To develop a theoretical construct of touch as it relates to nursing, an extensive was made of the basic and accepted theories of touch, and a survey was conducted of current practices of touch by approximately 900 health personnel in two Dallas, Texas hospitals. Survey data were gathered by observation of 180 sessions involving approximately 540…

Medical and non-medical group mental health approaches are discussed. In the medical approach groups are set up for the treatment of the psychopathology of the members and group therapy or group psychotherapy methods are utilized. The clients are selected by the therapist who determines what kind of group would be most beneficial for the patient.…

This study investigates the coronary heart patient's "here and now" feelings and attitudes toward his illness prior to and following group treatment. This study also attempts to investigate the change in a patient's acceptance of his heart condition. To measure the change in general health level, a questionnaire was administered to eight patients…

The department of home economics at California State University and the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center have developed an innovative medical/home economics apprenticeship program that serves community health care needs and eases the transition period for senior students before they begin professional work.…

Reports studies of the validity of medical data recorded and computerized at University of Western Ontario family medical centers. In the 59 encounters observed residents recorded an average of 1.51 problems and observers 2.45. Implications for medical education, audit, research, computer systems, and quality of care are discussed. (JT)

The process of resident education in an internal medicine practice was examined through interviews with 14 residents, who discussed their educational experience while caring for ten patients. Study results suggest that resident education in this setting depends upon feedback during patient care, reviewing cases, and reading. (Author/LBH)

A national survey to determine the extent and characteristics of interpersonal skill (IPS) teaching in medical schools is reported. Eighty percent of IPS programs are less than five years old, are taught by psychiatrists and psychologists, and teach process, information-gathering, and psychological intervention. (LBH)

A battery of assessment measures, including MCQ measures of factual recall, MEQ measures of problem-solving skills, measures of attitudes, intelligence and ability, and personality factors was administered to trainee intakes of several postgraduate training courses for general practice.

The Portable Patient Problem Pack (P4), a method of simulating a patient's problem in a card deck format, is designed to develop the student's problem-solving or diagnostic skills in a manner consistent with the skills of the practicing clinician. Its effectiveness at McMaster University is reported. (LBH)

Examines topics related to delivery of terminal care services: ability of various hospice programs to survive financially, contributions of various models of hospice care, impact of Medicare legislation on hospice movement, demonstration of unique hospice intervention, integration of spiritual care into hospice, and role of hospice in care of…

A program during clerkships in internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery at Ben-Gurion University emphasizes psychosocial conferences teaching to include tutorial guidance throughout the student's preparation of a case presentation in which psychological, sociological, and anthropological aspects of the patients' coping with illness and the…

A study of internal medicine residents' attitudes toward specific older patients' health status, adjustment to medical care, and expected benefits of health education activities found that residents' attitudes correlated with their satisfaction and that patients tended to express greater satisfaction than residents. (Author/MSE)

Preventive health practices known to benefit the general public include aerobic exercise, seat belt use, and self-examination for breast or testicular cancer. To assess whether residents would increase their promotion of these healthful behaviors, a controlled trial was conducted at the University of Missouri--Columbia Hospitals and Clinics.…

An institution-wide program for residents impaired by alcohol, drugs, or emotional problems at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals is described. The goal of the program was to help impaired house staff to continue their training in a nonpunitive environment. (Author/MLW)

Reviews the development of bibliotherapy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool and discusses specific techniques for the selection of appropriate reading materials for both children and their parents. (16 references) (CLB)