COMMUNICATION-SKILLS OF INTERNS IN NEW-SOUTH-WALES

Objective: To assess communication skills of interns practising in New South Wales hospitals. Methods: Comparisons were made between five gr oups of interns: those who graduated from the three New South Wales un iversities (Newcastle, Sydney and NSW); foreign medical graduates; and those from New Zealand and interstate. Subjects were assessed up to f ive times during the intern year; a supervisor rating scale was used. Results: Newcastle graduates were rated more favourably, and foreign g raduates less favourably, than graduates from other medical schools. I n addition, women were rated better than men, and younger interns bett er than older interns. Conclusions: The data suggest deficits in commu nication skills of foreign medical graduates, and support the medical education approach at Newcastle medical school, which emphasises commu nication skills.