Table 2 Mean scores of the CCOG items for the first and second interview *

Section: Initiating the Session

2.9

2.6

0.3

(0.1 - 0.5)

 Greets patient

2.0

1.8

0.2

(-0.1 - 0.5)

 Introduces self and role

2.9

2.6

0.3

(-0.2 - 0.9)

 Demonstrates respect

2.0

2.0

0.0

(-0.2 - 0.3)

 Identifies and confirms problems list

3.1

2.5

0.6

(0.2 - 1.1)

 Negotiates agenda

4.2

4.1

0.1

(-0.4 - 0.6)

Section: Gathering Information

2.8

2.3

0.5

(0.2 - 0.9)

 Encourages patient to tell story

3.0

2.2

0.7

(0.3 - 1.2)

 Appropriately moves from open to closed questions

3.1

2.4

0.7

(0.2 - 1.1)

 Listens attentively

2.3

1.9

0.4

(0.1 - 0.8)

 Facilitates patient’s responses verbally and non-verbally

2.6

2.1

0.5

(0.1 - 0.9)

 Uses easily understood questions and comments

2.3

2.1

0.2

(-0.2 - 0.6)

 Clarifies patient´s statements

2.8

2.5

0.3

(-0.1 - 0.7)

 Establishes dates

3.5

2.5

1.0

(0.5 - 1.5)

Section: Understanding Patient´s Perspective

3.4

2.8

0.5

(0.2 - 0.9)

 Determines and acknowledges patient´s ideas re: cause

3.7

3.4

0.3

(-0.2 - 0.9)

 Explores patient´s concerns re: problem

3.1

2.5

0.6

(0.2 - 1.0)

 Encourages expression of emotions

3.1

2.8

0.3

(-0.1 - 0.7)

 Picks up/responds to verbal and non-verbal clues

3.4

2.8

0.6

(0.2 - 0.9)

Section: Providing Structure to Consultation

3.3

2.9

0.4

(0.1 - 0.8)

 Summarises at end of a specific line of inquiry

3.9

3.4

0.5

(-0.1 - 1.0)

 Progresses using transitional statements

3.3

2.9

0.4

(-0.1 - 0.9)

 Structures logical sequence

3.3

2.8

0.5

(0.1 - 1.0)

 Attends to timing

2.8

2.5

0.3

(-0.2 - 0.7)

Section: Building Relationship

2.7

2.3

0.4

(0.1 - 0.8)

 Demonstrates appropriate non-verbal behaviour

2.6

2.2

0.5

(-0.1 - 0.9)

 If reads or writes, doesn´t interfere with dialogue/rapport

2.7

2.3

0.4

(0.0 - 0.8)

 Is not judgemental

2.4

2.1

0.3

(-0.1 - 0.8)

 Empathises with and supports patient

2.9

2.4

0.5

(0.1 - 1.0)

 Appears confident

3.1

2.5

0.6

(0.1 - 1.1)

Section: Closing the Session

3.7

2.7

1.0

(0.6 - 1.4)

 Encourages patient to discuss any additional points

4.0

2.9

1.1

(0.6 - 1.6)

 Closes interview by summarising briefly

3.9

3.0

0.9

(0.4 - 1.4)

 Contracts with patient re next steps

2.9

2.0

0.9

(0.4 - 1.5)

 Total score

3.1

2.6

0.5

(0.2 - 0.8)