Without careful definition of "spiritual," hospice care will be little different in quality from that offered in acute and chronic care centers. Also discussed is the challenge to hospice care staff to defy trends in recent health care allowing staff rather than patients to determine what dignity means. (Author)

A model smoking cessation clinic for students is described. (MM)

In spite of remarkable advances in medical therapy and in the development of fantastic diagnostic devices, American society appears increasingly disenchanted with the physician. Some of the reasons for this paradox are discussed in this article. (BB)

Recent breakthroughs in medicine and psychology bring new hope for curing senility or controlling its ravages. Here are ten methods of reducing or bringing about a complete remission of senility. (Author/RK)

The author, mother of a 20-year-old mentally retarded child who until recently has been denied the right to an appropriate educational program, discusses her concerns regarding her child's future education and medical and dental care. (SBH)

Patient management problems were found to be favorable methods of self-assessment by an overwhelming majority of practicing dermatologists and those in training, regardless of the type of practice or the number of years in practice. (LBH)

Changing from a rather extensive medical excuse system to a policy of issuing no excuses whatever has produced no short- or long-term difficulties associated with medical staff, students, faculty, or administration. (JD)

The drug industry gains excessive profits from the often irresponsible drug decision-making by the doctor, the pharmacist, and the ultimate consumer. (RC)

Methadone has been defined as an agent to draw addicts out of the street life into "straight" society. However, the complementary perspective of the streets sees methadone as a new, widely available drug to be integrated into a subculture previously dominated by heroin. This article discusses the adaptation to methadone and its…

A test administered before and after university students took the American Red Cross first aid course yielded gratifying statistics indicating a high level of achievement and comprehension of the course contents. (JD)

In an effort to "treat" the growing death concerns of many medical staffs, an experiential death and dying lab was created. Its evolution to meet changing needs is discussed, as well as future potential for work in this area. (Author)

The article briefly describes the first Asian-Pacific Conference on Deafness held in Hong Kong in December, 1986. Conference topics included overcoming prejudice and suspicion, the expense of technological aids, the importance of prevention through better medical services, and lack of effective legislation and institutions. (DB)

The operation of Medicaid, a joint federal-state program to fund medical services for disabled and indigent persons, over the last 20 years is reviewed with emphasis on evolving policies and practices in Massachusetts. Stressed is the trend toward integration of Medicaid clients into the medical care mainstream. (DB)

The study examined effects of a physician-delivered orientation on patient satisfaction for a short hospital stay (3 days or less). Using a comparative study design, the researcher found that, when patients had an orientation, satisfaction with services improved, as did perception of the physician's professionalism. (Author/CH)