The Good Consultation Guide for Nurses

This book contains a foreword by Susan Read, Chair in Nursing Research, University of Sheffield.

This invaluable guide for nurses improves the skills and knowledge required to consult effectively with patients.

It is highly practical, easy to read and comprehend, and is designed for use in daily practice, and as an aid for professional development.

The 'Consultation Assessment and Improvement Instrument for Nurses' (CAIIN) concept is introduced, and sample forms, suggested strategies and tables containing key information are also provided.

The recent substantial changes that have taken place in health service structures, staffing arrangements and nursing practice have led to more nurses working in first contact roles and within nurse-led services.

Nurses at all levels in primary and secondary care, including those in pre-registration training will find this guide vital, as will nurses considering taking on autonomous roles such as independent prescribing.

It is also highly suitable for nurse lecturers, nurse managers, learning and health service managers, and undergraduate and postgraduate nursing students. 'In order to achieve a successful outcome, nurses working in first contact or nurse-led services need to be able to make an accurate assessment of the why the patient has attended, come up with a working diagnosis of the problem and engage the patient in an evidence-based management plan.

These activities require nurses working at the front line of clinical practice to consult with patients autonomously in a similar way to doctors.

To do this successfully, nurses need advanced consultation skills, some of which are different from those they have traditionally learned to use.' - Adrian Hastings and Sarah Redsell. 'This book is destined to meet the needs of nurses and especially Advanced Nurse Practitioners and those who educate them and employ them.

All the key elements of a consultation between nurse and patient are systematically examined in this book, illuminated by vignettes to bring the process to life and supported by educational guidance and assessment strategies.

It will help those who are new to the art of consulting, but will also refresh the knowledge and skills of more experienced nurses and those who teach them.' - Susan Read, in her Foreword.