ABSTRACT
Introduction Communication problems at the end of the consultation often relate to time issues. Just as you think that you have satisfactorily completed the interview and are drawing the session to an end, the patient introduces another major item. Just as you begin to organise follow-up arrangements, the patient asks a question that makes it clear that he has not understood any of your explanations so far. The doctor wants to close things down and push on to the next appointment – the patient seems keen to open things up again. These unmatched agendas easily lead to confl ict and frustration.
