An integration of psychosocial concepts into the education of general practitioners

Psychosocial concepts related to human growth and development, doctor-patient interactions, and the professional use of self were integrated into a course for general practice residents which was taught by an interdisciplinary team. The content of the course was divided into two sections: theoretical and applied. In the first part of the course, residents were exposed in a relatively structured way to a health-oriented epigenetic perspective of the human condition. This framework was discussed with a view toward increasing assessment and intervention skills. In the latter half of the course, residents' owen case material was used to stimulate discussion of affective blocks to the use of self in the doctor-patient relationship. It was the purpose of this course to foster a total person approach to patient presentations.