Main description:

This title was Highly Commended (Basis of Medicine category)in the BMA Awards 2005. A highly practical account of communication for medical students, backed up with numerous case histories. In addition to the clinical interview the book covers other aspects of communication including how to promote healthy behaviour and the need for the doctor to work as part of the health care team.

Contents:

Introduction. Basic communication skills. The medical interview. Giving information. Breaking bad news. Taking a sexual history. Communicating with patients from different cultural backgrounds. Guidelines on communicating with children and young people. Communication with a patient's family. Mistakes, complaints and litigation. Challenging consultations: special problems in doctor-patient communication. Communicating with patients and colleagues: learning more about how personal issues affect professional realtionships. Exercises. Appendices.