Behavioral science and family practice: a status report.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Behavioral Science
• Family Medicine

Background:

• Behavioral science instruction is crucial for family practice residents.
• Understanding current teaching practices is essential for curriculum development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current state of behavioral science education in family practice residency programs.
• To identify characteristics of instructors, perceived topic importance, and preferred teaching methods.

Main Methods:

• Survey of family practice residency programs regarding behavioral science instruction.
• Analysis of instructor demographics, responsibilities, and training methods.
• Assessment of faculty/staff perceptions on topic importance and instructional approaches.

Main Results:

• A wide range of disciplines and academic backgrounds contribute to behavioral science instruction.
• Communication and counseling skills are identified as high-priority topics.
• Instructional methods are varied but generally not innovative.

Conclusions:

• Family practice residency programs utilize diverse personnel for behavioral science teaching.
• Curricula emphasize core interpersonal skills, reflecting established priorities.
• There is an opportunity to explore more innovative pedagogical approaches in behavioral science education.