Lesson 4.4 — Telephone and Audio RTO

Lesson 4.4 — Telephone and Audio RTO

Without facial expression or body language, tone, pacing, verbal acknowledgement and explicit checking become more important. RCGP notes that audio consultations make cues easier to miss and may require more deliberate verbal facilitation.

Audio-Specific Habits

• Use a warm tone and avoid speaking over the patient.
• Acknowledge pauses or changes in tone when relevant.
• Verbalise transitions: “I’m just going to ask a few questions about…”
• Use silence carefully; on audio, prolonged silence may be interpreted as disconnection.
• Check that the patient has heard and understood key plans.
• Be explicit about follow-up and how to access help.