GP: OK good. So you had some tests last month? that’s Mmm.... was the result alright? Lesley: Well, a little on the high side, but then not unusual for you....very similar to the last one. GP: that’s Lesley: Oh...right. GP: Perhaps we had better do some more in three months just to keep an eye on it. Lesley: Oh dear....I really like blood tests. don’t GP: Well fine then.... If you make an appointment to see me in three months once had your blood test taken? that’s you’ve Lesley: Oh right (gets up to leave) erm...... by the been finding working full-time really hard, I just get way.... I’ve thinking, doctor... I’m terribly tired.... listen to the second example. Now let’s Situation Two GP: Thanks for coming in to see me Lesley, hoping we can talk about your blood test results and your medication today, but before we I’m do I wondered what thoughts you might have had about what you want to talk about. Lesley: Well, I would like to know about my blood test results, although not the priority for there are some other things I would that’s me…. like to talk about. been feeling terribly tired recently, so much so that I am wondering about reducing my working hours a bit. But...as I’ve well....me and my partner are struggling financially, so not right to do so. I’m sure it’s GP: OK, I can see that both of those are important to you, is there anything else you hoped to talk about today?
GP: OK that’s good. So you had some tests last month? Lesley: Mmm.... was the result alright? GP: Well, a little on the high side, but then that’s not unusual for you....very similar to the last one. Lesley: Oh...right. GP: Perhaps we had better do some more in three months just to keep an eye on it. Lesley: Oh dear....I really don’t like blood tests. GP: Well that’s fine then.... If you make an appointment to see me in three months once you’ve had your blood test taken? Lesley: Oh right (gets up to leave) erm...... by the way.... I’ve been thinking, doctor... I’m finding working full-time really hard, I just get terribly tired.... Now let’s listen to the second example. Situation Two GP: Thanks for coming in to see me Lesley, I’m hoping we can talk about your blood test results and your medication today, but before we do I wondered what thoughts you might have had about what you want to talk about. Lesley: Well, I would like to know about my blood test results, although that’s not the priority for me…. there are some other things I would like to talk about. I’ve been feeling terribly tired recently, so much so that I am wondering about reducing my working hours a bit. But...as well....me and my partner are struggling financially, so I’m not sure it’s right to do so. GP: OK, I can see that both of those are important to you, is there anything else you hoped to talk about today?