The Calgary–Cambridge model (Calgary-Cambridge guide) is a method for structuring medical interviews. It focuses on giving a clear structure of initiating a session, gathering information, physical examination, explaining results and planning, and closing a session. It is popular in medical education in many countries.
Method
The Calgary–Cambridge model involves:
initiating a session:[1][2] This involves preparation by the clinician, building rapport with the patient, and an understanding of why the interview is needed.[1]
gathering information:[1][2] This may be split into a focus on a biomedical perspective, the patient's experience, and contextual information about the patient.[1][2] Contextual information may include personal history, social history, and other medical history.[2]
explaining results and planning:[1][2] This aims to ensure a shared understanding, and allowing for shared decision-making.[1]
closing a session:[1][2] This may involve discussing further plans.[1]
This is designed to give a clear structure to the interview, and to help to build the relationship between the clinician and the patient.[1] The importance of nonverbal communication is noted.[1]
The model is based on 71 skills and techniques that improve patient interviews.[2] These include maintaining eye contact, active listening (not interrupting, giving verbal cues), summarizing information frequently, asking about patient ideas and beliefs, and showing empathy.[2]
Advantages
The Calgary–Cambridge model was developed based on evidence from interviews of patients, and what made them successful.[3] It is generally focussed on the patient and their experience.[4] The guide of skills and techniques is generally seen as comprehensive.[5]
Disadvantages
The Calgary–Cambridge model has been criticized for creating a separation between the process of interviewing a patient and the information gained.[1] The 71 skills are very difficult to incorporate simultaneously, making it more difficult to learn for clinicians than other techniques.[5]
History
The Calgary–Cambridge model is named after Calgary, Canada, and Cambridge, United Kingdom where the three authors worked.[6] It is popular in medical education in many countries.[1][7] It has also been adapted for veterinarians.[8] Other models, such as the Global Consultation Rating Scale, have been based on the Calgary–Cambridge model.[9]