Professor John Wass
Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford

Professor Wass started by saying that communication is one of most difficult elements of the Endocrinologist's work. He is convinced of the need for consultants to listen actively and not just accept "I'm feeling fine, thank you" as a satisfactory answer.

Time with your consultant is necessarily limited, so it is important to make a list of questions in order to focus the discussion. It can be useful if you keep a diary of particular symptoms you wish to discuss. The subject of question lists came up again, where delegates highlighted the need to prioritise and be selective, identifying the topics which are most important to you at the time. Professor Wass was also asked how he felt about consultants being recorded. He thought it a good idea, and also suggested patients should see a copy of the letter sent to their GP.

Professor Wass asked delegates what specific problems they had. One expressed dissatisfaction with the level of information received from the surgeon. Another asked whether being treated by a general physician was acceptable. In answer to the first question, Professor Wass said that the endocrinologist - who is a physician rather than a surgeon - should be your prime consultant and the person who gives you most explanations and answers. In answer to the second, again an endocrinologist is usually needed to understand fully the complexities of such hormone problems, as there are many hormones which interrelate and affect so many parts of the body. This raised the further question of how one identifies a 'centre of excellence' for treating pituitary disease. This is something which the Foundation has been grappling with, and which we will keep working at.

The representative from the Association of Cushing's Treatment and Health (ACTH) raised again the point that a consultation is a two-way communication process. A patient who is well-informed and asked clear questions is more likely to be satisfied with the replies.

This workshop was thought-provoking and lively, and dealt positively with an important topic.