House officer knowledgeability of organic brain syndromes: a pilot study.

A questionnaire consisting of ten items regarding the incidence, recognition, types, and workup of organic brain syndromes was administered to medical and surgical housestaff. The data revealed an average performance of 49% correct responses and 33% for the medical and surgical house staff, respectively (P less than .001). Comparison of scores in relation to various personal and educational factors, except for departmental affiliation, revealed no statistically significant differences. The results suggested that the level of knowledge among house staff of organic brain syndromes is low. The implication is that this is a neglected area in medical school education and hospital training.