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)

Provides knowledge about the workings of the vocal apparatus, the scientific basis of certain vocal problems, and what to do to overcome those problems. Specifically discusses the occurrence of nodules on the vocal cords and how to treat them, a subject of interest to both singers and nonsingers. (Editor/RK)

This article illustrates various aspects of terminal care, and shows that rules and norms for such care do not exist today. The authors advocate the formulation of an aim for humane treatment of dying patients, and its application in a manner appropriate to Swedish medical concepts and Swedish conditions. (Author)

A methodology for developing behavioral checklists to assess the techniques of performing a physical examination is described. Behavioral checklists seem to avoid the problems associated with rating scales since they require a minimum degree of subjective judgment on the part of observers. The results of validity and reliability studies are…

Regular vigorous physical exercise is probably as important as diet and insulin in the control of diabetes; the controlled diabetic should be encouraged to participate fully in almost any activity in which he or she is interested. (JD)

The Uniform Reporting Program of the American College Health Association generalizes on the problems of health service management and then identifies specific measures and programs to relieve those problems. (MM)

Discusses the need for a review system for monitoring the performance of practicing physicians. (SL)

Briefly described are four studies currently being undertaken in Australia to determine the effectiveness of vaccination in the prevention of rubella and to examine the relationship between rubella and diabetes. (CL)

A seven-year-old emotionally disturbed boy with some features of the hyperkinetic syndrome was placed on a double-blind placebo control program to assess the effects of psychoactive medications (Ritalin and Dexedrine) on academic and social behaviors. (Author)

The podiatric medical residency program in the Health Science Center at San Antonio provides an intensive exposure for the newly graduated podiatrist to practice in a multidisciplinary environment. Residents become more familiar with general medical and surgical diseases and disorders as well as podiatric pathology. (LBH)

The nature of the professional interaction between the pharmacist and the patient was explored, with data collected from 3,743 questions asked of 16 pharmacists during an 8-week period. Factors that might affect the nature of the pharmacist-patient interaction are identified along with a cognitive-based profile of patient wants. (LBH)

In the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences program, lectures are given on the recognition and general biology of dangerous reptiles and anthropods, the nature of animal venoms, immunological aspects of envenomation, and treatment of bites and stings. Both first-aid and clinical management are included. (Author/LBH)

A study of the use of "dangerous answers" as a scoring method for certification examinations in anesthesiology concluded that selection of dangerous answers in multiple-choice tests results from lack of information rather than purposeful action, and that implementation of the scoring method is unjustified and unfairly punitive. (MSE)

The ethical primacy of patient involvement in treatment decision-making requires that more attention be paid to assessment of a patient's competency to make treatment decisions. Makes recommendations to increase sensitivity to this issue with significantly impaired elderly nursing home patients and to improve existing decision-making procedures.…