Noting that medical consent forms traditionally have been so full of medical and legal jargon that they have been impossible for even the educated layperson to understand, this paper presents a model for revising medical consent forms to make them more comprehensible. After describing the model, the paper explains each step involved in using it,…

The psychiatric/behavioral science component of the medical school curriculum at Texas A&M University, which involves a pediatric psychology rotation, is described. The content areas of pediatric psychology includes the basic curriculum areas of child/adolescent psychodiagnostic categories, behavioral/developmental disorders, and knowledge of…

The lack of research concerning instruction in veterinarian-client relations necessitates this examination of relevant studies in communication skills instruction in medical education. Issues discussed include the transfer of cognitive knowledge to actual behavior, evaluation of student performance, and course evaluation. (JMD)

The relationship between verbal exchange in doctor-patient consultations and patients' comprehension has been measured by audio-tape recordings. The results provide objective evidence of differences in outcomes for similar presenting illnesses in different social groups, supporting the hypothesis that people in lower socioeconomic classes do not…

The recurrent failure to adequately conceptualize the medical meaning of "disease" is explained as a function of the way this is taught in the curriculum, since it is transmitted within the internal structure relationships of the medical course. Curriculum reform therefore must stress educational structure as well as content change. (Author/LBH)

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 study to determine whether affective skills could be taught to residents in a family practice center without placing arduous constraints on their schedules is described. Residents at the University of Louisville Department of Family Practice were videotaped during a regular patient visit and then scheduled for review sessions. (MLW)

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)

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 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)

A program of seminars designed to explore student perceptions of the emotional and psychological aspects of physician-patient interactions, part of a clinical diagnosis course, used graduate medical students to act as patients in videotaped interviews, interview evaluations, and lectures and demonstrations on interpersonal communication skills.…

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)

The effectiveness of using gynecology teaching associates is compared with training by gynecology residents on clinic patients for teaching the gynecologic examination. Sophomore medical students at the University of Iowa participated in the instruction and an evaluation session with a simulated patient trained to rate the students' examination…

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)

An interdisciplinary faculty of the University of Califiornia at Los Angeles School of Medicine has developed a behavioral science program to teach interns the interpersonal skills necessary for effective physician patient encounters. Curriculum topics include interviewing, problem identification, and situational stress. (JMD)