Describes parallel persuasive processes between social or political activism and personal self-advocacy in a study of AIDS activism and communication patterns between people with HIV or AIDS and health care personnel. Encourages greater patient education about the illness and treatment options. Promotes a more assertive stance toward health care,…

A program was implemented to expand the curriculum materials within the Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program at Clark County Community College (CCCC) which relate to oral hygiene care for the hospital patient. The instructional materials included a video tape and a written instructional packet which were researched, prepared, and presented by…

Presents and evaluates a comprehensive client management system for suicide and crisis intervention services, consisting of five service designations: self-injury, crisis, active support, general support, and single contact. Self-injury clients received more contacts and more time in direct service. (Author)

High school students interacted with chronic nursing home patients in dyadic and group activities. The 15-week program selected for study was found to have a beneficial effect on ten patients. Patients reported increased social interaction, reduced daytime sleeping, increased mobility, and decreased voluntary confinement. (Author)

A course designed to incorporate interpersonal communication instruction into the veterinary curriculum at Purdue University is described, and a preliminary evaluation of the course's effectiveness is outlined and discussed. Students preferred videotaped practice interviews as a teaching technique, made few suggestions, and felt an eight-week…

This paper describes the rationale for and the development of the Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index (GOHAI). The GOHAI has demonstrated a high level of internal consistency and reliability. Poor GOHAI scores were significantly correlated to having fewer teeth, wearing a removable denture, and perceiving the need for dental treatment.…

Discusses a staff development program for nurses at an acute care hospital, aimed at responding to patient comments. Elements included (1) listening skills before training, (2) a formula to help nurses respond empathetically, (3) a pre- and posttest, (4) a followup class, and (5) program evaluation. (CT)

This article discusses how a focus group of seven individuals with Down syndrome was used to explore experiences of going to the doctor. Obtaining consent and acknowledging the power differential between participants and researchers are highlighted as key challenges for those wishing to engage in disability research. (Contains references.)…

Examines data from four years of operation of a program to manage after-hours pediatrics calls using specially trained pediatric nurses with standardized protocols to provide triage and advice. Found that over 100,000 calls had been successfully managed without adverse clinical outcomes. Satisfaction among subscribing pediatricians was 100%, and…

The McCarron-Dial System is useful for both vocational and clinical evaluation of neuropsychologically disabled adults. Five factors (verbal-cognitive, sensory, motor, emotional, and integration coping) are used to predict vocational competency, which is measured by work samples and behavior scales, during the first twelve months of a client's…

The report investigates the medical background and circumstances surrounding the death of a severely retarded adult male who was a resident of a community developmental center in New York State. It illustrates the complex medical, legal, and ethical issues involved in medical decision making on behalf of persons unable to provide informed consent.…

Over 200 pharmacy students in a University of Georgia class on the American health care system engaged in debates on health care issues, discussed newspaper articles, conducted client home visits, analyzed county health statistics, and completed exercises on pharmacists' compensation and health care planning. Most participating students responded…

An intensive 3-week training program in medical communications skills for foreign native medical graduates (FNMG) is described. The program incorporates language and acculturation training via medically relevant, situational dialogues and role playing; training in medical interviewing skills with patient simulations; instruction in…