Medical student use of communication elements and association with patient satisfaction: a prospective observational pilot study

Table 1 Observed communication elements

1) Did the student acknowledge the patient using the patient’s name?
2) Did the student introduce himself/herself by name?
3) Did the student explain his/her role as a medical student?
4) Did the student explain some of the steps (including diagnostic testing, medication administration, or observation) that would be used to address the patient’s complaint?
5) Did the student explain that additional providers (such as a resident or attending physician) would also be evaluating the patient?
6) Did the student offer an estimated duration of time that the patient would spend in the ED?^a

^aFor estimated duration, a general statement of time (e.g. “overnight” or “a few hours”) was considered acceptable; a specific number was not required

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