Communication between consultants and referring physicians: a qualitative study to define learning and assessment objectives in a specialty residency program.
BACKGROUND
Outpatient consultation constitutes a major part of medical practice. However, little is known about the skills which should be taught to residents in order for them to improve their consultant-referring physician relationships.


OBJECTIVE
To specify the consultant skills which are required to ensure an effective communication between specialists and referring physicians.


METHODS
A qualitative study based on (a) a literature search and (b) focus group interviews.


RESULTS
Skills thus identified and described are classified in two groups: observable skills and principles/attitudes.


CONCLUSIONS
The consensual specification of these abilities permits a greater efficacy in the teaching of consultant skills.
Sibert
Louis
L
Department of Urology, Rouen University Hospital-Charles Nicolle, 1, rue de Germont, 76031 Rouen, France. louis.sibert@chu-rouen.fr
Lachkar
Azzouz
A
Grise
Philippe
P
Charlin
Bernard
B
Lechevallier
Joël
J
Weber
Jacques
J
D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000592:standards; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004501:Education, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards*; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007858:Learning; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D013038:Specialization