Competencies arranged by Role

Communicator


Progressive capability profile of the specialist general practitioner

Last revised: 11 Aug 2025

The specialist GP as a communicator


This role includes how a specialist general practitioner communicates with patients, families, carers, other health professionals and within the practice. It includes verbal, non-verbal, written and digital communication.

 

Milestone competencies

Capability

Theme

Entry

Foundation

Consolidation

Fellowship

Communicate effectively with patients and families

Patient-centred communication

Communicate effectively in routine consultations

Adapt communication to patient needs, health literacy and context

Consistently communicate effectively, respectfully and empathically with patients, families and carers

Communicate effectively, respectfully and empathically with patients, families and carers with proactive use of appropriate resources

Communication where there are language barriers

Tailor communication style to effectively interact with patients where there are language barriers including children and people with disability

Tailor communication style to effectively interact with patients where there are language barriers in the general practice context

Adapt style and utilise resources to effectively communicate with patients where there are language barriers

Communicate effectively, respectfully and empathically with patients where there are language barriers, with proactive use of appropriate resources

Navigating challenging conversations

Communicate effectively and with empathy in challenging situations to provide factual information

Communicate effectively with patients and carers in challenging situations, assessing understanding and enabling patients to make informed decisions about next steps

Effectively and clearly communicate in challenging situations, including where there is uncertainty

Communicate effectively in a sensitive, compassionate manner in challenging conversations

Shared decision making

Provide information on options to patients in a way they understand

Acknowledge and explain to patients when there are options, so they understand there is choice and the benefits and harms

Counsel patients on the benefits and harms of diagnostic and management options to support shared decision-making

Facilitate shared decision-making to align patient values, goals and preferences to develop a personalised plan

 

Therapeutic relationship

Demonstrate empathy and compassion, using language, non-verbal behaviour and active listening to establish rapport

Establish therapeutic relationships in the general practice context

Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships that can navigate differences of opinion

Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships, using contextual awareness in encounters that are challenging including when there are different frames of reference

Navigating transference and countertransference

Knowing about transference and countertransference

Being aware of the impact of transference and countertransference on the consultation

Identify and manage transference and countertransference

Utilise transference and countertransference to achieve therapeutic benefit while managing boundaries

Practice culturally respectful, responsive and safe communication

Communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Demonstrate cultural awareness of appropriate communication and rapport building skills with respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by using culturally appropriate communication and rapport building skills with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Demonstrate culture responsiveness by appropriate communication, interaction and rapport building with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including when diverse perspectives, contexts and historical events may have an impact

Demonstrate cultural safety through self-reflection and integration of cultural perspectives, beliefs and the impact of historical events to enhance communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

Communicating with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse peoples

Demonstrate respectful interest and compassion in consultation with patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Demonstrate culturally safe communication in consultations with patients of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including ensuring understanding and the use of interpreters when needed

Integrate the cultural experience of the patient to demonstrate culturally safe and effective communication with patients and families

Integrate cultural perspectives, beliefs and effects of events to provide culturally safe and effective communication

Communicate relevant information efficiently to others involved in a patients care

Team communication and handover

Effectively communicate with others in the care team, including verbal and written communication

Effectively communicate with the care team including highlighting important information for patient care

Effectively and efficiently communicate with the care team in a manner that helps others frame their care of the patient

Effectively and efficiently communicate with the care team in a manner that allows all to understand their roles in assisting the patient

Communication with others in the practice

Effectively and respectfully communicate with clinical and non-clinical staff

Demonstrate through their communication, respect for others who work in the practice and their roles within the practice

Effectively and constructively communicate with others in the practice to achieve optimal outcomes

Effectively and constructively communicate with others in the practice to support optimal performance of each person and the practice

 
 
 

Advertising