Clinicians, healthcare professionals and patients are always seeking better ways to offer and receive high quality care. That’s why around the UK, GP practices and many hospital departments now offer Group Consultations.
Group Consultations, also known as Shared Medical Appointments (SMAs), are a new way of engaging patients in self-managing their chronic diseases, most of which are lifestyle related diseases and which can be complex and life-long.
While the conventional 1:1 appointment typically lasts 10-15 minutes, a Group Consultations appointment is up to 90 minutes long, allowing participants to spend more time with their healthcare team. This enables the root causes (and even reversal) of disease to be explored and shared.
At a time when we appear to be struggling to cope with the rise of long term conditions we have a solution, which is both effective, reflects the real world and is morale-boosting! Group Consultations represent a procedure within Lifestyle Medicine, which really works for both the clinician and the patient.
Below we’ve compiled some resources to help you on your Group Consultations journey!
A Guide to Group Consultations
Want to know where to start with Group Consultations? We’ve created a step-by-step guide to help you get started and linked to some training if you’d like to further your skills.
Overcoming Barriers and Challenges
Group Consultations can seem like a major change but we’ve created a list of answers to the most common questions, concerns and barriers that can prevent people from trying it, have any concerns yourself? Check here!
Evidence and Resources
We’ve compiled a collection of evidence supporting Group Consultations and resources to get you started and further your skills in group consultations.
Are you a clinician with experience of delivering group consultations/clinics?
BSLM often seek, or are asked to seek, Clinicians with experience in delivering Group Consultations/Clinics. We’re hoping to build up a regional database so that we can get in touch as opportunities exist.
If you’re interested in being notified with opportunities, ranging from voluntary mentors to potential future paid opportunities, please click here and complete this form