Ever wondered if your kind, reassuring words to patients make any difference to their health?

Well, new GP research shows they do — even if it’s just one sentence.

The study — which aims to show the value of consults where the doctor’s role is simply to assure patients they will soon feel better — has found that even a few kind words can relieve symptoms.

The small US randomised controlled trial investigated patient outcomes in 76 participants after they received a histamine skin prick to the forearm to trigger a short allergic reaction.