How you approach teaching and giving feedback on these conversations will obviously depend a lot on the learner. Junior learners such as interns and medical students may need to practice how the conversations will go before the consult order is placed. On the other hand, simply listening to the senior resident as she’s on the phone may be sufficient. 
 
As you’re listening to and following consultation calls, identify whether or not residents adhered to best practices. Did they introduce themselves and identify the person they were speaking with? Was essential information omitted? Was the question or request clear? Do you have recommendations for navigating challenging consultations? 
 
As you know, the ability to consult appropriately and efficiently is a life skill for emergency medicine. Your feedback and coaching helps our trainees develop good habits that lead to positive interactions with our colleagues on other services.