Improving communication skills: to carry coals to Newcastle?

Abstract

Unfortunately studies have repeatedly shown physicians to have poor communication skills. This is despite the fact that good communication not only makes patients feel better emotionally, but also improves their physical health and that patients now assume two new identities: health consumers and active participants. The problems of promoting, improving and maintaining communication skills for medical students and practising physicians are shared by all medical educators. This article addresses several important issues: What are the most relevant problems about physician-patient communication? Furthermore practical aspects of how physicians can improve their communication skills and finally possible future developments and efforts are discussed.