Studies of the ability of elderly debilitated patients to respond to conceptual training and their differential response to different kinds of conceptual shifts. (Authors/MB)

Article explores need for improvement in teaching the process of diagnosis as cruicial to delivery of appropriate medical care. (IR)

From paper delivered at the 80th Annual Meeting of the Association of American Medical Colleges in Cincinnati, Ohio, October 31, 1969. (IR)

Assessed the effectiveness of rehabilitation services provided to patients (N=277) of a large psychiatric hospital. Follow-up data revealed that 43.3 percent were productively engaged, 65.9 percent considered themselves satisfied with their level of community adjustment, and 41.1 percent were rated as involved in the community. Age, sex, and…

A study by an undergraduate pharmacy student to gain experience in research methodology and to enhance individual clinical involvement is described. Results of psychological exams of 40 patients from a family practice clinic did not accurately predict patient compliance or noncompliance. (Author/MLW)

A course to help dental students learn techniques of putting fearful patients at ease includes use of physician-patient interviews in a clinical setting, patient reviews of the taped interview, interview evaluation, student-instructor conferences, and group discussion, followed by an actual treatment session and review discussion with the patient.…

Compared attitudes of physicians, housestaff, and nurses (N=483) on care of the dying. Overall, health professionals responding to the survey felt comfortable talking to dying patients and supported the belief that patients should be informed of their prognosis. Substantial differences were found in beliefs about analgesic administration.…

Chaplains and seminary students enrolled in the University of Virginia Medical Center's Clinical Pastoral Program were asked to judge physicians' performances while requesting autopsies by completing a confidential evaluation form. The results of the evaluations were correlated with the physicians' success in obtaining autopsies. (MLW)

Twenty residents in two family practice programs received orientation including behavioral sciences. Their attitudes changed favorably toward behavioral sciences. The test developed for the study is being refined and may later be used for curriculum development relating to attitude change. (MSE)

Reviewed fee information of outpatients to determine if a relationship exists between fee assessment, third party coverage, and patient payment of balance. Also assessed the impact of a change in billing format. The only association found was between presence of third party coverage and likelihood that the patient returned. (Author/JAC)

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)