Undertaking consultations and clinical assessments at advanced level

Once deemed the reserve of doctors, 'the medical interview' has since transitioned across professional boundaries and is now a key part of the advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) role. Much of the literature surrounding this topic focuses on a purely medical model; however, the ACPs' use of consultation and clinical assessment of complex patient caseloads with undifferentiated and undiagnosed diseases is now a regular feature in healthcare practice. This article explores how knowledge of the fundamental principles surrounding ACP-patient communications, along with the use of appropriate consultation frameworks and examination skills, can provide a deeper insight and enhance the existing skills of the ACP. A comprehensive guide to undertaking patient consultations, physical examination and diagnostic reasoning on a body systems basis is explored in future issues of this Advanced Clinical Practice series.