What questions could you be asked at a gp receptionist interview?

[Cluelessx]

I’ve worked in estate agency for some years now (and previously worked in dog kennels before) and would like to do something different. I would really like to become a gp receptionist and have an interview in a few weeks. I was just wondering if anyone knows what sort of questions they would be likely to ask at interview- I have researched the practice and the different services they offer outside the normal nhs services. Thank you

Probably not as probing, embarrassing or annoying questions as you'd be asking the patients if you got the job ....

[not helpful I know!]

@EggysMom probably true though!

I would definitely expect questions about handling difficult situations, receptionists take quite a bit of abuse (verbal anyway!)

The key answer in a gp’s situation is confidentiality.

@Loveislandaddict that’s what I had thought. That’s the main thing that I don’t really have concrete experience in. I have read a lot about confidentiality but I can’t really give examples of confidentiality situations at work

I used the caldicott guidelines to help me prepare for confidentiality questions www.igt.hscic.gov.uk/Caldicott2Principles.aspx

You need a very thick skin, you also need to be empathic and helpful despite all patients accusing you otherwise. You need to be comfortable following the GPs procedures, patients just want an appointment and a lot if the time you're trying to explain why its not possible and referring them to alternate options (walk-in centre etc) If you know about the practice and the various clinics they offer that's a good start. There are various jobs within a surgery along side answering phone and checking patients in and out, dealing with prescriptions, coding and summarising patient notes, as well as booking appointments and dealing with general queries. You will probably use EMIS web system, relatively easy to use and user friendly. Its a very stressful role but can be rewarding and interesting. Good luck!

Although you may not have experience, they may give you a scenario to respond to, and confidentiality will be part of the answer.

Ie. 20 year comes in pregnant and is very sick. 20 year old’s mum come in later and asks about appointment, as wants to help daughter. Can you tell Mum. Answer - no, because 20 year old appointment is confidential (unless you have consent from 20 year old). Daughter may not want mum to know she’s pregnant etc,

(Probably not a good example)