Sixteen parents were prompted to increase their interactions with health care providers during their children's health supervision visits. Compared to 16 controls, prompted parents initiated significantly more interactions with health care providers, and more health and behavioral topics were discussed during their appointments. (Author/JDD)

The paper contrasts the traditional model of referral for rehabilitation services for blind and visually impaired persons in Israel with a new model--the rehabilitation information station, which links administrative, social, medical, and functional rehabilitation and results in faster receipt of services and increased ophthalmologists' awareness…

Findings from a 1985-86 study of mentally retarded persons (N=370) over age 62 living in residential facilities indicated similarities in their medical care needs compared with needs of the general older population. Differences were in areas such as level of retardation and independent living skills, which increase assistance needs but not…

Surveys were mailed to a sample of Michigan internists and family practitioners (N=2060). This study examined influences on (1) how confident physicians feel about treating a particular problem, (2) where they look for assistance and advice, and (3) what level of continued involvement in the patient's care they prefer. (MLW)

Eight experts in visual impairment respond briefly to reports that intensive monitoring of blood glucose levels by persons with diabetes can lead to a 70% reduction in the progression of detectable diabetic retinopathy. Comments are generally optimistic, though some cautions are raised. (DB)

Reviews what is known about the effect of managed care on access to health services, as well as utilization of hospital care, emergency department visits, primary care services, and specialty pediatric services. The effect of managed care appears dependent on several factors and, thus, is likely to vary according to the population served. (SLD)

Personality-motivation was compared for age- and gender-matched individuals with Williams (n=35) or Prader-Willi (n=35) syndromes or mental retardation due to nonspecific causes (n=35). Each syndrome featured aberrant motivational profiles and similarities were found across groups in social interaction, anxiety, and orderliness. Recommendations…

A study examined the short-term outcomes achieved by 70 older people with visual impairments who received rehabilitation services. Results found rehabilitation services were associated with reduction in the use of medical doctors, reduction in the use of in-home professionals, and increased confidence and increased ease of use in public…

Summarizes the changes and problems facing American families. Offers a national policy model for children and families--currently lacking in the United States--that includes economic supports, health care, social services, and a research program for gauging family needs. Offers strategies for analysis and implementation. (RJM)

Discusses the history, epidemiology, biomechanics, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, long-term management, and prevention of shaken baby syndrome. It presents medical-legal issues as well as a discussion of programs aimed at prevention of physical abuse. (Author/DB)

Hypertensive patients (N=21) were interviewed regarding their views and experience of information and communication with respect to antihypertensive medicines. Patients' attitudes toward hypertension and antihypertensive drugs, communication with pharmacist and physician, perceptions of drug information, and the information environment are…

Medical writing is virtually devoid of reference to the use of humor as a teaching aid. Research into the role of humor in medical teaching is made difficult by such matters as the complex nature of the perception of humor, by difficulties in contriving humor in controlled settings, and by difficulties in establishing outcome measures for humor…

Examines the types of medical and educational services received by children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and children with Undifferentiated Attention Deficit Disorder (UADD). Children with ADHD were reportedly diagnosed more than one year earlier than were children with UADD. Even though children were differentially…

Guidelines for including ventilator-dependent children in school are offered, based on experience with six such students at a New York State school. Guidelines stress adherence to the medical management plan, the school-family partnership, roles of the social worker and psychologist, orientation, transportation, classroom issues, and steps toward…

Children with laryngeal pathologies or alterations in laryngeal structure and/or function often present with complex medical profiles. This article presents case studies for the speech-language pathologist that provide information regarding management decisions and specific treatment options. (Author/DB)