The Live Clinical Experience (LCE)

Training the next generation of GPs - safely, ethically, and transparently

At SDHC, we are committed to innovative solutions that support excellent patient care and high‑quality GP training.

Live Clinical Experience (LCE) clinics have been developed to help address skills gaps in traditional GP training, while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, consent, and confidentiality.

This approach gives trainee GPs a unique opportunity to learn from real consultations - with your permission - while your care continues exactly as normal.

What is the / Live Clinical Experience?

LCE allows GP specialty trainees to observe live GP consultations in real time using secure video technology.

During an LCE appointment:

• Your consultation takes place as normal with your GP
• A small group of trainee doctors observe remotely
• Trainees may ask questions only with your permission and under your GP’s guidance
• The consultation is not recorded

This gives trainees a “front‑row seat” to consultations they may not often see, helping them develop key consultation and decision‑making skills.

Why are we doing this?

Traditional GP training often involves one‑to‑one observation between a trainer and trainee. While valuable, this limits exposure to:

• Different communication styles
• Alternative clinical reasoning approaches
• Peer learning and shared reflection

The LCE model enhances learning by:

• Allowing trainees to observe consultations together
• Creating structured opportunities for trainees to ask patient‑led questions
• Supporting group discussion and reflection on real cases

By taking part, you are helping train future GPs to deliver safe, compassionate, and personalised care in real‑world general practice.

What do trainee GPs learn?

Trainees observing through LCE focus on:

• Use and timing of open and closed questions
• Agenda‑setting and problem prioritisation
• Exploration of Ideas, Concerns, and Expectations
• Explaining conditions clearly and checking patient understanding
• Managing emotion, silence, and complex situations
• Clinical reasoning and decision‑making
• Safety‑netting - content, clarity, and tone

The technology

The Virtual Clinical Experience platform uses clinician‑worn smart glasses, cameras, and digital medical devices (such as a digital stethoscope) to give trainees an immersive, clinician‑focused view of the consultation.

The technology is designed to:

• Minimise disruption for patients
• Maintain privacy and dignity
• Keep patient safety at its core

Students must complete preparatory training and commit to the full session before attending.

Important information for patients