Unwillingness to share depression experiences with primary care physicians contributes to the undertreatment of depression. This project examined college students' reasons for depression nondisclosure to primary care providers (PCPs). Undergraduate participants read a vignette describing someone with depression and completed measures of disclosure…

The nature of the professional interaction between the pharmacist and the patient was explored, with data collected from 3,743 questions asked of 16 pharmacists during an 8-week period. Factors that might affect the nature of the pharmacist-patient interaction are identified along with a cognitive-based profile of patient wants. (LBH)

Effects of changes in a pediatric practice--expansion of the number of pediatricians and incorporation into a university hospital setting--on continuity of care and utilization were examined, results showing a marked decline in the continuity of sick visits. Discussion emphasizes the need for a deliberate plan of continuity in primary care.…

Nonphysician women instructors from a women's health center taught the pelvic examination to second-year Harvard Medical School students. Demonstrating the procedure and acting as subjects, they also showed how patients can be offered explanations of the procedure and their own health during the examination. (Author/LBH)

A total of 200 patients were interviewed at 2 out-patient settings to quantify the patients' perspectives on their illness by measuring their requests for help. Results showed specific requests were made by most patients that focused either on the problem and/or the treatment. (GLR)

A system of patient handling was devised at the University of Virginia. All unscheduled primary care patients as well as walk-in patients making their third visit were seen in the Attending Clinic to assure a proper disposition. Data on this system and its usefulness in maintaining continuity are presented. (Editor/LBH)

Medical educators must acquaint students with the advantages of assessing the patient's total needs and of utilizing a broad range of services to help the patient achieve his fullest health potential. A schema is described for implementing the comprehensive health care concept. (Author/LBH)

A point-counter-point analysis of increased dollar flows and the transformation of medical education is presented. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made regarding open issues in public policy, medical education, and the role of social institutions. (Author/LBH)

Noting the problem of a gap between residency training and primary care practice, the author considers five issues faced by primary care graduate education (the setting, the patients, the curriculum, the students, and the faculty) and the three disciplines involved: internal medicine, pediatrics, and family medicine. (JT)

Benefits of hospital-based internship and residency programs for training psychologists are discussed, along with issues concerning licensing or certification. In hospitals, interns and residents are exposed to unusual and diverse forms of physical and mental pathology, as well as contact with a diverse patient population crossing all ages, racial…

A study that sought to identify and describe the nature and content of questions asked by pharmacy patrons at the prescription counter is reported. The results indicate that the pharmacy is an important area in primary and self-health care, and that students should be trained in methods of responding and educating in one-to-one situations. (JMD)

An "Introduction to Patient Care" course uses readings, group presentations, site visits, small-group seminars, and specifically-stated objectives to cover: U.S. health problems, physicians and healers, humanistic values, the sick role, and physician-patient relationship. Students are directed toward a scientific analysis of the art of…

The medical school-hospital relationship is examined in terms of graduate medical education, primary care initiatives, classification of patients, financing house staff, hospital referrals, and planning constraints. (LBH)

A study of medical outpatients indicates high incidence of probable emotional disorder, limited physician diagnosis or record of these problems, limited patient knowledge of diagnosis or management plan, and little inquiry by physicians about personal problems. The results form the basis for a psychiatric education program. (Author/MSE)

Results of a survey to document the nature and volume of ambulatory care in the community, based on an assessment of the visit, indicate that nearly four of five ambulatory visits made to physicians are for primary care and that all physicians, even the most specialized, provide a substantial amount of primary care. Implications for medical…