Obstetricians and obstetrical residents (N=70) were polled on their attitudes regarding stillbirth and simultaneously were assessed for their level of death threat as measured by the Threat Index. No effect of death threat level on attitudes toward stillbirth was observed, even when extreme scores were isolated and compared. (Author/NRB)

Examined relationship betwen attitude toward death and the terminal patient and communication with terminally ill in 103 medical students and 15 family physicians. Relationships were found between indices (Terminal Illness Questionnaire, Threat Index) and factors used in determining whether to reveal a terminal diagnosis. (Author/NRB)

Physicians with formal coursework tended to relate somewhat differently to the dying patient than did physicians who did not take such a course. This difference might also be attributed to a self-selection of students choosing to take such a course. (Author)

Discusses, in context of physician-patient relationship, workable model on advance directives for physicians to use with patients along with appropriate guidelines. Examines variables involved in establishment of guidelines for use by physician in office and inpatient settings. Identifies key management and clinical factors for initiating and…

Presents cubism as metaphor to think about medical humanities curriculum in medical school curriculum. Uses Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," Tolstoy's "The Death of Ivan Ilych," and Olsen's "Tell Me a Riddle" to illustrate how literary inquiry might enable medical students and other health care providers to think about…

Reported on the development of a behavior rating scale for doctor-patient interactions. Results revealed that raters can reliably and accurately discriminate between medical and personal aspects of both speech and touch using written transcripts and audiovisual tapes of doctor-patient interactions. (JAC)

Compared the death attitudes of physicians (N=25) and nurses (N=31) who had daily contact with terminally ill patients. Results suggested that professional role rather than gender may account for attitude differences. Defensive styles used by doctors and nurses contributed to the attitude differential. (JAC)

Presents interview with Ralph Mero, Executive Director of Compassion in Dying, Seattle (Washington)-based organization that has brought new voice to controversial issue of physician-assisted rational suicide. Mero explains how his years as minister watching people suffer with cancer or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome led him to work for…

Identifies three major areas of concern in relationship between health care providers and dying patients: (1) nature of difficulties and stresses associated with terminal care; (2) education of providers for work; and (3) influence of organizational structure and institutionalized values on services for dying patients and families. Reviews…

Examined factors influencing the evaluation of a patient contemplating suicide, in a study of 138 health care professionals. Results showed subjects' evaluations, acceptance, and behavior were affected by their belief that the patient had cancer and/or was dying, and by their own degree of death anxiety. (JAC)

Doctors responded to a questionnaire on truth telling. Findings suggested that physicians who are Orthodox Jews are less likely to inform patients of illness in contrast to doctors whose orientation is Conservative Judaism or nonreligious. Findings indicated that doctors judge patients individually on their physical and psychological state.…

The power relationship between physician and death counselor is well established The power relationship between the clergy and the death educator is more egalitarian. Death educators and counselors need to be aware of their role relationships with other relevant professionals. (Author)

Compared attitudes of physicians, housestaff, and nurses (N=483) on care of the dying. Overall, health professionals responding to the survey felt comfortable talking to dying patients and supported the belief that patients should be informed of their prognosis. Substantial differences were found in beliefs about analgesic administration.…