THE FIRST SECTION OF THIS REPORT ON PROGRAMED INSTRUCTION IN THE HEALTH CARE FIELD EXAMINES THE HOSPITAL MILIEU AND SUCH PROBLEMS AS PERSONNEL SHORTAGES, INCREASING SPECIALIZATION, AND STRICT TECHNICAL AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. THE SECOND SECTION REVIEWS SOME RECENT ADVANCES IN BEHAVIORAL TECHNOLOGY, FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF TEACHING MACHINES, PROCEDURES FOR EVALUATING PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS, AND PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN PREPARING PROGRAMED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS. CURRENT APPLICATIONS IN OPERATING ROOM TRAINING FOR INSTRUMENT NURSES AND IN PROFESSIONAL CONTINUING EDUCATION AND PATIENT ORIENTATION CONCERNING DIABETES, ARE DESCRIBED. IN THE FOURTH SECTION, THE VALUE OF PROGRAMED METHODS FOR USE WITH INPATIENTS, OUTPATIENTS, ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL, TECHNICIANS, AND OTHER HOSPITAL SUBPROFESSIONALS IS DISCUSSED. THE DOCUMENT INCLUDES TABLES, CHARTS, AND EXTENSIVE REFERENCES AND IS AVAILABLE, FOR $6.00, FROM THE HOSPITAL RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL TRUST, 840 NORTH LAKE SHORE DRIVE, CHICAGO, ILL., 60611. 162 PAGES. (LY)