An experience with learner-centered instructional units in an otherwise traditional second year course in medical interviewing found that students (n=71) strongly supported the approach and that learner-centered experiences can be embedded in a teacher-directed curriculum and compete successfully with other, more directive, and, as perceived by…

General practice medical residents (n=18) evaluated their performance in videotaped consultations at the beginning and end of a three-month residency. Results indicate self-awareness was increased. A major benefit of this method, in addition to feedback, may be training in self-evaluation, useful throughout a demanding career. (Author/MSE)

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,…

A study measured the effects of a medical college faculty development course in medical interviewing on attitudes toward learner-centered learning. Even though the learner-centered approach was not explicitly taught, participants (n=29) developed favorable attitudes approaching those of the facilitators, and the attitudes were sustained six…

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)

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…