[Why do we need mandatory communication courses for pre-registration house officers?].

: This study reports the rationale for the composition of a 3-day mandatory communication skills course for pre-registration house officers (PRHOs). In addition to communication skills, the course addresses aspects of competence related to professional performance within areas covered by the legal framework, the ability to analyse ethical problems, and health advocacy. Standard evaluation forms were collected from 274 PRHOs. The course was highly rated by participants with respect to content, form and outcome.