Telephone Consultations

About this activity

This session explores the issues that may arise when a consultation is conducted over the telephone, including how to minimise the possible negative factors. The advantages of using the phone are then discussed, following by a presentation of best practice advice. This session was reviewed by Jenny Bedford and last updated in September 2014. Objectives By the end of this session you will be able to: • List the reasons why the telephone can be an advantageous consultation tool • Describe the drawbacks and possible negative outcomes • List the reasons why some people may not be comfortable talking on the phone • Discuss what sort of conversations should be avoided • Give examples of best practice guidelines for using the telephone as part of a consultation