Defensive medicine (the use of diagnostic and end-treatment measures explicitly for the purposes of averting malpractice suits) is frequently cited as one of the least desirable effects of the current rise in medical litigation. It is claimed that defensive medicine is responsible for the rising cost of health care and the exposure of patients to…

Risk factors for disease consist of personal habits such as cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and bodily characteristics such as hypertension and high serum cholesterol. Progress in identifying, quantifying, and controlling risk factors is opening the way to the prevention of disease. (BB)

Explores the role and training of new health practitioners and the pattern of rivalry among them. (RK)

Examines how, as medical advances drastically reduced infant and child mortality rates, the field of pediatrics expanded from singular concern with treating children's diseases to include involvement in managing troublesome behavior. Considers the continued involvement of pediatricians in ministering to the psychosocial and behavioral needs of…

Suggests that the problem of effective care of diabetes mellitus presents an opportunity for the emerging field of health psychology. Discusses behavioral interventions that aid in treatment of this disease by reducing its energy mobilizing effects on the nervous system. (Author/AOS)

The health educator needs to be aware of the relationship between religious orientation and health. (MM)

Describes Israel's maternal and child health program which consists of state-wide neighborhood-based centers providing prenatal care and advice; assessments of a child's growth and development; immunizations; extensive counseling about child development, childrearing, and nutrition; and referrals for care of sick children. (BF/JH)

The effectiveness of the Beck Anxiety and Beck Depression Inventories for Primary Care for discriminating 56 primary care patients with and without diagnosed anxiety and mood disorders. Use of these instruments to screen primary care patients before conducting extensive diagnostic evaluations with them is discussed. (SLD)

Due to a new emphasis on primary health care/prevention in South African nursing, a pilot clinical placement in community nursing was conducted. Initial negative student reactions due to the difficulties of home visits and the extreme poverty of the community improved after the program. (SK)

George Mason University Student Health Center is directed by nurse practitioner faculty. It emphasizes prevention, wellness, and quality of life and is a convenient faculty practice and nursing student placement site. (SK)

Responses from 95 Scottish nursing programs (54.7%) revealed consensus about the importance of working with families. There were no differences between academic levels and knowledge bases regarding family nursing theory. Professional development for teaching family nursing was needed. (Contains 57 references.) (SK)

Alabama's Rural Elderly Enhancement Program is a nurse-initiated project developed on a model of community participation and empowerment. The program's initial goal was to maintain the health and independence of the elderly; it was expanded to an intergenerational focus with an involvement with youth. Most of their target population is African…

A survey of 177 nurse educators indicates they have more knowledge of primary health care than hypothesized; those with work experience beyond acute care have more knowledge. Nurse educators must be prepared to revise nursing curricula and teaching strategies in terms of community-based primary-health-care knowledge and skills. (JOW)

Brigham Young University's nursing curriculum was revised to reflect the community-driven nature of primary health care. Curricular threads of inquiry, practice, stewardship, spirituality, and service are the framework for integrating community health nursing practice. (SK)

Points out the increasing importance of primary care which suggests an important role for the whole primary healthcare team in the education of 'tomorrow's doctors'. Uses a questionnaire survey to elicit the perspective of n=65 community-based nurses involved in a new undergraduate medical course. Reports a need for structural changes in the…