Doctor–patient communication in a musculoskeletal unit: relationship between an observer-rated structured scoring system and patient opinion

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the ability of consultant rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons to communicate well with patients and to determine the validity of a structured proforma used to assess medical students' communication skills. METHODS: Seventy new patient appointments with consultant rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons were assessed for communication skills exhibited by the consultants and patient satisfaction. Communication …