Abstract: Objective The purpose of this study is to describe the current need in doctor-patient communication for physicians and sonographers in department of ultrasound. Method This was a cross-sectional survey of all 128 physicians working at department of ultrasound in Peking Union Medical college hospital during 2013-2014 academic year. The questionnaire was about their negative doctor-patient communication experience, confidence in the establishment of a good doctor-patient relationship and the need for a relavant training program. Results A total of 125 valid questionnaires was gained. 44.8 % of the subjects thought they had negative doctor-patient communications. Only 36.0% of them felt quite confident or extremely confident doctor-patient communication skills. 83.2% of them had consents on relevant communication training should be undertaken. Conclusion Doctor-patient communication training is very important for the physicians in the deparment of ultrasound.

Key words: department of ultrasound, doctor-patient communication, training, survey