Table 4.

Representative patient free-response comments on emergency medicine clerkship students’ communication skills.

“Appreciate how personable he was. He could elaborate more when he comes to the follow-up information.”

“He was very attentive and took time to explain things clearly.”

“He was good. But really the attending doctor gave me much more detailed information.”

“She has good communication skills, she is very friendly, and she has a general concern for helping patients.”

“She didn’t give me all of the information I wanted to know. She seemed very nervous and a bit uncomfortable.”

“She was excellent. At first I was unsure about a med student, but she actually spent a lot of time with me. She was very thorough and is an excellent physician.”

“I had felt very upset about my accident, and she made me feel much better. She legitimized my concerns and feelings 100%.”

“She listened attentively.”

“My suggestion would be to make sure that any information he has or knows is explained to me, the patient.”