Table 3.

Task for observer

• Use the checklist to identify which skills the interviewer uses in the consultation.

• Facilitate the feedback process. The following points provide a structure for feedback.

• The following questions may be helpful in staying focused on your task and ensuring a balance.

○ Can you briefly state how you felt during the interview?

○ Can you describe two aspects of the interview that worked well?

• Observer asks the role-play patient:

○ Can you identify two communication skills that the interviewer used that were effective?

• Observer provides specific feedback on two skills that s/he observed worked well

• Observer asks the interviewer:

○ Can you identify two aspects of the interview that you would do differently if you could repeat the interview?

• Observer asks the role-play patient:

○ Can you identify two communication skills that the student could have used to improve the interview?

• Observer provides feedback on two skills that could have improved the interview

• Observer summarises the feedback on things that worked well and things to improve

• Interviewer receives written feedback from observer and role-play patient