At the conclusion of the consultation, it is vitally important that the physician and patient both understand the mutually established plan and their respective roles.

Exercise: Before moving on, what issues with the physician or patient might occur as a result of ineffective or absent contracting?

Contract with your patient regarding next steps for patient and physician

• Allows each party to verbalize and understand their roles and responsibilities
  • Physician:
    • Explicitly state information regarding: investigations, treatments, referrals, etc.
    • Tell your patient what they should be doing in the interim
  • Patient
    • Confirm willingness to undertake plan

• ‘I’ll send a letter to the dermatologist later today. Their office will call you to set up an appointment. I will be sure to phone you with the results of the biopsy. I’ll let you know at that time when to book a follow-up with me.’

Silverman, J., Kurtz, S., & Draper, J. (2013). Skills for Communicating with Patients (Thrid Edit). London: Radcliffe Publishing.