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Table 5 Summary of performance for each skill

From: How well do public sector primary care providers function as medical generalists in Cape Town: a descriptive survey

Consultation skill

Not done

n (%)

Partially done

n (%)

Fully done

n (%)

1. Makes appropriate greeting / introduction and demonstrates interest and respect

29 (64.4)

7 (15.6)

9 (20.0)

2. Identifies and confirms the patient’s problem list or issues

38 (84.4)

4 (8.9)

3 (6.7)

3. Encourages patient’s contribution / story

26 (57.8)

13 (28.9)

6 (13.3)

4. Makes an attempt to understand the patient’s perspective

40 (88.9)

3 (6.7)

2 (4.4)

5. Thinks family, and obtains relevant family, social and occupational information

36 (80.0)

8 (17.8)

1 (2.2)

6. Obtains sufficient information to ensure no serious condition is likely to be missed

13 (28.9)

20 (44.4)

12 (26.7)

7. Appears to make a clinically appropriate working diagnosis

9 (20.0)

11 (24.4)

10 (22.2)

8. There is a clear explanation of the diagnosis and management plan

13 (30.2)

20 (46.5)

10 (23.3)

9. Gives patient an opportunity to ask for other information and / or seeks to confirm patient’s understanding

34 (75.6)

7 (15.6)

4 (8.9)

10. The explanation takes account of and relates to the patient’s perspective

42 (93.3)

1 (2.2)

2 (4.4)

11. Involves the patient where appropriate in decision making

37 (82.2)

7 (15.6)

1 (2.2)

12. Chooses an appropriate management plan

7 (15.6)

18 (40.0)

20 (44.4)

13. Show a commitment to co-ordination of care

18 (40.0)

17 (37.8)

8 (17.8)

14. Shows a commitment to continuity of care

25 (55.6)

16 (35.6)

4 (8.9)

15. Closes consultation successfully

7 (15.6)

25 (55.6)

13 (28.9)

16. Provides appropriate safety netting for the patient

34 (75.6)

5 (11.1)

6 (13.3)