1990
- The Toronto Consensus and its successor the Kalamazoo Consensus describe core elements of the medical interview.
- Tomorrow’s Doctors requires all medical undergraduates to receive formal training in clinical communication.
- Multiple studies of communication teaching demonstrate that interactive small group teaching is the most effective.
- Good Medical Practice (GMC) emphasises the importance of communication.
- 1997 Royal College of Physicians report highlights the need for structured communication education.
- 2003 Scottish Executive Health Department publishes “Talking Matters: developing the communication skills of doctors”.
- 2003 EC4H runs its first series of workshops for consultants from a wide range of hopsital specialties and primary care.
- 2004 British Medical Association review “Communication Education for Doctors: an update”.
- 2004 Royal College of General Practitioners Scotland includes formal evaluation of communication in GP appraisal.
- 2004 National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance “Improving supportive and palliative care for adults with cancer” recommends that all professionals caring for cancer patients are trained in communication.
- 2006 Picker Institute highlights patient concerns about communication with health professionals.
- 2006 UK Council of Undergraduate Medical Clinical Communication is established publishes a consensus statement on the core elements of effective clinical communication.
- 2008 EC4H runs its first international clinical communication tutors’ training programme in Singapore
- 2008 PMETB report “Future Doctors” highlights the importance of senior doctors acting as role models teaching good communication integrated with other aspects of clinical practice.
- 2009 NHS Connected for Health communication training programme starts to offer communication education to clinicians working in other areas than cancer
- 2010 EC4H receives a second grant from NHS Education Scotland to establish a national clinical communication tutors’ training programme for health professionals
- 2011 EC4H sets up a new online learning website and a national clinical communication tutors’ network to support communication teaching & learning in Scotland