The Uncertain Consultation and Patient Satisfaction: The Impact of Patientsʼ Illness Perceptions and a Randomized Controlled Trial on the Training of Physiciansʼ Communication Skills

Abstract

A randomized controlled trial on the training of general practitioners' communication skills improved patient satisfaction. Illness perceptions predict satisfaction. In particular, patients feeling uncertain and negatively emotionally involved in their health problem were more inclined to being dissatisfied with the consultation.