Medical outpatients: changes that can benefit patients

This article reviews the current literature relating to medical outpatient services. It has been produced as part of the RCP/NHS Confederation working party on outpatients departments. The article deals with surveys of patient views on outpatients, suggested ways of improving the service, and how best to accommodate teaching in this setting. An RCP booklet, 'How user friendly is your outpatient department?', has also been produced and is available from the college.