One hundred and fifty-one patients representative of a routine rheumatology clinic were studied to assess the recall of information and the importance of factors influencing it. Total recall of given information was 40%. Recall regarding treatment was higher than that regarding diagnosis. Patients over the age of 70 years recalled less information. Those who were anxious recalled more than those who were relaxed. Patients misconstrued 48% of what they thought they remembered. The more information given, the lower was the proportion correctly recalled.