A view of the role of a patient council in a mental hospital. (BD)

Reprints from: Claire Falk Etaugh, Department of Psychology, Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois 61606.

Studied 46 alcoholics one year upon discharge from a residential treatment program based on transactional analysis. Results showed 25 were abstinent and the other 21 were not drinking heavily. Analysis suggested that the abstinent persons had somewhat higher self-esteem and were slightly freer in expression of feelings. (JAC)

Compared the death attitudes of physicians (N=25) and nurses (N=31) who had daily contact with terminally ill patients. Results suggested that professional role rather than gender may account for attitude differences. Defensive styles used by doctors and nurses contributed to the attitude differential. (JAC)

Physicians who were trained to give antismoking advice to patients did so effectively soon after training, but their performance deteriorated during the next nine months. Antismoking effectiveness is maintained if advice-giving rates are monitored monthly and physicians receive immediate corrective feedback. (Author/MLW)

Suggests that the problem of effective care of diabetes mellitus presents an opportunity for the emerging field of health psychology. Discusses behavioral interventions that aid in treatment of this disease by reducing its energy mobilizing effects on the nervous system. (Author/AOS)

It is critical for nurses to be aware of changing treatment strategies and new research developments in the field of diabetes. This is important so that nurses can respond to patient questions as well as, in some cases, modify their actual patient care approach. Thus, nurses are a vital target group for diabetes continuing education programs. (SSH)

Compared histories of alcohol, drug, and tobacco use obtained by computerized interview, face-to-face interview, and self-report in clients (N=150) from an addiction treatment center. Multivariate analyses revealed no important differences. The computerized interview was rated less friendly but faster and more interesting. (Author/JAC)

Examines cultural and personal factors which may affect an individual's request for medical information from a librarian and the concept of the librarian as "educator-catalyst" working with health care professionals, highlighting self-destructive tendencies of society, negative effects of some advertising, the flood tide of health…

Provides an individual's response to article by Dr. Paul Kay in the same issue of "RQ" regarding the use of health care information. Patron's health-related needs, the role of the librarian, the reference interview, and bibliotherapy are highlighted. Five references are listed. (EJS)

This article describes the development and initial year of a high school-based health clinic. Data collected about the use of the clinic indicate that the clinic provided accessible services that were readily accepted by adolescents in medically underserved communities. (CJ)

Studied factors to help dentists understand smoking in patients. Dental patients (N=57) attended "quit smoking" clinics and were given the Horn Smoker's Self-Test which elicits information on factors relating to smoking. The most important functions cigarettes serve, according to smokers, were to satisfy craving, act as a crutch, and provide…

To define the educational goals and problems of nurses caring for cancer patients in Vermont, a survey was conducted. The most heavily favored topics were those related to helping the patient adapt to illness. Commonly cited difficulties were poor communication with doctors and negative attitudes of coworkers. (Author/SK)