Computer-assisted general medicine clerkship evaluation.

This report describes the development and analysis of a computer-assisted evaluation system designed to standardize and simplify student evaluations on a general medicine clerkship. Three standard clinical evaluation components were employed: written examination; oral examination; and clinical performance evaluation. Computer spread sheet technology was used to weight each component separately and calculate a final numerical grade for the clerkship. The system provides a consistent, well-documented and well-defined method for justifying individual grades of honours, pass or fail. It has been very helpful in identifying evaluation problems occurring in particular hospital sites or with particular evaluators.

Cuban refugee health care: response of the American health care system to the unexpected arrival of 125,000 immigrants.

During the spring of 1980, over 120,000 Cuban refugees emigrated to the United States. Their rapid, unexpected arrival overwhelmed existing health care facilities in south Florida. Government-operated screening centers capable of handling large patient loads were established. Health screening involved a brief history and physical examination and a search for active tuberculosis and venereal disease. Thousands of refugees were processed rapidly and released to waiting relatives and sponsors. Many others, who for social or psychological reasons could not be released. were transferred to holding centers in various parts of the country. US Public Health Service physicians were faced with difficulties whose basic cause could be traced to the boredom of camp life and stresses due to uncertainty regarding the future. Acting out and compliance problems with medical aftermaths were common. About 3,000 refugees remain in custody today.