The paucity of course work in medical care evaluation

In view of the current emphasis on measurement of the quality of health care services, reflected in regulatory provisions and accreditation requirements, an inquiry was made as to the extent to which medical schools are presently offering formal training in the techniques of medical care evaluation. Of 118 medical schools surveyed, 24 responded with the information that they are actually providing such training. The training reported ranged from a one-hour lecture to five elective courses. The implications of the findings are discussed with reference to the need of physicians to become familiar with the principles and methods of scientific evaluation of medical care. Some of the areas that might be covered in courses on evaluation are discussed, and examples of two current programs are given.