Physicians often redirect patients' initial descriptions of their concerns. Once redirected, the descriptions are rarely completed. Consequences of incomplete initial descriptions include late-arising concerns and missed opportunities to gather potentially important patient data. Soliciting the patient's agenda takes little time and can improve interview efficiency and yield increased data.

This study assessed the effects of acupressure wrist bands on the nausea and vomiting of terminally ill patients. Using a single subject experimental design, six hospice patients were exposed to three conditions: An acupressure wrist band; A placebo wrist band; A no wrist band condition. Patients and their caregivers rated nausea and vomiting during the treatment. Despite some difficulty obtaining complete data, the results of this preliminary test indicate that acupressure wrist bands were not effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in this small sample of hospice patients.

Introductory psychology textbooks present limited and often confusing coverage of research methods. One common flaw is the failure to distinguish between data collection procedures (e.g., self-report and observational strategies) and research design (e.g., experimental and correlational procedures). Although many texts list various research tactics, a multidimensional format better covers the array of combinations. To provide a comprehensive and understandable coverage of research strategies for psychology students, we present two cubes that delineate separate dimensions for data collection procedures, research designs, and research settings. One cube (a 4 × 2 × 2 model) covers most traditional group designs, and a second cube (a 2 × 2 × 2 model) covers most individual subject designs. Illustrative examples are provided for studies in each cell of these cubes. Suggestions are included for using these models in instruction.

Background and Objectives: Chief resident leadership competencies are neither clear nor standardized. The goal of this project was to identify specific leadership skills for chief residents and to develop a self-assessment tool. Methods: Chief residents from 10 family medicine residencies participated in focus groups to identify leadership skills required to be an effective chief resident. The ideas generated by participants were grouped into 10 competencies and a self-assessment tool was developed. The tool has been used to help chief residents self-assess their leadership strengths and weaknesses, and to identify teaching priorities for biannual leadership workshops. Results: The self-assessment instrument was completed by 83 chief residents over 5 years. Mean ratings range from 3.19 to 3.57 on a 5-point scale (low to high competency). The self-ratings of residents starting their chief year compared to residents at the end of their chief year showed an increase in 9 of the 10 competencies. Conclusions: The leadership competencies are a useful tool to identify training priorities and to help chief residents or other leaders within a residency program identify skills for further development.

Background and Objectives: Facilitation is common in the era of practice transformation. Much of the literature on practice facilitators focuses on the role of external facilitators who come into a practice to aid in practice transformation efforts. Our study sought to better understand the attributes of exemplary facilitators. Methods: We conducted 10 structured interviews in four family medicine residencies. Results: Program directors easily identified internal staff who serve informally as exemplary facilitators. Despite varying jobs, they possess seven identifiable attributes within three broad domains: task orientation, relational skills, and emotional intelligence. Conclusions: Given the increasing cost of practice transformation and the finite resources in many clinics, this study can help leaders identify current employees best suited for facilitation.