Intensive Clinical Training Research Articles

A general practitioner STD training programme: meeting education and service provision needs.

This paper discusses the development, implementation and evaluation of a training programme in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) for general practitioners (GPs) belonging to the Divisions of General Practice in the Sydney metropolitan area. The aims of the project were to involve GPs in the management of STDs, sexual health issues and the prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and to ensure a consistent and high quality of care in the management of STDs and HIV. The strategy used was a two-stage programme consisting of a series of 3 educational modules (total 15 h) and an intensive clinical training programme for selected GPs for 12 times 4 h clinical sessions. Needs assessment of the participating GPs was conducted to ensure that the content of the theory modules was appropriate. Evaluation of the modules was conducted to examine both perceived quality of the actual presentations and changes in knowledge or skills as a result of participation in the project.

Assessing the field effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy: An example of the manipulated training research method

Health care reform and managed care have produced a growing emphasis on field effectiveness research. The present paper proposes a simple methodological model for conducting such research that can assimilate all of the setting features of effectiveness questions while not requiring that researchers abandon experimental controls in favor of survey methods. This “manipulated training method” is then applied to an analysis of the field effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Seventeen master's-level therapists and one psychologist (those not receiving training = 10; receiving training = 8) participated in a 1-year project. The training package consisted of a didactic workshop, an intensive clinical training, and monthly supervision groups. Prior to training and following training the clients of all clinicians in the project were assessed. Among other findings, clients of ACT-trained therapists reported significantly better coping than the clients of untrained therapists and were more likely to have completed treatment in the 5 months following initiation of treatment. A structural equation model indicated that ACT training accounted for differential coping outcomes. There was also evidence that training improved clients' self-ratings of psychological acceptance. At 5 months following the initial session, clients of ACT-trained therapists were more likely than clients of untrained therapists to have concluded therapy, and were more likely to agree with their clinician regarding the ongoing status of therapy. Implications for research on clinical effectiveness and technology transfer of behavior therapy are discussed.

The role of the veterinarian in hurricanes and other natural disasters.

Hurricanes create a multiplicity of complicated problems and hazards ranging from outbreaks of infectious disease to animal control problems precipitated by destruction of property. A multidisciplinary response is required to solve such problems. The pool of knowledge derived from various professionals interacting with multiple levels of government agencies (federal, state, and local) will provide the expertise needed. Because the veterinarian is trained to deal with disease involving populations of animals (e.g., herds or flocks) as well as individuals, and because of his/her intensive clinical training, the veterinarian is uniquely qualified to deal with the disaster situation. The veterinarian possesses extensive knowledge in disease and disease processes and has the capability of disease and injury management in affected populations, which qualifies him/her for an essential role, with unlimited potential as a member of any disaster relief team. There is considerable potential for veterinarians to play a role in responding to natural disasters. The areas of disease control, animal care, animal control, protection of the food supply, disinfection/sterilization, and planning are all areas where veterinarians can take an active part. Inclusion of the veterinarian in the process of planning for and responding to natural disasters will yield significant public health benefits.

Do intern applicants really need a survival guide?

The internship year provides the most intensive clinical training that most students receive during their graduate education, and choosing and securing the best possible internship is an issue of great concern to clinical psychology graduate students, as attested to by the title of the recently published article, Survival Guide for Intern Applicants (Belar & Orgel, 1980). Most interns vividly remember the hours spent pouring over information packets, filling out application forms, and the feelings of anxiety while awaiting notification day. Students seem to have two major concerns about the application process. The first concern involves selecting programs that are of high quality and meet the students' needs. The second concern is about selecting progratns where the potential of acceptance is high. The student must balance these two factors in deciding where to apply. The decision-making process can be a difficult one for students because the information they receive about programs is often incomplete or misleading, and applicants usually have no reliable way of evaluating their chances for acceptance at a particular site. The present discussion will focus on problems with the current situation and offer some suggestions for improvement.

Training psychologists to consult with pediatricians: Problems and prospects

Abstract Experiences with training clinical psychologists to consult with pediatricians are reviewed. Disparate training backgrounds and problematic models of collaboration are seen as barriers to learning effective consultation. To meet these potential obstacles, training approaches should stress observation of staff interaction, participation in viable consultation structures and intensive clinical training. With optimal supervision, psychologists at a variety of levels can be trained to consult successfully to pediatricians.

The mental health rehabilitation worker: A new member of the psychiatric team

Changing treatment patterns have brought everincreasing numbers of the chronically mentally ill to a large municipal psychiatric department lacking personnel to meet their needs adequately. A new "inbetween" specialist in mental health rehabilitation has been created to provide certain useful services. Eight trainees are selected annually from among mature mothers seeking meaningful occupations after their children have become independent. Intensive theoretical and clinical training for one year leads to a certificate as a mental health rehabilitation worker. As a team member under professional supervision, this "in-between" specialist works with socially disabled patients individually, in families, and in groups, in order to improve their functioning in daily living, social relationships, and work.