ABSTRACT
In the theory section of this chapter we discuss: • meetings as an effective means of communication • formal and informal meetings • the purpose of meetings • the terms of reference of a meeting • characteristics of an effective meeting • convening and chairing a successful meeting • reasons for disillusionment with meetings • decision making in meetings • problem solving in meetings. We then look at meetings in general practice and describe: • the variety of meetings commonly held • particular problems associated with practice meetings. We suggest that you can help your practice meetings become more effective by: • setting up any new meetings in a more efficient way • reviewing existing meetings to see how effective they are • encouraging the chairperson to look at guidelines for convening and
chairing meetings. We describe some techniques for: • identifying problems • thinking creatively • reaching consensus.
