ABSTRACT
Securing is defi ned as ‘making secure’ or safe and, in the context of a consultation, this relates to all the processes that help ensure any risks of harm are minimised as much as possible.
‘Securing’ the consultation is essential for safe medical practice. Risk will always exist in the medical profession, be it due to action or inaction. Th e aim of any advice, investigation or treatment is to help our patients, but, despite our best eff orts, outcomes can be unpredictable and unfavourable. As mentioned in the previous chapter, GPs need to become adept at dealing with uncertainty. Uncertainty carries risk – should we act or watch and wait? If we act, can we do any harm? What are the potential consequences of inaction? Doctors make these decisions with almost every patient they see. Involving the patient and sharing this burden can help.
