3. The CORE Model

The CORE Model can help you prepare for digital clinical consultations. The acronym CORE stands for:

Illustration of digital champion preparing for a digital consultation.

Illustration examples of a flexible consultations with mother travelling and another at home.

Illustration of inclusion showing a couple taking part in a consultation.

Illustration displaying the enabling of quality and safety through relational connections.

C

Creating the right environment, infrastructure and support for staff.

O

Optimising consultations to be responsive, flexible and personalised to different needs and preferences.

R

Recognising the importance of access and inclusion.

E

Enabling quality and safety through relational connections.

An illustraion of a Wise owl who will help guide learning.

Safeguarding: Whilst virtual consultations potentially offer an insight into a person’s home environment or personal situation, safeguarding considerations may be more challenging. There are a few tips that could be useful:

Be professionally curious and vigilant.
You can ask what support the individual has. Try to find out whether they feel safe to speak freely.
Check who else is in the room and listen carefully in case the conversation is being directed by another.
Where women are accompanied in the consultation, ensure that everyone is visible on screen.
Be vigilant for non-verbal signs that an individual may not feel safe, such as appearing afraid or needing to check their answers with another person.
Follow your instincts. Have a low threshold for converting to an in-person consultation.
If you have any concerns, follow local guidance and procedures, including escalation if appropriate.