Doctor-patient communication in general practice consultations

Abstract

Detailed study of a series of tape-recorded interviews enabled the author to carry out a critical self-audit of his consultations. The analysis of categories of verbal interaction in doctor-patient consultations proved to be a practical and reliable method of studying the doctor-patient relationship. The methods and techniques used in this research could, with advantage, be employed in the fields of undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. Since a satisfactory doctor-patient relationship is of great value, study in depth of the verbal interaction between doctor and patient in general practice consultations can provide guide lines to those who seek an improvement in doctor-patient communication.