Despite the emphasis on improving physician-consumer communication, patients, families and friends of patients, and other consumers still report frustrations during communication interactions with physicians. Some of those problems could be alleviated by more physician training in effective communication. Others could be alleviated by reducing the pressures physicians encounter from managed care insurers to increase patient loads and decrease appointment times. These solutions, although feasible, require major institutional and systemic changes. This project proposes that scholars in health communication develop and implement community education programs that address consumer concerns about health communication. Based on a review of literature, it suggests the broad objectives and logistical issues that should be considered during the planning stages of such programs. Based on a case study, it describes the benefits the programs hold for members of the community and scholars in health communication. (Contains 12 references.) (Author/NKA)