[Communication skills of medical interns of Qazvin UMS]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the communication skills of 110 medical interns of Qums teaching hospitals in 2004. Through structured questionnaire the interns and their 110 patients were surveyed. Out of 110 medical interns, 38.18% always said "greetings" to the patients and asked about their conditions whereas only 1.82% introduced themselves to patients. Showing sympathy and sensitivity for patients was found only in 21.82% of the interns and 10.41% used to discharge the patients form uncertainty. Asking any type of questions was allowed by only 23.64% of medical interns however, none of the patients asked about treatment protocol. From the patients' point of view, 49.09% were fully aware of their problems,. 52.73% could ask any question and 61.82% felt a good sense of empathy and sensitivity shown by the interns. It is suggestible that the communication skills of the interns should be empowered