title: The ideal consultation.
abstract: Poor communication skills have adverse consequences on physical, psychosocial and economic aspects of health care. The essential elements of an ideal consultation as described lead to more accurate diagnosis, greater patient satisfaction, and more rewarding consultations both professionally and personally.
authors.affiliation: London Hospital Medical College.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fallowfield
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000592:standards; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*