[Self-evaluation of the practicing physician's communication ability].

The lack of communication between physicians and patients is a complaint originating from mostly patients. However, many physicians also feel that they are poorly trained in this area. In a questionnaire that was published in the MMW 13/2005, 171 physicians rated the quality of doctor-patient communication, evaluated their own communicative competence and provided information on primary preconditions and hindrances to an effective doctor-patient dialogue. Eighty-five percent of the questioned viewed the quality of communication as "very important" or "important" for the success of the treatment. In addition to insufficient training in conducting a dialogue even under difficult circumstances, 46% cited the shortage of time in the practice, while 29% cited the compensation system and 12% cited work organization as the greatest impediment to good listening skills. At least one-fourth experience two to three situations a day in which the conversation is cut short because of a lack of time.