Medical students interviewed a simulated patient who presented one of five main complaints, and the interview was videotaped. Postintervention interviews conducted by students in two groups that used the self-instruction videotape received significantly higher ratings than those in the control group. (Author/MLW)

A survey of one medical school's freshmen, internal medicine residents, and full-time faculty asked for opinions concerning (1) the value of trying to modify patients' health-related behaviors in 22 areas and (2) their own preparedness to counsel patients in those areas. (MSE)

Research on professionals' interpersonal skills is reviewed as a basis for selecting material for inclusion in an optometry program. Specific recommendations are made about skills necessary for enhancing patient relationships, obtaining information from patients, and providing information to patients. (MSE)

Examined effects of therapist actions and techniques, and patient behaviors and attitudes, on psychotherapy outcome. Treated patients suffering from stress-response syndromes in brief, 12-session psychodynamic psychotherapy. All specific factors influenced treatment outcome, usually in interaction with patient pretreatment disturbance level, with…

A course in communication skills for medical students at the University of Massachusetts Medical School is described. Three issues are examined: the effectiveness of behavioral scientists and physicians as course instructors, the value of videotaped role-playing exercises, and the value of trained actors and medical students as simulated patients.…

Future orientation has been proposed as contributing to unfavorable perceptions of older patients. Students from a dental hygiene program were questioned about their general attitudes toward older people, older people as patients, their own future, the future for older adults, and about their social/familial contact with the elderly. (Author/MLW)

A study of the influence of a psychiatrist accompanying pediatric residents in daily rounds on residents' attention to psychosocial issues in patient care showed no change in notes taken in the psychiatrist's presence, but the presence of notes did vary with follow-up plans, consultations ordered, and admission and discharge diagnoses. (MSE)

A five-year project of postgraduate training in dentistry for patients with severe disabilities resulted in significant cognitive and confidence gains for the participating dentists, dental hygienists, and assistants. Over 75 percent of the graduates were found to actively apply their training, especially in academic dentistry. (MSE)

A study to determine the usefulness of a board game in training and sensitizing senior dental students toward handicapped children showed that neither the board game nor a standard small-group lecture affected student attitudes or confidence. (MSE)

This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) addresses the clinical use of buprenorphine in the treatment of opioid addiction. TIPs are best-practice guidelines for the treatment of substance use disorders that make the latest research in substance abuse treatment available to counselors and educators. The content was generated by a panel of experts…

Current attitudes of students and faculty toward incorporation of behavioral skills such as patient management, patient motivation, control of patient and dentist stress, and communication skills into clinical practice education are reported. (MSE)

Recognizes the need for improved professional training in the care of the dying. Discusses ways in which such training might be provided in the light of British experience. Suggests that hospice programs should incorporate an education program aimed to meet deficiencies revealed in recent studies. (Author)

Students enrolled in a behavioral science course at Washington State University were given the option of completing the behavior change project by functioning as the manager for a weight control patient. The weight control project is described and evaluation measures are discussed. (MLW)

Suggests that the hospice approach includes several elements that can be utilized to improve the quality of life in nursing homes: a total needs emphasis, increased patient autonomy, open discussion of death, a community ideology, a team orientation, a role blurring of caregivers, and focus on patients and families. (Author)

A study describing demographic, residential, health, and utilization characteristics of patients over 70 years of age followed in a hospital-based teaching group practice is presented. It is concluded that physicians' training should include management--for an extended period of time--a cohort of elderly, independent, ambulatory patients.…