PART 3 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2024 SEPT – Enhancing Communication and Patient-Centred Care in Primary Care

NMC Reflective Account Form

Reflective account:

What was the nature of the CPD activity and/or practice-related feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?
During my GP placement (October 2024), I engaged in patient consultations, explaining treatment plans, addressing concerns, and ensuring patients felt heard and involved in their care. I observed that some patients required extra reassurance or tailored communication approaches to fully understand their treatment plans. This experience helped me refine my verbal and non-verbal communication skills to enhance patient engagement.

What did you learn from the CPD activity and/or feedback and/or event or experience in your practice?
I learned that effective communication is central to patient-centred care. Applying Silverman, Kurtz, and Draper’s Calgary-Cambridge Model (2005), I developed a better understanding of active listening, responding empathetically, and ensuring patient concerns were addressed clearly. Additionally, my supervisor provided feedback on how I could improve my approach when explaining medical concepts in a more patient-friendly manner.

How did you change or improve your practice as a result?
Following this experience, I focused on improving clarity in patient interactions, adjusting my communication style based on individual patient needs, and ensuring patients felt empowered to ask questions. Moving forward, I plan to engage in further communication training, particularly in shared decision-making and motivational interviewing.

How is this relevant to the Code?

• Practise effectively: Clear and empathetic communication ensures patients understand their treatment and feel involved in their care.
• Preserve safety: Encouraging patient engagement reduces misunderstandings and improves adherence to care plans.
• Promote professionalism and trust: Communicating respectfully and transparently builds patient confidence and enhances therapeutic relationships.

This reflection highlights the importance of effective communication, patient-centred care, and professional interactions within a primary care setting.

SOURCES USED:

1. PART 3 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2024 SEPT – Reflection on Learning from Others 1
   • Observations on patient interactions, patient education, and addressing concerns
   • Reflection on communication skills and patient engagement.
2. PART 3 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2024 SEPT – Mid-point Interview – Student Reflection
   • Insights into patient interactions and communication in a GP setting
   • Application of communication techniques during consultations.
3. PART 3 – PLACEMENT 1 – 2024 SEPT – Final Interview – Student Reflection
   • Developing patient-centred communication and responding to patient concerns
   • Feedback on explaining medical concepts in a patient-friendly manner​.