We present our 'must-have Elderly care questions'. Caring for elderly patients is a complex process that requires a blend of medical knowledge, empathy, strong communication skills, interpersonal skills, and compassion.

When facing an angry patient during the RCGP SCA exam—or in real-life general practice—you are essentially dealing with a dual-layered consultation. This means you’re expected to skilfully manage two distinct but interconnected issues.

One of the hallmarks of good clinical care is knowing when to say no—and how to say it well. GPs are not expected to say "yes" to everything.

This type of presentation can be especially tricky, as it often falls outside the more structured, symptom-led consultations many are trained in.

For GP trainees preparing for the RCGP SCA and real-world practice, being able to recognise and manage embarrassment with empathy and professionalism is key.

A garrulous patient is someone who speaks excessively during the consultation. Their over-talkative nature may pose a real challenge in timed consultations.

The ability to effectively manage different types of patients is crucial to demonstrating competency as part of global skills in the SCA.

The ability to navigate such consultations with strong communication and engagement techniques is vital for ensuring patient safety.

By embracing the informed patient as a partner in their care, doctors can create more efficient, engaging, and satisfying consultations.

Doctors often encounter patients who bring a long list of concerns to a single consultation. How do you handle such complex consultations?