The patient's perspective

The patient's perspective on what makes a good consultation

• Doctor listening
  • receptive
  • eye contact
• Warmth
• Seating arrangements
  • plants, pictures, music, cleanliness, smell
• Professionalism
  • manner
  • attire
• Age and sex of the doctor
• What the patient wants
• Dr knows of recent problems/visits
• Timekeeping - patients and doctors viewpoint
• Follow-up
• Good clinical skills
• Doctor explaining terms etc
  • not assuming
  • patient's level of understanding
• Written materials/phone calls
• Non-judgmental
• Sharing management plans/options