Many training curricula, research efforts, and resources have been focused on what makes competent doctor communication. However, few studies have identified what makes good patient communication. This project was designed to explore physicians' perspective on patient communication. Forty-one primary care physicians participated in focus group discussions on what constitutes competent patient communication. The results of these discussions pointed to three areas of competent patient communication: (1) patients' knowledge of their own health, diagnosis and medications, (2) communication skills in organizing and prioritizing, and presenting clear, concise descriptions of ...