More on copying letters to patients

Editor—The report by O'Driscoll et al supports the idea that most patients find receiving a copy of the clinic letter useful.¹ An alternative or additional method exists to aid doctor-patient communication.

In 1997 I did an elective project with B E Damato, consultant ophthalmologist at St Paul's Eye Unit in Liverpool, who has a specialist interest in ocular tumours and receives national and international referrals. When he sees his patients in the outpatient clinic he gives each of them an audiotape of the conversation. He told me that many of them find this useful, especially considering that they may have travelled a considerable distance and that it may be some time before the next meeting.