Menopause: identification and management

Patients were sent a text at the point of invitation to confirm their acceptance to respect the confidentiality of other participants. They were able to respond 'YES' to confirm acceptance, and this was automatically added to their record as follows:

"By replying YES to this agreement, I undertake to respect the confidentiality of the other members of the Group Consultation by not revealing any medical, personal, or other identifying information about others in attendance, after the session is over. In sharing my own information, I understand that I can opt to hold back on certain details that I find sensitive."

Before the start of the session, the healthcare assistant ensured the room was set up appropriately with chairs in a circle around a table. A flip chart displayed some headings for the discussion. A good-sized room was needed, preferably with windows providing natural light. Cups and a jug of water were set out. Patients name badges (first names only) were provided to facilitate personalised communication.

The session started with a brief introduction by the GP, including aims of the session and importance of confidentiality and allowing everyone a chance to speak. This included some common points about symptoms, medication and lifestyle. Patients were then asked to provide a brief personal update on their progress against suggested headings displayed on the flip chart.

For each patient, a GP provided advice and a proposed plan and checked their agreement. The healthcare assistant took notes for each patient, including patient feedback and the GP advice and plan.

There was then an opportunity for a brief group discussion about lessons learnt and shared feelings, although some of this had already occurred naturally during updates by each patient. In future, it may be possible for some of this discussion to occur without the presence of the GP.

The GP summed up at the end, highlighted next steps and invited anyone with unanswered queries to speak to her or the healthcare assistant (for lifestyle NHS Health Check, FRAX scores) separately in the last few minutes. Patients were given an evaluation sheet to complete before departing.

After the session, the GP and healthcare assistant conferred to provide medical notes for each patient and actioned any required tasks or prescriptions.