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For 30 years, international publications have displayed agreement on the fact that a certain level of doctor-patient communication improves their respective satisfaction, the patient’s quality of life, the treatment process and clinical results. Furthermore, patient’s increased participation with decision-making related to their medical treatment decreases anxiety and improves health.What does doctor-patient communication mean and what place is made for patient participation? What are the similarities and the differences between approaches aiming at improving communication on the one hand, and approaches specifically related to patient education on the other?The article explores these questions in three parts. First, it presents the results of a literature review on communication within health care relationships and about consultation models from different disciplinary fields. This allows us to cross reference different points of view on this particular setting and situation for interaction. Secondly, the consultation models that enhance patient’s participation are converged with intervention models promoted in patient education and health education activities. Finally, the skills required for adequate doctor-patient communication are compared with the recognized core skills and competencies in patient education and health education practice.