An appraisal of the current status of communication skills training in British medical schools.

The present study surveyed medical schools in Britain to critically evaluate the current status of communication skills training in medical education. Results indicate that though all respondents provide some form of communication skills training for students, relatively few are committed to formal instruction, assessment, and evaluation of the subject within the medical curriculum. The methods and objectives of training are considered in terms of effective learning and skills acquisition, with reference to training and learning literature. The findings are discussed within the wider issue of social science in medicine; it is argued that there is a real need for critical assessment which should be linked to professional advancement.