An instructional program in patient education skills for primary care medical residencies is described, with six instructional modules included. The federally-funded program, developed by the University of Wisconsin, was designed to enable physicians to better communicate with their patients about health, disease, and treatment. The six modular learning units, which can be integrated throughout the 3 years of a primary care residency program, are as follows: communication and basic patient education skills; assessment of patient beliefs and understanding; short-term individualized plans for patients; patient education strategies for health promotion; long-term strategies in patient education (relating to chronic disease); and incorporating patient education in practice. Instructional approaches include seminars, individualized instruction, and direct observation of the resident's clinical skills. It was found that patient education should include informing patients about rationales for procedures and about diagnoses, and negotiating with patients to develop acceptable and suitable plans for care. Specific project activities and recommendations are considered. The six modules, which consist of 279 pages, include objectives, information on the role of the clinical faculty, evaluation forms, and instructions for observation and feedback. A bibliography is appended. (SW)