Vasopressin analogue (DDAVP) facilitates recall of narrative prose.

The effects of treatment with 1-desamino-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) on memory in healthy adult human subjects were investigated. Each subject (males only) received 60 micrograms of DDAVP intranasally and then heard six narrative passages of prose presented at differing rates of presentation. Proportion of recall was measured at high, medium, and low levels of importance of idea units within the passage. The results indicated that treatment with DDAVP facilitated recall for both high and medium importance idea units. There was no interaction between treatment and either rate of presentation or level of verbal ability. These findings provide further evidence for the modest facilitation provided by acute administration of DDAVP on human memory.

Computerizing clinical patient problems: an evolving tool for medical education.

A natural language, free enquiry patient simulation of high fidelity has been developed using low cost microcomputer technology. The simulation is flexible, portable, responsive to individual student needs, and does not require computer literacy. The design is based on the principles of problem-based self-directed learning. The simulation is useful in individual and group learning and evaluation of data management and clinical reasoning skills.