ABSTRACT
This chapter offers some specific suggestions regarding the kinds of consulting behaviour that may aid the development of new narratives. It also looks at ways of integrating a wide range of familiar activities in primary care using a narrative-based approach. There are some straightforward ways of incorporating activities like physical examination, prescribing, health promotion and the application of scientific evidence into a narrative-based approach. It may be possible to adopt specific kinds of behaviour that invite more helpful and coherent narratives in primary care. This chapter explores some suggested responses that we have evolved with students to 'frequently asked questions'. The frequently asked questions are: How should one prepare for the consultation? How should one start the consultation? What about taking notes? What about prescribing? How can diagnosis fit in with the narrative? Is it possible to give advice within a narrative-based approach? and How much should one disclose about oneself?.
