Table 5 Synopsis of factors influencing the evolution of confidence in clinical skills and patient communication

Interaction with clinicians (stages 1, 2, 3)

Meet and greet the patient (stage 1)

A help and hindrance with verbal (positive and negative comments) and non-verbal (demonstrating skill) feedback being key elements

Allowing students to initiate meeting and greeting the patient provides them to make a quick and helpful initial assessment

Audible noise (stage 1, 2, 3)

Interaction with clinicians (stage 1, 2, 3)

Students relying on this as an indicator of success; forgoing other indicators such as pain, range of motion, activities of daily living

Non-challenging conditions (stage 1, 2, 3)

Perceived limited skills (stage 2, 3)

Patient conditions which do not challenge the student limits their ability to mature

Linked with lack of audible obtained with manipulation

Personal agency (stage 2, 3)

Personal agency (stage 3)

Maturing as a student clinician (stage 2, 3)

Students seeking way to improve is an indicator of maturity

Building rapport with patients and recognizing why they seek care

Patient conflicts (stage 3)

Lack of maturity and personal agency result in poor patient encounters

Perceptions of the profession (stage 3)

Questioning the profession