This report, compiled by staff at Northern General Hospital and Royal Hallamshire Hospital, highlights the importance of effective doctor-patient communication. It emphasizes that communication problems are common in clinical practice, with many patient complaints related to communication rather than clinical competence. The report outlines key issues in doctor-patient communication, including the need for active listening, clear explanations, and the importance of patient education. It also discusses the impact of communication on patient satisfaction, compliance, and health outcomes. The report stresses that effective communication is a critical clinical function that cannot be delegated. It notes that most diagnostic information comes from the interview, and that the physician's interpersonal skills significantly influence patient satisfaction and health outcomes. The report also highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for physicians to understand and address patients' concerns and expectations. The report outlines the need for education and training in communication skills for medical professionals. It suggests that communication skills should be taught at all levels of medical education and that faculty development is essential. It also recommends the use of videotaping and audiotaping, role play, and standardized patients to improve communication skills. The report identifies several unanswered questions and priorities in the field of doctor-patient communication, including the specific elements of communication that maximize patient satisfaction and minimize conflict, the influence of various factors on the communication encounter, and the most effective methods for teaching communication skills. The report concludes that there is a clear and urgent need to incorporate communication skills into medical school curricula and continuing medical education. It emphasizes that effective communication is essential for improving the relationship between patients and doctors and for achieving better health outcomes.This report, compiled by staff at Northern General Hospital and Royal Hallamshire Hospital, highlights the importance of effective doctor-patient communication. It emphasizes that communication problems are common in clinical practice, with many patient complaints related to communication rather than clinical competence. The report outlines key issues in doctor-patient communication, including the need for active listening, clear explanations, and the importance of patient education. It also discusses the impact of communication on patient satisfaction, compliance, and health outcomes. The report stresses that effective communication is a critical clinical function that cannot be delegated. It notes that most diagnostic information comes from the interview, and that the physician's interpersonal skills significantly influence patient satisfaction and health outcomes. The report also highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and the need for physicians to understand and address patients' concerns and expectations. The report outlines the need for education and training in communication skills for medical professionals. It suggests that communication skills should be taught at all levels of medical education and that faculty development is essential. It also recommends the use of videotaping and audiotaping, role play, and standardized patients to improve communication skills. The report identifies several unanswered questions and priorities in the field of doctor-patient communication, including the specific elements of communication that maximize patient satisfaction and minimize conflict, the influence of various factors on the communication encounter, and the most effective methods for teaching communication skills. The report concludes that there is a clear and urgent need to incorporate communication skills into medical school curricula and continuing medical education. It emphasizes that effective communication is essential for improving the relationship between patients and doctors and for achieving better health outcomes.