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…

According to a small study, Outward Bound can enhance the treatment of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Researchers measured the effect of a therapeutic Outward Bound program of prescribed physical and social tasks on the contentment and self-esteem of seven patients undergoing short-term treatment at the Veterans Administration Hospital in…

A knowledge of human sexuality is necessary in order to answer inquiries from patients regarding their sexual problems. A survey of faculty knowledge levels in the area of human sexuality reveals that more attention should be given to teaching human sexuality as part of the nursing curriculum. (EC)

This article examined how young people coped with mental hospitalization, particularly the prevailing stereotypes regarding mental illness, and evaluated a program concerned with strengthening the ability to overcome this problem in effective ways. (Author/RK)

Clinical counselors have been recently added to the staff of centers for the treatment of alcohol and drug abuse. The role of a counselor and the problems she/he meets in such a setting are described. The main problem faced is a relatively short time to deal with clients. (SE)

The present study was concerned with relationships among three different methods of evaluating psychotherapy outcome: final status scores, pretreatment to posttreatment difference scores, and direct ratings of global improvement. Similarities and differences among these relationships and those previously reported in the literature are discussed.…

This paper describes an experiment in which Family Medicine residents composed, read, and discussed their poems as a way of bringing to life their often complex relationships with patients. It argues that this approach mobilizes the physicians' own creativity in the service of reflective practice and improved doctor-patient relationships. This…

A study examined the perceptions of pharmacy students regarding pharmacist-patient communication to determine whether the increased emphasis on the patient counseling role of pharmacists resulted in perceptual differences between students, pharmacists, and faculty. Data were gathered from 25 students, 2 pharmacy faculty, 8 communication studies…

Patients' rights legislation makes the determination of possible danger to self and others extremely important for patients about to be discharged from mental institutions, especially patients who were admitted because of suicidal behavior. Because evaluation methods which rely on patient self-reports may be manipulated by clever patients, a new…

These three units for students in a practical nursing program provide supplemental instruction in caring for adult patients with respiratory conditions. Unit titles are Introduction to Care of the Patient with a Respiratory Condition, Infectious Respiratory Conditions, and Chronic Lung Conditions. Each unit contains the following: objectives, an…

These two units for students in a practical nursing program provide supplemental instruction, with a focus on pharmacology, in caring for adult patients with a respiratory condition. Unit titles are Antibiotics, and Drugs that Affect the Respiratory System. Each unit contains the following: objectives, an introduction, and five to nine learning…

This learning module is intended to assist outpatient professional nurses in teaching patients to measure and administer their own insulin and to deal with diabetic emergencies when out of the hospital. The instructor's information (presented in an appendix) includes an overview of the topics covered in the patient module, general directions for…

This paper examines the variety of legal rules and processes which have been established to assess and ensure that the quality of care provided in nursing homes satisfies an acceptable level. It begins with a general overview of nursing home law. Areas discussed in this section include: (1) sources of nursing home law; (2) theories of liability;…

This document is one of seven publications contained in a series of materials for physicians on recognizing, intervening with, and treating adolescent alcoholism. The materials in this unit of study are designed to help the physician know the different classes of drugs, recognize common presenting symptoms of drug overdose, and place use and abuse…

This paper reviews the rationale for social network programs in the effort to deinstitutionalize the mentally ill. Stress and mental health problems are discussed in terms of biological and social determinants, measurement techniques, and coping mechanisms. Supportive relationships as buffers to stress are examined and the concepts of social…