The knowledge of and attitudes toward genetics of allopathic and osteopathic physicians of the Mid-Michigan area was studied. The type of degrees made no difference with respect to physicians' knowledge of genetics, while their specialties and years of graduation from medical school had a significant impact on their performances. (Author/MLW)

A cohort of nurses and midwives completed a Hoste Grid (semantic differential scale) before and after a course on management of care delivery. Precourse positive expectations were shaken but not destroyed by the experience. Ways to address student fears and improve the evaluation process were identified. (SK)

A survey of 314 community nurses, midwives, and health visitors in Britain revealed the practitioners' need for continuing education to help them provide research-based instruction for learners preparing for community-health service. Most practitioners had to study on their own time at their own expense. (SK)

Responses from 39 of 108 nursing/midwifery schools and colleges determined that most calculate staff:student ratios (SSRs) by dividing total staff by total students. Seventeen different SSR formulae and 10 for full-time equivalency were identified. The need for definition and standardization was suggested. (SK)

The collaboration between the Frontier Nursing Service and the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing provides a way for those with associate degrees in midwifery to obtain a baccalaureate degree in nursing and become eligible for advanced training in midwifery. Distance learning facilitates instruction for the geographically dispersed midwives.…

National Vocational Qualifications assessment methods have the potential to fragment and damage learning. Holistic approaches to competence such as those used in Australia are more congruent with the needs of professional nurses, midwives, and health visitors in Britain. (SK)

Examined pain and negative moods during labor in relation to instructions to monitor labor contractions and LaMaze class attendance. In Study 1, pain and negative moods showed sharp decline at Stage 2 (active labor) for women who monitored and LaMaze participants; in Study 2, LaMaze participants reported decline in pain during active labor and…

Discusses formats to teach preventive medicine in obstetrics and gynecology (including learning objectives, lectures/seminars, and rounds/office practice) and evaluation methods (oral examinations, computerized question banks, objective structured clinical examinations). Offers examples from specific programs at American medical schools, including…

Whether a middle alternative in the response choices to a questionnaire influences the reliability and validity of survey responses was studied with 1,390 physicians, nurses, and midwives. Including a neutral option had little effect on overall reliability and validity, but allowed better coherence when items were considered globally. (SLD)

Supervision of midwives is a statutory responsibility, which provides a mechanism for support and guidance to every practising midwife in the United Kingdom. To be eligible for appointment as a supervisor, midwives are required to undertake a preparation programme successfully. Because of the changing nature of the professional role and education,…

The changing face of midwifery practice and education in Australia is challenging the previously accepted notions of the birth experience, the options of care that are available for women and their families, and the role of the midwife in that experience. The role of the midwifery educator is also challenged by the move away from a predominantly…

To improve consistency of approach and faculty efficiency while still maintaining the activity of faculty members at remote sites, a "minicourse" at rotating sites was devised for medical students at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. (MLW)

A study showed that although female medical students had slightly lower National Board examination scores on part one and lower grade point averages, they performed significantly better in the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship. Possible factors include women students' interest in women's health care and female representation on the house staff.…

A rural southwestern New York hospital that instituted a rural residency track (RTT) in concert with a physician-centered strategy increased its admissions, physicians, employment, and profits. Developing an RTT requires dedicated CEO leadership, a strong on-site chief of service, family physicians who perform cesarean sections, and midlevel…

Outlines the history of and reviews the literature on the care of premature infants. Focuses on the medicalization of birth; early neonatology; the effect of advances in medicine on the survival and safety of neonates; and the importance of early mother-neonate interactions. (BC)