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Rheumatology Advance Access published online on June 27, 2003
Rheumatology, doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keg418
Rheumatology © British Society for Rheumatology 2003; all rights reserved
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© 2003 Rheumatology 42 © British Society for Rheumatology 2003; all rights reserved

Original Papers

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

J. O'Neill 1, J. R. Williams 2, and L. J. Kay 2*

1 University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
2 Musculoskeletal Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

* Corresponding author. E-mail: Lesley.Kay{at}ncl.ac.uk.

Received 12 August 2002 ; accepted 17 April 2003

Abstract

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 skills were assessed using a proforma previously used to examine medical students, and patient ratings were obtained using visual analogue scales.

Results. Median scores attained using the structured proforma for rheumatology, elective orthopaedic and fracture clinic consultations were 17, 15 and 14 out of 20 (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction scores were high in all three domains measured. Scores were statistically significantly higher for rheumatology appointments than in fracture clinic (median scores 29.5, 29.5 and 28 out of 30). Consultation durations varied, with a median of 23 min for rheumatology and 10.5 and 4 min for orthopaedic surgeons in clinic and fracture clinic, respectively.

Conclusions. Consultant rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons demonstrate good communication skills, according to a tool used to assess medical students. These scores correlate with patient views, suggesting that teaching and assessment of communication skills at medical schools may address concerns of patients. Scores and satisfaction correlate with the duration of the consultation.

Key words: Doctor-patient communication, Consultant rheumatologists, Orthopaedic surgeons, Assessments.
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