College students (N=396), chronic pain patients (N=319), and schizophrenic veterans (N=43) completed the Depression Coping Questionnaire (DCQ) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Factor analysis of the DCQ identified eleven coping responses: social support, problem solving, self-blame/escape, aggression, indulgence, activities, medication,…

A methodology is outlined that can be used by teaching hospitals in determining their costs of treating patients with a complex mix of diagnoses. It is not held that case mix alone explains all cost differences between teaching and nonteaching hospitals, but that factor must be isolated before examining other variables. (Author/LBH)

A study by an undergraduate pharmacy student to gain experience in research methodology and to enhance individual clinical involvement is described. Results of psychological exams of 40 patients from a family practice clinic did not accurately predict patient compliance or noncompliance. (Author/MLW)

This and other studies show that measurements of empathy and personality style reflect dimensions separate from those of academic achievement. Identification of students with both high MCAT scores and high empathy scores might represent one approach in predicting which students will make the best clinicians. (LBH)

A study investigated the relationships among the social perception processes, person-centered communicative strategies, and the mediating factors of empathy and context-relevant beliefs of physicians. Subjects, 46 first-year medical students, were first interviewed on a series of structured tasks that assessed their constructs for perceiving…

The use of meta-analysis of patient education research as reported by Steven A. Mazzuca in a 1981 conference paper is critiqued. The way that Mazucca's meta-analysis conforms to the criteria for effective conduct of the six methodological tasks of integrative reviews as specified by Jackson (1980) is assessed. The extent to which meta-analysis…

Written tests do not project clinical optometric competence very well at present. However, the basic skills and knowledge necessary for competence can be measured, even if diagnostic and treatment skills cannot by current means. (MSE)

A study compared the performance of 232 Brown University (Rhode Island) medical graduates on senior-year examinations in clinical skills examinations and during residencies, as evaluated by their residency directors. Results indicated a strong correlation between the two evaluations, suggesting that the performance-based undergraduate assessments,…

A study found that, among 181 dental students, belief in the right to refuse treatment to human-immunovirus (HIV)-positive patients was best predicted by nonprofessional attitudes, low optimism, low level of comfort with homosexuality, and gender. Knowledge of HIV, year in dental school, and fear of contagion were not reliable predictors.…

The use of admission interview comments to predict clinical clerkship success of medical students was evaluated. Narrative comments made by admissions interviewers regarding an applicant's skills and attitudes were coded, as were narrative evaluations of these students during year III of required clerkships in pediatrics and internal medicine in…