ABSTRACT
Consultations are stressful and emotionally draining. Health professionals are the key diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the consultation and it is vital to keep themselves in good shape. It is important to have a range of ways of looking after themselves between consultations. 'Housekeeping' is a term that refers to a part of the consultation that is some- times left out altogether and certainly one that often isn't given its full attention. It is hardly surprising that the process of primary care consultation is stressful to the health professionals who engage in it. After all, the main diagnostic and therapeutic tool used is not the computer program – it is oneself. Kinaesthetic methods of de-stressing work well for most people. Talking and listening are also good ways of de-stressing between patients. A picture of a view might link the clinician to the best holiday he/she has ever had or a special moment with family or friends.
