Explored paraprofessionals' and patients' assessment criteria of therapeutic goals, especially patient recovery, in light of increased use of mental health paraprofessionals in mental health settings. Results indicated psychiatric technicians utilize a multidimensional hierarchical decision model, while patients utilize a unidimensional and…

The differences between teaching and nonteaching hospitals in complexity and variety of cases seen are described. The results show that teaching hospitals could be expected to cost somewhat more per patient even if case mix were the only factor. (Author/MLW)

Describes a criterion group classification scheme commonly used in conjunction with discriminant function analysis and suggests that clinicians consider membership probabilities for each criterion group of interest. Illustrates this approach using data from a study in which discriminant analysis was used to identify characteristics of problem…

The use of a practical workshop to disseminate an innovative technical therapy which must be learned and practiced under supervision is described. A removable rigid dressing for below-the-knee amputees, developed at the Veterans Administration Lakeside Medical Center, is discussed. (MLW)

The ability of physicians to convey catastrophic information such as death or terminal illness is seen as an underdeveloped area of communication skills. A study to determine whether simulation with videotape feedback is an effective teaching technique to improve pediatric residents' skills in communication is discussed. (Author/MLW)

A review of 36 empirical studies on teaching interviewing skills in various health profession programs is presented. The focus is on teaching skills which consider the interpersonal skills relevant to effective clinical interviewing. Programs are compared and implications for future research are discussed. (GDC)

In order to maintain both the quality of student learning and client care as well as make effective use of faculty time, agency staff nurses were used as student preceptors. The nurses visit with students to demonstrate techniques and participate in the care students give their patients. (CT)

The teaching of the pelvic examination is seen as having undergone a dramatic change since the introduction of trained professional patient-instructors. The results of a study using two groups, the professional patient-instructor method in one group and a control group using gynecologists and clinic patients, is presented. (MLW)

Discusses emotional difficulties of young children regarding experience in hospitals and presents ways to prevent such problems from occurring. (DB)

Increasing numbers of patients will be discharged from mental hospitals because of changes in delivery services. Approximately 650,000 patients will return to their families. This presents new challenges to family therapists. Presented at the Annual Conference of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, Washington, DC, October…

Examines the problems technical innovation has brought to health care professionals, administrators, and patients from the standpoints of increased specialization, equipment obsolescence, bureaucracy, retraining, regulations, high costs of services, depersonalization, and ethical dilemmas. (CT)

Results of in-depth interviews with 32 elderly Mexican Americans revealed minimal potential hazardous drug interactions. Mexican Americans showed a disinclination to utilize over-the-counter drugs to alleviate minor ailments. Professionals involved in health care delivery systems for the aging should become aware of the special needs of ethnic…

An evaluation scheme developed from a dispositional assessment perspective is described and applied to vocational rehabilitation cases from a rural context. The dispositional model is considerably more conservative than a diagnostic or predictive model and provides useful feedback about weak aspects of the assessment process. (Author)

Since first-year psychiatric residents were observed to lack many interviewing skills necessary for both physicians and psychiatrists, a method of teaching the skills in a group setting with live patients was constructed. Research results supported self-report changes in empathy, congruence, and level of regard. (Author/LBH)

The initial phase of the Primary Care Education Program, a course of instruction for a limited number of students at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, is described. It was designed to increase knowledge of primary care and doctor-patient relationship, and knowledge of a variety of modes of structuring health care…