Author's response

I feel the letter ‘Handshakes and spoof publications’1 does warrant a published reply.

I am pleased that my pilot study has stirred such interest and find it fascinating this includes such an extreme response. Taking each of the three points raised. Firstly, the study suggests that 1.2% of patients were very happy with their consultation and demonstrated their feelings in this way. Dr Parkes makes the classic error of judgement by comparison when no measurements or standards exist yet. The consensus from my colleagues in general practice is that they receive about one patient-initiated handshake towards the end of the consultation per week. Interestingly, and I know that this is a sensitive and emotive issue, but on enquiring into female GPs' experiences, a patient-hug (from female patients) seems to occur.

Secondly, I was informed the pilot study was not suitable for the original papers section as there was only one subject, that was myself.

Thirdly, we are in total agreement. The phenomenon needs more research in a wider context as outlined by Dr Parkes's broader questions. Of course, however, we may never know unless someone is brave enough to perform the research despite such responses!

Touch in medicine, does seem an emotive and currently a politically incorrect subject as raised and published in this journal by Dr Dougal Jeffries.2

I wonder if some doctors might even feel threatened by issues of touch between patient and doctor?

• © British Journal of General Practice, 2007.