Published online by Cambridge University Press: 29 June 2007
In this prospective study of 126 patients attending the ENT outpatient clinic the doctor's and the patient's perception of the consultation were evaluated by questionnaire; 96 patients completed the questionnaire correctly. The results were analysed by scattergram plot and Wilcoxon's matched-pair signed ranks test. There was a statistically significant difference between the doctor's and the patient's perception of the ‘history’ (p<0.01) and the ‘explanation of diagnosis and treatment’ (p<0.05) in the consultation. There was no statistically significant difference between the doctor's and the patient's perception of the ‘examination’ in the consultation. The results are discussed.