A working definition of optometry is given, and four areas for evaluation of clinical competency are outlined: the abilities to develop professional interpersonal relationships with patients and colleagues, determine the specific procedures, and interpret and use clinical data. Student evaluation methods are noted. (MSE)

A course model is described that has a sound base in theory but whose major emphasis is on its developmental, systematic, skills-oriented approach. A three-stage developmental sequence within the course (assessing, communicating, and motivating) is divided into component skills and presented over two years. (MSE)

A coronary heart disease risk factor self-change project for first-year medical students at Brown University is described. Students were exposed to behavioral principles and were able to observe firsthand the biological integration of behavior and physiology. (MLW)

An annual survey of financial and general operating data for university-owned members of the Association of American Medical Colleges' Council of Teaching Hospitals is discussed. Net patient revenue, hospitals with and without state appropriations, and sources of revenue by type of care are examined. (MLW)

Compared the cost effectiveness of cognitive behavior group therapy, traditional process-oriented interpersonal group, and individual cognitive behavior therapy in dealing with depression and anxiety in a health maintenance organization population (N=44). Results suggest that cost considerations can become relatively important when decisions are…

Reports the reliability and validity of the Health Professional-Geriatric Patient Interaction Behavior Rating Code, an observational instrument that is used to quantify the interpersonal behaviors of health professionals in the care of the geriatric patient. Condensed 15 behavioral factors into 10 operationally defined behavioral categories.…

Explores the social nature of denial and the functionality of denial in preserving relationships threatened by knowledge of terminal illness. Asserts that denial serves to forestall social withdrawal by the patient and his/her social circle, as well as promoting role enactments necessary to medical treatment. (Author)

The valuable role that predoctoral dental and dental hygiene student involvement in specialized hospital programs can play in the educational process is described. The University of Maryland Dental School program emphasizes the involvement of students in major clinical research related to cancer patients. (Author/MLW)

The ability to efficiently elicit an accurate medical history was enhanced by the use of a videotape replay of a student's medical history. The use of the videotape replay improved interviewing performance. It is suggested that video replay enhances the interaction between instructor and student. (MLW)

Job applicants were evaluated by a worker already on the job. Workers were told that the applicant was an ex-mental patient or that he was an ordinary applicant. Studies revealed that women are more accepting of former patients than men. Men were more accepting of female than male ex-patients. (Author/BEF)

Successful programs of continuing professional education must involve both the improvement of the learner's competence and the restructuring of the work environment to stimulate, encourage, recognize, and reward improved performance. (Journal availability: Subscription Manager, MOBIUS, University of California Press, Berkeley CA 94720.) (SK)

A study undertaken to explore how dentists use patient data to plan treatment is presented. Three hundred forty-six general dentists used oral and general health findings to determine periodontal treatment for seven prototypic elderly patients. The results indicated that oral hygiene and major medications best discriminated between treatment…

In order to evaluate the librarian's educational role in patient care settings, an information service was provided for health professionals, patients, and families by two part-time clinical librarians at McMaster University. Results showed that the clinical librarians were accepted by health professionals and services were viewed as successful.…

A test was used to assess the degree to which pediatricians and nurses specializing in perinatal care believe in a just world in which good is rewarded and evil is punished. Results indicate that the cause of some perinatal problems are more likely to be attributed to parents by health providers with a greater belief in a just world. (JMD)