This article describes advances in the behavioral self-management of chronic disease from the perspective of a 25-year trajectory of National Institute of Health-funded research in arthritis and cardiopulmonary diseases that has sought to develop a transdisciplinary understanding of how applied behavioral science can be used to improve health…

This paper discusses the scholarly literature related to tablet computer use in medicine. Forty-four research-based articles were examined for emerging categories and themes. The most studied uses for tablet computers include: patients using tablets to complete diagnostic survey instruments, medical professionals using tablet computers to view…

This study sought to determine the effectiveness of systematically designed instructional programs in helping adult hypertensives to achieve and maintain dietary sodium intake. Sixty-six subjects were randomly allocated to one of three groups: task-centered instruction; task-centered instruction plus goal-setting and self-monitoring; or control.…

Practices in patient education for spinal cord injured persons in 10 hospital rehabilitation centers were examined. Surveys revealed that a majority of the centers conducted patient education (designed to provide facts about the injury as well as psychological support). Findings revealed a large number of staff involved, but a wide difference in…

Presents a lecture delivered in July 1999 at a meeting on Communication in Medicine, underscoring the increasing importance of educating to ensure effective communication between health care providers and their patients. Among the factors cited are the decreasing amount of time available, the escalating complexity of medical information and…

The concept of contact tracing and notification once used for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is being mentioned for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Some professional organizations have supported contact notification; others have opposed it. Initially, states were free to establish their own contact notification programs. More…

A study was conducted to determine the SMOG readability formula scores of currently available patient education materials. It was hypothesized that the reading level of the materials would be higher than 7.5, the reading level of the average American citizen; and that there would be a significant reduction in the measured document reading levels…

Presents a lecture delivered in July 1999 at a meeting on Communication in Medicine. Discusses the importance of aligning medical education with societal needs, practice patterns, and scientific developments. Stresses that clinicians must have good communication skills and be able to use those skills in the care of their patients. (Author/GCP)

Problems associated with prescription drug use and misuse are discussed. The role of the pharmacist in providing information that patients need to use drugs appropriately is emphasized. (SFJ)

A variety of demographic trends and futurists' expectations are examined for implications for the development of newer roles for educational psychologists. In the future, educational psychologists may be involved in functions dealing with maintenance of health, education of older populations, instruction of personnel to care for chronically ill…

The pharmacist-physician-patient relationship is discussed as well as factors that affect the prescribing and dispensing of drugs. It is suggested that pharmacists coordinate their efforts with those of the physicians by taking a more active role in serving their customers. (SF)

This report begins by providing two case examples of closed head injuries in families. Closed head injuries or traumatic brain injuries are briefly defined and it is noted that brain injury can cause socialization problems, personality changes, and confusion. It is suggested that families that have an individual member with a closed head injury…

Research has shown that medical self-care holds promise in not only improving health, but also in potentially reducing the cost of medical care. A study was conducted to evaluate the perceived impact of the distribution of a self-care book on members of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, area. Data were…

A conceptual framework that health communication educators can follow to effectively employ the medium of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in assisting patient education activities is outlined in this paper. The argument is posed that the patient population is not a homogeneous group; therefore, those involved in designing pedagogical strategies…

Advances in technology and health care delivery have included the use of telemedicine and telepsychology for crisis intervention, assessment, treatment, and education of patients. The use of telemedicine and telepsychology is examined for a variety of health care services to rural America. Telehealth has been considered a partial solution to the…