A course designed to incorporate interpersonal communication instruction into the veterinary curriculum at Purdue University is described, and a preliminary evaluation of the course's effectiveness is outlined and discussed. Students preferred videotaped practice interviews as a teaching technique, made few suggestions, and felt an eight-week…

A course model is described that has a sound base in theory but whose major emphasis is on its developmental, systematic, skills-oriented approach. A three-stage developmental sequence within the course (assessing, communicating, and motivating) is divided into component skills and presented over two years. (MSE)

General curriculum emphases on behavioral science in the first- and second-year dental curriculum culminate in a course on doctor-patient relationships, preparatory to clinic activity. The course includes discussion and essay quizzes about videotape recordings of typical doctor-patient encounters. Topics and issues included are outlined. (MSE)

A 4-week course teaching interpersonal skills helps optometry students develop self-awareness in handling patients and other practice problems. Among the topics covered are questioning techniques, patient communication types, children, and difficult questions. (Author/MSE)

Development of a course designed to help dental students integrate interpersonal and clinical skills to help periodontal patients accept and adhere to long-term self-care regimens is described. An algorithm illustrates to students the process of plaque control and the patient's role. (MSE)

A program of seminars designed to explore student perceptions of the emotional and psychological aspects of physician-patient interactions, part of a clinical diagnosis course, used graduate medical students to act as patients in videotaped interviews, interview evaluations, and lectures and demonstrations on interpersonal communication skills.…

An interdisciplinary faculty of the University of Califiornia at Los Angeles School of Medicine has developed a behavioral science program to teach interns the interpersonal skills necessary for effective physician patient encounters. Curriculum topics include interviewing, problem identification, and situational stress. (JMD)

Social, cultural, economic, psychological, and interpersonal dimensions of cancer and cancer patient management were addressed in an elective course conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. Student attitudes toward the disease were tested before and after taking the course. Significant attitudinal shifts, new insights, and new skills resulted…