patients
When I was a medical student in the 1960s, our lecturers and tutors, all white and male, were a stone-faced mob, devoid of humour and…
Functional disorders: top-down or bottom-up?
Need to know: Patients with functional conditions are frequently over-investigated and yet still misdiagnosed. But even with the correct diagnosis, a systematic approach to management…
A GP guide to addressing poor social health
Need to know: There is increasing evidence that socialising has substantial immediate and long-term benefits for mental health, physical health, wellbeing and quality of life.…
GP accused of racism secures legal win over $364,000 supervision order
A GP accused of making racist and homophobic comments to patients has won his case to have supervision requirements lifted, with a tribunal finding they…
Micromanagement is just bullying, and the reason so many of us are unhappy
I was talking with a friend recently who said she retired from nursing years earlier than she would have liked as her workplace had become…
‘Did you even examine the patient?’ The dangers of dealing with difficult specialists
I’m going to work this morning. As such, I’ve been wondering who’s on call today. Since I work in the emergency department, a lot of…
Could ChatGPT help ‘tame’ GPs’ red tape?
The much-hyped AI program ChatGPT could help reduce doctor burnout by drafting answers to questions posed by patients outside of consultations, US researchers say. Since…
For their eyes only: Why do medical regulators insist on so much secrecy?
I’ve been mulling over a disturbing trend. The communications I get from AHPRA, and the answers to questions posed to AskMBS, are both designated top…
