As GP trainees prepare for the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA), one key challenge is demonstrating empathy in a way that is both genuine and clinically effective. It’s not just about saying “I’m sorry to hear that” — it’s about knowing when and how to respond to patient cues to build rapport while simultaneously progressing the consultation.

The Relating to Others domain of the SCA assesses your ability to show person-centred care, active listening, and adaptability in your consultation style. It’s where your ability to be human – and to respond like a GP, really matters.

Here’s a simple upgrade to a common situation:

Standard empathy response:

Patient: “My mum passed away  six months ago.”

Doctor: “I’m really sorry to hear that.” (Polite, but ends the moment.)

Progressive empathy response:

Doctor: “I’m  sorry to hear that. How have you been coping since then?” (Empathy + active exploration)

This subtle shift transforms a dead-end response into a meaningful segue into the patient’s psychosocial context — a key element of safe and effective data gathering. You’re not just being kind; you’re opening the door to potentially vital information about bereavement, depression, support networks, or stress-related symptoms.

In summary, think of empathy not as an isolated skill, but as a lever that unlocks better data gathering, more accurate diagnosis, and leads to shared decision-making in the management section. When empathy progresses the consultation, you’re not just passing an exam — you’re consulting like a  GP.