Self-ratings of graduating family practice residents' psychological medicine abilities.

This study evaluated the psychological medicine abilities of graduating residents in the Department of Family Practice and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Health Sciences Center (n = 41). Residents were asked to complete the Psychological Medicine Inventory, a series of nine-point rating scales, which measure level of interest in the psychological aspects of patient care, degree of confidence in dealing with the psychological problems of patients, and various psychological abilities. Behavioral science faculty members familiar with the residents also rated 20 of the residents' overall level of interest and ability in psychological medicine. Residents rated themselves highest on doctor-patient relationships and on recognizing patients in distress, and lowest on psychological interviewing and the ability to be psychologically therapeutic. Item intercorrelations and factor analysis suggested that two main dimensions were being evaluated: clinical psychological abilities (including interviewing, diagnosis, consultation, treatment decisions, and treatment) and psychological sensitivity (including doctor-patient relationships, awareness of patient's reactions, and awareness of own feelings.) Residents' self-ratings correlated positively with faculty ratings.