A study compared the use of free-form alternative-choice (AC) test items, offering two response options, and both complex and single-best-answer multiple-choice items for use of information in making clinical judgments. Although the AC items' reliability was less than other types, students felt they tested knowledge application, not just recall.…

A study compared evaluations by tutors and independent reviewers of 11 medical students with negative performance evaluations and a control group of 21. Results indicated the grading system did detect specific student problems, but independent reviewers identified more problems and identified them earlier than did tutors. Concern is expressed…

A study evaluated differences between subjects at three levels of expertise in acquiring and using information obtained from a patient during the clinical interview. Five endocrinologists, five residents, and five students interviewed a volunteer patient and provided differential diagnoses. Differences were found in diagnostic accuracy,…

The use of patient encounter recordkeeping systems in four medical programs at three universities (Case Western Reserve University, Ohio; University of Colorado; and University of Rochester, New York) is described and compared. Uses for curriculum evaluation and development, psychometric uses, and administrative issues are discussed. (MSE)

A study compared medical students' self-assessments of patient interview behavior with external ratings of actual interviews. Focus was on behaviors reflecting empathy. Results suggest the self-report questionnaire is not an adequate measure of actual interviewing skills. (MSE)

A study examined differences in the clinical teaching of 21 medical residents and 19 attending physicians in 2 settings: inpatient care and lectures. Results indicated that ratings were generally similar for the two groups, but setting was a significant source of variance. Self-assessments were similar. Implications for instruction are discussed.…

A study of 658 University of Arizona medical school graduates compared standardized test scores, grade point averages, and family practice clerkship evaluations for students selecting family practice and non-family practice specialties. Family practice graduates scored lower on the national licensing examination, but there was no difference in…

A study evaluated the instrument used for rating faculty in the pediatrics department of the University of Wisconsin medical school by assessing its measurement of overall teaching effectiveness in two different instructional settings. The form was shown to be reliable and useful for faculty development and decision making. (MSE)

It is argued that in the trend away from inpatient and toward ambulatory care clerkships in undergraduate medical education, certain educational issues must not be ignored, including the need for clear educational objectives, curriculum design, different teaching styles, teacher role, program length, and the value of the inpatient "ward…

Attitudes of 120 residents from three teaching hospitals about psychosocial aspects of patient care and the feasibility of teaching psychosocial skills to residents were compared to those of 86 practicing internists, 42 psychiatrists, 29 academic general internists, and 63 surgeons. The newly developed scale was seen as useful in evaluating…

A study investigated the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction, interactive video, and videotapes as alternative methods of instruction in clinical clerkship modules on diabetes and hypertension. The 17 participants were more interested in balancing time between patient contact and alternative teaching methods and had better knowledge,…

A study investigated the teaching characteristics on which medical students, residents, and faculty focus in their assessment of teaching and how they arrive at their assessments of teaching quality. Results indicate the important predictors of ratings were clinical competence, demonstrated sensitivity toward patients and families, and recognition…