A biopsychosocial model used in an attempt to integrate physical, psychological, and social data into a matrix that facilitates clinical problem solving is described. The purpose of the training was to expand the resident's understanding of the emotional aspects of patients' problems and his/her own difficulties in using such understanding. (MLW)

The objectives of this preliminary study were to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using trained simulated patient instructors (N=6) as an office-based continuing medical education method and to assess the current sexually transmitted diseases/human immunodeficiency virus risk assessment and counseling practices of primary care…

This report outlines ways in which health education strategies can be developed within an ambulatory care center and how they can be implemented to optimize their effectiveness and efficiency. Section 1 describes a program planning model for use in the development of health education programs. Sections 2 through 5 trace the consumer through four…

A year-long interdisciplinary continuity-of-care elective for second-year, preclinical students in a medically underserved inner-city neighborhood is described. Students were able to learn the skills needed to implement and evaluate long-term health care and to assess the cost effectiveness of various approaches to such care. (MLW)

Evaluating a person's physical and psychological make-up along with physical and cultural environment are skills that must be learned by physicians-in-training. The faculty of the Boston City Hospital Primary Care Training Program uses the home visit to help residents develop these skills. (Author/MLW)

Emphasizing primary care, this handbook focuses on the application of specific types of telecommunications technology to the process of information exchange within a rural health care system. Its purpose is to provide guidance to health care planners who want to consider the potential of telecommunications technology for improving quality,…

The key element in a clerkship in family practice at Community Hospital, Santa Rosa, California, is the student's General Medical Clinic. Under the supervision of a family physician teacher, senior medical students work as a team with family nurse practitioners caring for patients. (Author/JMD)

Introduction: Tremendous advances in health care have been made through the development of evidence-based medicine (EBM). Studies show that physicians face barriers in practice, preventing the effective use of the best evidence available. Insight into these barriers should pave the way for an action plan to remove them. The aim of this study was…

Objective: The main objective of this study was to explore patients' perceptions of general practitioner (GP) exercise referral (ER) schemes with a view to providing a better service for future patients. Design: A qualitative focus group methodology. Setting: Meeting rooms or communal areas in leisure centres across North Yorkshire. Method: Thirty…

The different practice styles of young internists and the relationship between training and practice were studied as part of the National Study of Internal Medicine Manpower, Phase III. The practices of four groups of physicians were compared: general internists with traditional residencies, general internists who received their residency training…

A survey of curriculum directors at 51 pharmacy schools investigated attitudes and discrepancies concerning the current and ideal emphasis placed on 33 topics, as well as barriers to curriculum change. A move toward primary and outpatient care and better relationships and communication between pharmacists and patients were evident in the…

A 20-year follow-up study of 37 students enrolled in a University of Virginia alternative medical education curriculum found the program was successful in improving students' morale during preclinical instruction, preparing them for clerkships, and increasing sensitivity to patients. It was not effective in inducing students to enter primary care…

Although progress has been made in developing a scientific basis for alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI), training packages are necessary for its widespread dissemination in primary care settings. This paper evaluates a training package developed for the Cutting Back[R] SBI program. Three groups of medical personnel were compared before…

The National Assembly on School-Based Health Care conducted the 2004-05 Census, the tenth count of school-based health centers (SBHCs) since 1986, to: (1) provide a better understanding of the role of SBHCs in meeting the needs of underserved children and adolescents; (2) collect up-to-date data on demographics, staffing services, operations,…

Maintains that cultural beliefs of both the care provider and the patient affect the patient's care-seeking behavior, treatment options, and treatment choices. Provides cross-cultural examples of how they impact on several chronic illnesses and argues for a dual medical approach for treatment. (MJP)