Abstract
As you develop as a GP, you will be continuously refining your own consultation style. Your trainer is likely to suggest several different consultation models for you to explore, and whole books for you to read. You will reflect numerous times on your own consultations using the RCGP consultation observation tool with its 13 criteria to address. However, as the clinical skills assessment (CSA) looms and you try and get your consultations down to 10 minutes it can all feel a bit overwhelming. There can simply seem to be too many tasks to complete, and too many questions to remember. I would suggest a simple model based on narrative story-telling where there are only three phases to remember; Gathering, Agreeing and Planning. And if you ‘Mind the GAP’ the consultation will flow naturally, you will find it easier to pass the CSA examination and will even shorten your consultations.
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