Rhona McMillan
Effective communication can both enhance patient satisfaction and lead to improved clinical outcomes.Peer review of consultations in general practice using video has been identified as an effective means of communication skills training. A postal survey of general practitioners in the west of Scotland was undertaken to identify motivating factors to submit a videotape of consultations for peer review and to identify barriers to engaging in this process. Analysis of the results demonstrated a number of motivating factors and perceived obstacles and also identified issues regarding the relevance of the feedback received by participants. These findings are examined, highlighting the benefits of this activity, and the paper discusses how these can be enhanced and how any difficulties may be minimised. The paper considers how the quality of feedback provided could be improved and delivered more effectively, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of patient care. Although the results may be considered predictable,the authors are unaware of any previous analysis of these factors.
