Longitudinal training and assessing consultation competence, a role for self reflection on performance

Medical consultation (patient-doctor encounter), consisting of history taking, physical examination and treatment, is the starting point of any contact between doctor and patient. Learning to conduct a consultation is a complex skill. Both communicative and medical contents need to be applied and integrated. Conducting an adequate consultation is a skill which is gradually learned and perfected during training and career. This article discusses the background and implementation of a longitudinal integrated consultation training programme in clerkships. In the programme, the student's reflection on the consultation plays an important role in education and assessment.